Community seed banks first appeared towards the end of the 1980s, established with the support of international and national non-governmental organizations. This book is the first to provide a global review of their development and includes a wide range of case studies. Countries that pioneered various types of community seed banks include Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nicaragua, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. In the North, a particular type of community seed bank emerged known as a seed-savers network. Such networks were first established in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA before spreading to other countries. Over time, the number and diversity of seed banks has grown. In Nepal, for example, there are now more than 100 self-described community seed banks whose functions range from pure conservation to commercial seed production. In Brazil, community seed banks operate in various regions of the country. Surprisingly, despite 25 years of history and the rapid growth in number, organizational diversity and geographical coverage of community seed banks, recognition of their roles and contributions has remained scanty. The book reviews their history, evolution, experiences, successes and failures (and reasons why), challenges and prospects. It fills a significant gap in the literature on agricultural biodiversity and conservation, and their contribution to food sovereignty and security.

Well-managed genebanks both safeguard genetic diversity and make it available to breeders. The Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture lay down the procedures for conserving plant genetic resources.These voluntary Standards set the benchmark for current scientific and technical best practices, and support the key international policy instruments for the conservation and use of plant genetic resources.

Rice seed health and quarantine; The rice plant and its environment; Equipment; Samples and sampling; dry seed inspection; Fungi; Bacteria; Nematodes; Viruses and mycoplasmalike organisms; Field inspection; Seed treatment; Weed seed; Insect pests; Fungal pathogens; Bacterial pathogens; Nematode pest; Organisms causing grain discoloration and damage.

Introduction; Context of genebank management; Setting objectives for genebanks; Considerations for improved conservation and utilization concepts and strategies; Genebank management procedures; Rationalization of genebank management; Economic costs of genebank operatios; Sharing responsibilities.