DYNAmic seed networks for managing European diversity (DYNAVERSITY) project (Horizon 2020)
This technical manual (Manual 2) provides practical guidance for Community Seed Banks (CSBs) on designing and operating documentation systems to manage germplasm information. It explains why good documentation matters for conservation, regeneration decisions and user access, and outlines six planning stages: defining CSB background and priorities, analysing procedures, selecting descriptor sets, developing data formats and forms, defining documentation procedures, and implementing the system. The manual covers use of descriptors (including handling heterogeneous material and special data), manual data-entry form design, computerized databases (flat-file vs relational), data dictionaries, exporting and analysing data, data exchange, data quality and security, software and licensing options, and ongoing management and training. It includes examples from European practice (notably Pro Specie Rara) and a glossary and reading list. The emphasis is on accessible, flexible documentation that supports dynamic, participatory management of seed collections and enables information sharing while protecting data integrity.
Key topics: community seed banks, documentation systems, germplasm documentation, descriptors, databases, data management, seed conservation
