Plant Genetic Resources

Extensive information on CGN accessions is available to support material selection. This information falls into three categories: passport data, phenotypic data, and genetic data. These data are used within our ordering system to enable the targeted selection of accessions but are also provided as downloadable data files.

Passport data comprise a standardized set of internationally agreed basic descriptors stored for every genebank accession, covering origin, identity, and administrative details. These data are available for all CGN accessions.

Phenotypic data describe measurable or observable plant traits resulting from interactions between genetics and the environment. Such data are available for most accessions.

Genetic data describe plant DNA, either through defined markers (genotypic data) or full DNA sequences (genomic data). Genetic and genomic data are available for a subset of the collection. Where available, downloadable summaries indicate how and where these data can be accessed.

• Download passport and phenotypic data

It is also possible to download passport data of accessions that were considered, but did not make it into the CGN collection, or those that were removed from it. These also involve species that are not part of the current CGN collection.

• Download

In addition to the regular genebank collections that CGN maintains for current and future generations, CGN also provides seed samples from special collections developed for specific purposes and targeted user groups. For tomato, Lactuca spp. and leek, accessions are available that fall outside the regular collection. More information on these special collections is available per crop on a separate page. 

• Go to the special collections.

The heritage varieties collection ensures the availability of Dutch bio-cultural heritage and is accessible to private individuals. The stories behind these heritage varieties are presented on the heritage varieties website (only in Dutch), and seeds of old Dutch varieties can be ordered through the webshop. 

• Go to the heritage varieties website.

CGN supplies seeds of agricultural and horticultural crops for use in breeding, research and education. All information exchanged in the context of a request is treated confidentially. Due to required administrative and phytosanitary procedures, delivery may take several weeks. Seeds are in principle supplied only to professional users in the public and private sectors; requests from private individuals are granted only in exceptional cases. Large requests must be clearly justified.

To receive genetic material, a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) must be signed by an authorised representative of the applicant’s organisation. CGN aims to provide genetic resources under the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). This is a fixed contract between provider and user for genetic resources listed in Annex I of the Treaty and intended for research, breeding or training for food and agriculture.

CGN also provides a number of Non-Annex I crops under the SMTA. When the SMTA cannot be applied, for example due to additional conditions set by the country of origin or when the material is intended for purposes other than research, breeding or training, CGN provides the material under an MTA with additional conditions. The MTA forms part of the online application procedure and is usually signed digitally. After receipt of a fully signed MTA, CGN dispatches the material as soon as possible.

Users are requested to share results and publications arising from the use of CGN material, optionally with an agreed embargo period. When material is transferred to third parties or further used, the conditions of the MTA apply, including the principle of facilitated access under the SMTA. The SMTA does not restrict the protection of intellectual property rights on products resulting from breeding. In most cases, no fees are charged for seed requests.

For seed transactions, the phytosanitary requirements of the receiving country must be met. Within the EU, only a plant passport is required for certain crops; this passport is included by CGN with the shipment. More information on the plant passport can be found on the website of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

For most non-EU countries, an import permit is required, which must be obtained from the national plant protection organization of the receiving country. Based on this permit, CGN applies for a phytosanitary certificate from NPPO-NL; sending a copy of the import permit in advance helps to speed up this process. Seeds are dispatched once all required documents are available, which may take several weeks.

The Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) manages national collections of plant genetic resources under a mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. Access to these collections and the sharing of benefits arising from their use are governed by international agreements, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

CGN collections form part of the public domain but are made available to users under clearly defined access conditions. Depending on their legal status, genetic resources are provided under different access and benefit-sharing arrangements. Genetic resources of crops listed in Annex I of the ITPGRFA are part of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing and are made available under the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA).

Genetic resources not listed in Annex I and acquired by CGN after the entry into force of the CBD on 1 January 1994 fall under the national sovereignty of the country of origin. Access to this material is subject to the conditions set by the country of origin and may involve an adapted SMTA that incorporates additional requirements, provided these are consistent with international agreements.

Genetic resources not listed in Annex I and acquired before 1 January 1994 are not covered by a specific international ABS framework. In principle, CGN provides access to this material under conditions equivalent to those of the SMTA, aligned as closely as possible with the rules of the ITPGRFA Multilateral System.

For general guidance on ABS legislation, including the Nagoya Protocol and EU ABS Regulation, users are referred to the ABS Focal Point Netherlands.

Due to the large size of many genebank collections and the often limited level of detail in the available information, it is not always easy for users to select suitable material. Core collections were developed to address this by compiling a limited set of accessions that together represent as much genetic diversity as possible. The concept was introduced in 1984 by Otto Frankel and aims to deal more effectively with collections that have developed historically and therefore sometimes have an unbalanced composition. Working with a well-defined selection improves accessibility and allows more focused knowledge to be built up on a smaller number of carefully chosen accessions.

Core selections and their application at CGN
In addition to fixed core collections, CGN also works with core selections, which are created in response to a specific user request. In this case, the user defines the domain and the desired size of the selection. The material is structured into groups based on available information, such as origin, taxonomy or genetic characteristics, after which a balanced selection is made per group. CGN has been actively involved in the development and application of these methods since the early 1990s and uses core collections and core selections to improve the use of material from the collection and better align it with the needs of research and plant breeding. These core selections can be directly used for various crops when ordering seeds through the ordering service.

Regeneration is the renewal of a seed sample by growing a representative subset of seeds and harvesting new seeds that retain the genetic characteristics of the original population. It is carried out when seed quantities are insufficient or when germination rates fall below acceptable levels—generally 80% for cultivated material and 60% for wild material. Genetic integrity is safeguarded by minimising selection, preventing contamination, using sufficiently large population sizes, and keeping regeneration frequency as low as possible. Regeneration strategies take the crop’s breeding system into account, with cross-pollinating species requiring stricter isolation and larger population sizes than self-pollinating species. Crop-specific regeneration strategies are described on the crop collection pages.

