Networking meeting of Austrian gene banks in Gumpenstein 2025

With a total of 13 national institutions dedicated to the conservation of wild plants, as well as old and new cultivated varieties and cultivars , the need for coordination and organization is particularly high. AGES , with its working group on plant genetic resources, acts as the umbrella organization and once again provided invaluable support this year.

While last year everything was focused on fruit and the preservation of our genetically unique fruit varieties, this year gene banks dedicated themselves particularly to the question of the quality of cultivation, analysis and storage – a particularly important topic, as samples must be stored safely for centuries.

Many regulations and guidelines must be considered and integrated into a comprehensive gene bank management system . Just recently, the AGES gene bank welcomed colleagues from Sweden and Hungary who, in the form of an audit, examined and evaluated the gene bank's processes and documentation – with very positive results for us.

Sylvia Vogl and Maria Zimmerbauer provided valuable insights HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, who also presented examples of practical application at the site, all of which were reviewed together during a tour. Here, too, all members of the gene bank network gained valuable new insights. through their presentations and examples of the practical application of quality measures in gene banks , which will be of great help to many colleagues throughout Austria. Our special thanks also go to our host, Dr. Wilhelm Graiss, Head of the Gene Bank Department at

CRISPR/Cas and the EU

We were pleased to welcome two representatives from the Ministry, Phillip Judex and Maximilian Pock. Genetic engineering and artificially modified varieties of various kinds will be a key focus for gene banks in the future, as changes to EU legislation are expected, which will also affect the receipt and release of materials. In a very informative presentation on the ongoing discussions among EU member states, attendees gained insight into the complex interplay of law, sustainability, utilization, and concerns regarding plant variety protection and patents.

Gene banks from Tyrol and Wies introduce themselves

This year we were particularly pleased to meet with colleagues from the Wies Gene Bank for Special Crops in Styria and the Tyrol Gene Bank for Old Varieties and Landraces in Tyrol, who presented their institutions and areas of focus. Together, we discussed challenges and opportunities, as well as the current situation in the field. It became clear to all participants that the problems faced by gene banks in Austria are often of a more universal nature.

Mutual reviews of the gene banks and assistance from the AGES working group for plant genetic resources were arranged, and of course the date of our next meeting was set.

We are delighted with the successful meeting and look forward to next year!