'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway.

Taylor · 02-26-2008, 06:59 PM

I think this is just the coolest thing ever (literally and not!). This can withstand floods, nuclear war, earthquakes, and more. It is the impenetrable force that is going to protect and house OVER 45 MILLION of the worlds best and most productive crop's seeds, yes, from all over the world! It is hidden deep inside a mountain that never thaws and they said that some of the seed stock in these conditions could last for over 20,000 YEARS!

Yep, Norway is definitely planning to be self-sufficient and save the world. Kudos to them!

turtile · 02-26-2008, 07:05 PM

They're going to need more than that in order to start up a reliable productive crop. If all of them are identical, they will most likely all fall to disease.

Taylor · 02-26-2008, 07:08 PM

I am sure they have worked it all out, I just don't know many specifics.

MediaHound · 02-26-2008, 07:09 PM

Thats amazing!

cactus6103 · 02-26-2008, 07:50 PM

I just saw this on the news tonight. It's a pretty neat concept. They say some seeds can last 20,000 years in there. Interesting. Red

Whatever · 02-26-2008, 09:14 PM

I thought I read something about a doomsday seed bank before but was different from this one. Either way its pretty cool.

momoese · 02-26-2008, 11:21 PM

I hope they are saving Heirloom seeds for the future when the GM crops contaminate and destroy all the organic heirlooms.

island cassie · 02-26-2008, 11:27 PM

Yes - we need someone to save uncontaminated seeds ready for when GM has destroyed all the old varieties with all their diversity - so much has gone already.

mrbungalow · 02-27-2008, 01:57 AM

Doomsday is a bit dramatic....

I think Island Cassie is on the right track, when there are no more individuals of a strain or species left, they can go to this seed-bank and take a few seeds out. There are many seed and gene banks throughout the world, such as Inibap and GRIN.

I wonder if they have musa seeds in there?

Richard · 02-27-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese

I hope they are saving Heirloom seeds for the future when the GM crops contaminate and destroy all the organic heirlooms.

I understand and agree with the disgust over Monsato's line of sterile crops. That's greedy and very irresponsible. But to label genetic modification (GM) bad as a whole I think is going way too far.

What is the difference between a "natural" hybridization breeding program that produces 400 million trials and eventually someone finds the white marigold -- or doing it a few times in the lab with GM and avoiding the unwanted millions of mis-crosses?

The term "organic heirloom" ... does it have a fixed meaning? "Heirloom" is a somewhat stable term: self-fertile hybrid that reproduces true to form and is no longer eligible for patent. But organic is a very ambiguous term, so I'm lost on the combination.

turtile · 02-27-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by island cassie

Yes - we need someone to save uncontaminated seeds ready for when GM has destroyed all the old varieties with all their diversity - so much has gone already.

According to the article, the most productive seeds are stored. That means that none of them are natural seeds. They've been selected through years to find the best of the best.

Many of the plants look much different than they did before they went into cultivation. Why would we grow any plant if we could pick the best and produce 10x the amount of food within the same space?

Richard · 02-27-2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by island cassie

Yes - we need someone to save uncontaminated seeds ready for when GM has destroyed all the old varieties with all their diversity - so much has gone already.

The concept of "GM destroying old varieties" ... is it based on
1. Monsanto's sterile crop program? -- in that case I agree there is a problem
2. Mass destruction of natives for crops -- an ancient, irresponsible practice
3. Mass plantings of a single cultivar? -- an old practice, can be responsible
4. Something else?

island cassie · 02-27-2008, 09:47 PM

Yes Richard - all monoculture scenarios reduce the gene field -historically it was hit and miss in that it wasn't all pervasive. Once you get mass plantings with gm plants and the crossover into native plants, then when mass spraying of herbicides/pesticides and the excess spray that extends into neighbouring areas - nowhere is safe from the blight!! The problem is that it cannot be contained!! If one farmer wanted to grow gm crops and it was contained - there would be no problem! But this is not the case! We who do not want it, have no choice as the likes of Monsanto force it upon us. Plus we cannot tell which of our foods contain this poison!!!

island cassie · 02-27-2008, 09:48 PM

Sorry for the rant!!!

