Cryopreservation for plant genebanks - a matter between high expectations and cautious reservation

Cryopreservation is the best method of storing germplasm efficiently and safely, particularly for the maintenance of vegetatively propagated material. In IPK cryopreservation is used for potato, garlic, mint and yam. IPK collaborates with other cryobanks and research groups (ECPGR, COST, EURALLIVEG) and finds considerable differences in the adoption of cryopreservation between crops and their host institutes, depending on crop, local and historical circumstances. A better understanding of the long-term benefits of cryopreservation and its further integration into general genebank management is therefore needed. Recommended approaches include: comparative validation of methods between different laboratories, detailed comparisons of crop-based methods, economical analyses, efficient integration strategies of cryobanks by genebanks; including safe duplication of cryopreserved resources for the limitation of risk of loss Importantly, there has been recent progress in the development of quality management systems. Cryopreservation is, however, characterized by high expectations. Therefore, to ensure its sustainable and practicable use, basic knowledge of storage protocols must be combined with increased awareness of the rationales required to validate, implement and apply cryobanking technologies in working genebanks.