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Cryoconservation of South African plant genetic diversity

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Abstract

South Africa has a rich flora which exhibits among the highest species density in the world, distributed across nine biomes that support an impressive diversity of animal life. However, a variety of human actions, invasion by alien species, natural disturbances and climate change collectively impact negatively on the great diversity of both plant and animal species. In situ conservation has long been practised, primarily in nature reserves, complemented by ex situ conservation in national botanic gardens, but in vitro plant conservation is not common. In the context of animal biodiversity conservation, the Wildlife Biological Resource Centre of the National Zoological Gardens utilises cryobanking as one of its major focuses and is now poised to expand as the repository for the cryoconservation of plant germplasm, particularly for indigenous recalcitrant-seeded and poor-seeding species. However, there are particular problems associated with successful germplasm cryostorage of such tropical and subtropical plants. As we see the science and application of cryobiology and cryoconservation as cross-cutting and transdisciplinary, we have entrained formal networking among scientists offering a range of specialisations aimed at a deeper understanding of common problems and practical outcomes to facilitate both plant and animal biobanking. The endeavours are aimed at elucidating the basis of both successes and failures in our efforts to attain optimal outcomes. With focus on best practices, standard operating procedures, validation and risk management for cryopreserved and cold-stored plant and animal material, our ultimate aim is to facilitate restoration by the safe reintroduction of indigenous species.

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Notes

  1. http://www.agr.kuleuven.ac.be/dtp/tro/CRYMCEPT/.

  2. http://www.agr.kuleuven.ac.be/dtp/tro/cost871/Home.htm.

  3. In this context, non-orthodox seeds include all that do not naturally undergo substantial dehydration as a developmental event and are essentially more (recalcitrant) or less (so-called intermediate) desiccation-sensitive. All are short-lived.

  4. The following cryoprotectants were used singly and in combination: glycerol, sucrose, dextran, PVP, DMSO. Results reported here are the best that were obtained for each species.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support for the studies of the authors described in this paper was provided by the National Research Foundation of South Africa and research grants from UKZN and WITS. The MSB/DI support significantly expedited progress and provided the initial impetus for the networking that is presently being taken further. Dr. Erica Benson and Dr. Keith Harding gratefully acknowledge their respective institutional affiliations as Honorary Research Fellows at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and Research Associates at Wildlife Biological Resources Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag, X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa

    Patricia Berjak, Erica E. Benson, Keith Harding, Norman W. Pammenter &  Sershen

  2. wBRC/BioBankSA, National Zoological Gardens-National Research Foundation, Pretoria, South Africa

    Paul Bartels, Erica E. Benson & Keith Harding

  3. School of Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Erica E. Benson, Keith Harding & David J. Mycock

  4. Damar Research Scientists, Drum Rd, Cuparmuir, Fife, Scotland, UK

    Erica E. Benson & Keith Harding

  5. Electron Microscope Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

    James Wesley-Smith

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  1. Patricia Berjak
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Correspondence to Patricia Berjak.

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Berjak, P., Bartels, P., Benson, E.E. et al. Cryoconservation of South African plant genetic diversity. In Vitro Cell.Dev.Biol.-Plant 47, 65–81 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11627-010-9317-4

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