Bananaman88 · 02-27-2008, 10:20 PM

My wife is in plant research (on rice) and she is sending me a link about the work that is being done on Musa for this project. I'll try to post it tomorrow if I have time so you all can read it. She was reading me some of it earlier tonight and it sounded very interesting.

Tropicallvr · 02-27-2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

What is the difference between a "natural" hybridization breeding program that produces 400 million trials and eventually someone finds the white marigold -- or doing it a few times in the lab with GM and avoiding the unwanted millions of mis-crosses?

From what I have gather genetic modification is rather trial and error also. Say like when some scientists mixed cod(fish) genes with a tomato to make a more cold hardy tomato, they got many "freaks" and then they had to discard many unuseful plants.

Richard · 02-27-2008, 10:55 PM

Cassie, your comments do not sound like ranting to me. I'm trying to understand your concerns.

Quote:

Originally Posted by island cassie

... We who do not want it, have no choice as the likes of Monsanto force it upon us. Plus we cannot tell which of our foods contain this poison!!!

If you are referring to sterile crops, by definition they do not mix with others.

What do you mean by poison?

Richard · 02-27-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tropicallvr

From what I have gather genetic modification is rather trial and error also.

That scenario is very experimental! I am more familiar with very specific crossing at the molecular level of one crop plant with known genetic markers, and the rRNA (molecular) section of another with desirable markers missing in the first.

island cassie · 02-27-2008, 11:17 PM

When plants are "crossed" with genes from different species like jellyfish - who knows what is being introduced into the mix to allow commercial exploitation!

Richard · 02-27-2008, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by island cassie

When plants are "crossed" with genes from different species like jellyfish - who knows what is being introduced into the mix to allow commercial exploitation!

Suppose you want to introduce a genetic marker that is not present in a subsection of the genetics (rRNA subsection) of the target plant. However, you find an otherwise identical subsection in another organism. You then use tools (proteins, really) that will perform this replacement surgery for you.

One variety of very sweet, high-protein white corn that has been a lifesaver in 3rd world countries was produced this way by "borrowing" subsections from the genetics of a wheat variety and another sweet corn variety.

02-26-2008, 06:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Taylor Taylor's Photo Gallery Location: VA Find me on the map! Zone: 8a Name: Taylor Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,084 BananaBucks : 380,370 Feedback: 15 / 100% Said "Thanks" 356 Times Was Thanked 662 Times in 334 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 283 Times	'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. I think this is just the coolest thing ever (literally and not!). This can withstand floods, nuclear war, earthquakes, and more. It is the impenetrable force that is going to protect and house OVER 45 MILLION of the worlds best and most productive crop's seeds, yes, from all over the world! It is hidden deep inside a mountain that never thaws and they said that some of the seed stock in these conditions could last for over 20,000 YEARS! Yep, Norway is definitely planning to be self-sufficient and save the world. Kudos to them!

02-26-2008, 07:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
turtile Junior Member turtile's Photo Gallery Location: Delaware Find me on the map! Zone: 7a/b Name: John Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 235 BananaBucks : 49,338 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 34 Times Was Thanked 181 Times in 108 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. They're going to need more than that in order to start up a reliable productive crop. If all of them are identical, they will most likely all fall to disease. __________________ http://www.unusualplants.net/

02-26-2008, 07:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Taylor Taylor's Photo Gallery Location: VA Find me on the map! Zone: 8a Name: Taylor Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,084 BananaBucks : 380,370 Feedback: 15 / 100% Said "Thanks" 356 Times Was Thanked 662 Times in 334 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 283 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. I am sure they have worked it all out, I just don't know many specifics.

