The International Workshop on Collecting, Handling and Long-Term Conservation of Seeds of Crop Wild Relatives in Malaysia has begun today. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Global Crop Diversity Trust are co-hosting the workshop from the 22nd – 26th February 2016.

The course has brought together 21 plant conservation practitioners and botanists from Malaysia, Pakistan, Vietnam and Nepal to the MARDI Headquarters in Malaysia to participate in an international workshop on collecting, handling and long-term conservation of seeds of crop wild relatives. Combining participant’s knowledge of their native floras with the seed conservation skills gained over 40 years by RBG Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, is the essence of the training. The main aspects of the course include seed banking as a conservation tool and combine theory sessions with practical field and laboratory sessions, to enable participants to improve their understanding and practical skills.