Index Seminum helps research and the protection of plant diversity
This year, the Institute of Botany published its 60th “list of seeds” or Index Seminum. It is a catalogue of wild or cultivated plants used for the non-commercial exchange of seeds between botanical gardens, arboreta, and similar institutions. The exchange is based on reciprocity – the receiving institution in turn provides seeds from its own catalogue. This way, the Index Seminum promotes global cooperation between institutions focusing on botanical research and thus helps research and the protection of plant biodiversity.
When exchanging seeds, it is necessary to observe rules for dealing with plant material and genetic sources. Many botanical gardens are members of the International Plant Exchange network (IPEN), a network for the non-commercial exchange of plant material between botanical gardens. IPEN is founded on the principles listed in the Charter on Biological Diversity (CBD) and provides a framework for cooperation, documentation, transparency, and communication between providers and users of genetic sources. It ensures that the origin of plants for exchange is clearly documented. IPEN members adhere to the same policies known as the “IPEN Code of Conduct” which guarantee that the exchange of plant material is ethical and in line with international regulations.