02-26-2008, 07:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
MediaHound Tally-Man MediaHound's Photo Gallery Location: Florida Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Jarred Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 5,280 BananaBucks : 2,606,075 Feedback: 66 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,891 Times Was Thanked 5,123 Times in 1,364 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,089 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. Thats amazing! __________________ Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.

02-26-2008, 07:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
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02-26-2008, 09:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
Whatever revetahw Whatever's Photo Gallery Location: SW Ohio Find me on the map! Zone: 6a Name: Dalton Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 201 BananaBucks : 67,228 Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Thanks" 39 Times Was Thanked 101 Times in 28 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 191 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. I thought I read something about a doomsday seed bank before but was different from this one. Either way its pretty cool. __________________ With my feet upon the ground I lose myself between the sounds and open wide to suck it in. I feel it move across my skin. I'm reaching up and reaching out. I'm reaching for the random or what ever will bewilder me. And following our will and wind we may just go where no one's been. We'll ride the spiral to the end and may just go where no one's been. Spiral out. Keep going...

02-26-2008, 11:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
momoese Banana grower momoese's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: zone 10 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,593 BananaBucks : 8,553 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,763 Times Was Thanked 10,896 Times in 3,314 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 730 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. I hope they are saving Heirloom seeds for the future when the GM crops contaminate and destroy all the organic heirlooms.

02-26-2008, 11:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
island cassie island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,170 BananaBucks : 569,651 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,708 Times Was Thanked 2,079 Times in 874 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 416 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. Yes - we need someone to save uncontaminated seeds ready for when GM has destroyed all the old varieties with all their diversity - so much has gone already.

02-27-2008, 01:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
mrbungalow Freezing member mrbungalow's Photo Gallery Location: Bergen, Norway Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Erlend Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 598 BananaBucks : 149,771 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 14 Times Was Thanked 165 Times in 78 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 3 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. Doomsday is a bit dramatic.... I think Island Cassie is on the right track, when there are no more individuals of a strain or species left, they can go to this seed-bank and take a few seeds out. There are many seed and gene banks throughout the world, such as Inibap and GRIN. I wonder if they have musa seeds in there? __________________

02-27-2008, 09:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
island cassie island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,170 BananaBucks : 569,651 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,708 Times Was Thanked 2,079 Times in 874 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 416 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. Yes Richard - all monoculture scenarios reduce the gene field -historically it was hit and miss in that it wasn't all pervasive. Once you get mass plantings with gm plants and the crossover into native plants, then when mass spraying of herbicides/pesticides and the excess spray that extends into neighbouring areas - nowhere is safe from the blight!! The problem is that it cannot be contained!! If one farmer wanted to grow gm crops and it was contained - there would be no problem! But this is not the case! We who do not want it, have no choice as the likes of Monsanto force it upon us. Plus we cannot tell which of our foods contain this poison!!!

02-27-2008, 09:48 PM	#14 (permalink)
island cassie island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,170 BananaBucks : 569,651 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,708 Times Was Thanked 2,079 Times in 874 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 416 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. Sorry for the rant!!!

02-27-2008, 10:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
Bananaman88 Bananaculturist Bananaman88's Photo Gallery Location: Houston, TX area Find me on the map! Zone: 9 Name: Brent Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,019 BananaBucks : 330,013 Feedback: 22 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,339 Times Was Thanked 2,263 Times in 1,178 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 191 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. My wife is in plant research (on rice) and she is sending me a link about the work that is being done on Musa for this project. I'll try to post it tomorrow if I have time so you all can read it. She was reading me some of it earlier tonight and it sounded very interesting.

02-27-2008, 11:17 PM	#19 (permalink)
island cassie island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,170 BananaBucks : 569,651 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,708 Times Was Thanked 2,079 Times in 874 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 416 Times	Re: 'Doomsday' Seed Bank to open in Norway. When plants are "crossed" with genes from different species like jellyfish - who knows what is being introduced into the mix to allow commercial exploitation!

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