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Planet Green
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Seed storage is a centuries-old practice. The stockpiled seeds serve as a hedge against potential problems with crop production. International, government and private seed banks still store seeds, but today they also store the genetic material found inside them. These gene samples are studied to see if changes have occurred in vital food crops or any plant species. They also provide important genetic information to create a replacement crop for a species that has changed or been lost.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified more than 500 species of plants worldwide that are endangered. And not all species serve as a food supply. Some are used to make medicines. Storing the genetic material of all seeds protects plants for current and future use, whether for food or in medicine.
A researcher for the International Rice Research Institute transfers new rice specimens inside its rice gene bank in the Philippines. (Jens Aznar/AFP/Getty Images)
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