The staff of the Genetic Resources Center assigned to the conservation of rice germplasm are pleased to present this revised Manual of Operations and Procedures of the International Rice Genebank. Its preparation has been an excellent example of mutual support that the staff provide.
When I joined IRRI in July 1991, it took me several months not only to learn the basics about rice, the genetic resources of this important crop, and their conservation, but also how the genebank operated. Since then, the various operations and procedures of the genebank have rationalized and upgraded. Many aspects of these operations have changed significantly. The genebank was fortunate to be included in the refurbishment program of the Institute’s facilities. Our ageing storage room cooling equipment was replaced, a seed drying room installed, and laboratories remodelled. New screenhouse facilities at IRRI’s Upland Farm were added for the cultivation of the wild rices. Our data management capability was enhanced through connection of powerful personal computers to the Institute’s Local Area Network. In 1995, we also received a new name - the International Rice Genebank.
This Manual describes how and why we carry out the various operations and procedures of rice genetic conservation at IRRI. Since its original compilation in 1995, several modifications have been introduced in our work activities. These are incorporated in this revised edition of the Manual. It shows how we are meeting our obligations under the Agreement signed with FAO in October 1994 to place the collection at IRRI in an International Network of Ex Situ Collections under the auspices of FAO, as well as the Convention on Biological Diversity. We hope readers of this Manual will find it informative and useful in their own conservation programs.
I am grateful to the staff of the Genetic Resources Center for their hard work in drafting and producing this Manual. Our mention of tradenames is not an endorsement of any product, but only information on those we currently use in our activities.