Seed quality, health and pollination

Producing healthy, viable seeds is a key objective of regeneration, with glasshouse regenerations generally yielding higher seed quality than field regenerations. All material is closely monitored for seed-borne diseases and pests, and crops are inspected during regeneration to meet high phytosanitary standards. For cross-pollinating species, controlled pollination methods are used, including honey bees, blowflies, and occasionally bumblebees, often within isolation cages to prevent unwanted cross-pollination.

After harvest, seed samples are carefully processed to make them suitable for long-term storage. This starts with cleaning the seeds, during which impurities such as dust, plant debris, empty or damaged seeds are removed. Depending on the crop, this is done mechanically or manually, with specific procedures applied to fruit crops such as tomato, pepper, cucumber and eggplant. After cleaning, the seeds are dried under controlled conditions until a low and stable moisture content is reached. The seeds are then packaged in airtight, laminated aluminium foil bags that protect them against moisture and mechanical damage. For each accession, several types of samples are prepared, such as user samples, germination test samples, regeneration samples and safety duplicates, each serving a specific purpose within collection management.

Seed quantity, quality and viability

Upon entry into the storage facilities, it is first assessed whether a seed sample meets the minimum requirements for quantity and quality, which differ between crops. The purity of each sample is checked visually and corrected if necessary. Seed viability is determined through germination tests carried out in accordance with international ISTA guidelines, usually based on subsamples. For inclusion in the collection, a minimum germination percentage of 80% is generally required for varieties and landraces, and 60% for wild species. During storage, accessions are periodically retested, with the testing interval depending on the expected storage life of the crop. If seed viability or quantity falls below acceptable levels, regeneration is carried out.

Seed storage and monitoring

The packaged seed samples are stored in specially designed facilities for long-term conservation at a constant temperature of −20°C. The total seed quantity of an accession is divided over different sample types, including user samples as well as regeneration, germination and reserve samples. All bags are placed in numbered boxes, grouped by crop and stored at fixed locations on racks; these locations are accurately recorded in the information system to ensure full traceability. Seed processing and storage take place in a separate, insulated building with dedicated compartments for freezing, cooling, drying and working, each with strictly controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The freezing and cooling systems are equipped with multiple compressor units that can take over from each other in case of failure, ensuring continuous maintenance of storage conditions. The drying room is fitted with an absorption dryer to maintain a low and stable relative humidity. In addition, safety measures such as man-down alarms for staff and automatic fire suppression systems are in place to protect both personnel and the collection. Through this combination of controlled storage, technical back-up systems and systematic monitoring, seed quality and viability are maintained over the long term.

Genebank collections can be at risk due to unforeseen circumstances such as technical failures, natural disasters or political instability. To prevent the loss of valuable genetic material, it is essential to store seeds at multiple, independent locations. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault plays an important role in this as an international safety backup for genebanks. For CGN, this backup forms part of a layered strategy: safety duplicates have been created for nearly all accessions and are stored under a strict “black box” principle at partner genebanks, meaning the holding institutions have no access to or use of the material. In addition, approximately 90% of CGN accessions are safeguarded in Svalbard as a third-level safety backup. CGN also stores safety duplicates from other collection holders, currently around 7,300 accessions from more than 20 collections in 13 countries. This combination of storage at different locations helps ensure that genetic diversity is preserved and remains available for future research and breeding.

Crop Wild Relatives (CWR)

Cultivated crops continuously require new traits to adapt to a changing climate, emerging pests and diseases, and evolving consumer demands. Wild plant species that are related to our crops—referred to as Crop Wild Relatives (CWR)—represent an essential source of these traits. Conserving CWR is therefore crucial for future plant breeding and food security. However, many wild species are under pressure due to factors such as urbanisation, environmental pollution and climate change. To enable targeted conservation measures, it is essential to know which CWR occur in the Netherlands. CGN has therefore compiled an inventory of all Dutch CWR, which is available via the website CWRnl.nl.

Niche modelling

To gain insight into the current and future distribution of crop wild relatives, CGN applies niche modelling. This approach links the geographical occurrence records of species—derived from genebank and herbarium material—to environmental data such as climate and soil variables. Using statistical and machine-learning models, including Maxent and Random Forest, the probability of species occurrence in yet unexplored areas is estimated, as well as potential changes in distribution under different climate change scenarios. These models support activities such as planning collecting missions, identifying gaps in collections, and underpinning policy decisions for in situ and ex situ conservation. CGN research shows that climate change is likely to cause shifts and reductions in the distribution ranges of many CWR, and that occurrence within nature reserves does not automatically guarantee long-term persistence. The results of niche modelling are therefore actively used to set conservation priorities for crop wild relatives in the Netherlands.

The National Focal Point (NFP) on Access and Benefit-Sharing of the Netherlands is the central information point for questions related to Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), i.e. the rules governing access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. The NFP focuses in particular on the Nagoya Protocol and the European ABS Regulation, which were established to give countries and communities authority over the use of their genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. These regulations apply to a wide range of users, including researchers, plant breeders, companies and organisations working with plants, animals or micro-organisms.

The National Focal Point provides practical guidance on obtaining access to genetic resources, both within the Netherlands and internationally. This includes information on when prior informed consent is required, which agreements need to be made on benefit-sharing (such as sharing knowledge, technology or financial benefits), and which compliance obligations apply to users. In addition, the NFP offers background information on international agreements, their implementation in European and Dutch legislation, and the role of competent authorities. In this way, the National Focal Point helps users to work with genetic resources in a careful, transparent and legally compliant manner.

More information on ABS regulations