Save Our Seeds: Schools' seed longevity project
Welcome to Save Our Seeds, a National Research Project, where school students across the UK are helping the Millennium Seed Bank Project answer questions about seed longevity. We would like to know the answers to questions such as:
- Which UK species produce seeds that lose viability quickly?
- Do groups of related species have short-lived seeds?
- Does the habitat where a species is found determine whether or not a species produces short-lived seeds?
- Are small seeds more likely to lose viability quickly?
- … And many more!
We answer these questions by carrying out ageing experiments on samples of seeds. For each species, 12 samples of 50 seeds are aged at 60% RH in a ‘humidity chamber’ at 45°C. Samples are removed after 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 days. Each sample is divided between two agar plates. These plates are regularly checked so that we know how many seeds germinate after each period of ageing.
- Identifying long-lived and short-lived seeds
- Comparative longevity technical information sheet (pdf)
In 2007-8, 40 schools from Sunderland to Somerset were involved in this research project. Each school received a kit containing the consumables needed for the experiment (funded by the Ernest Cook Trust and the Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation) and seeds from 10 UK species (including 2 control species; provided by Herbiseed). Together the students involved in this project have generated new information including:
- Seeds of Bellis perennis, Cerastium sp., Agrostis sp., and Geranium sp. are relatively long-lived
- Senecio vulgaris, Papaver rhoeas, and Lamium amplexicaule are examples of species whose seeds lose viability quickly during storage.
The MSBP will be able to revise their re-test intervals for seeds stored in the seed bank vaults based on the research that has been carried out in schools. All of the schools involved received individual feed back on their results. Furthermore, some students involved in the project were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the MSBP or a school visit from one of the MSBP scientists.
In 2008-9, schools that are now familiar with the experimental protocol, are being sent samples of seeds from the MSBP UK collections. With the data the students generate, researchers at the Millennium Seed Bank hope to be able to refine their model of comparative seed longevity so that there is greater understanding of why some seeds remain alive for longer than others.
We are also hoping to receive funding to extend the project to 50 new schools across the country. If your school is interested in getting involved in this project please contact f.hay@kew.org.