What is ‘Seedpedia’?
‘Seedpedia’ is a compound word formed from ‘seed’ and ‘pedia.’ It is a public seed information platform that provides systematic and standardized basic information, image data, and research information on wild plant seeds, reflecting its meaning as ‘seed encyclopedia.’
Additionally, ‘Seedpedia’ serves as an interactive communication platform, similar to Wikipedia, developed through the contributions of both internal experts from the KAGI and various external specialists. Our aim is to continually collect and share technical information about seeds with everyone.
The KAGI plays a vital role in the collection, conservation, and research of forest biological resources for their preservation and utilization. We have established and operated the Seed Vault, the second of its kind in the world, to ensure the safe conservation of wild plant seeds.
The Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV) is the world’s first facility dedicated to the duplicate conservation of wild plant species. It aims to preserve wild plant seeds while ensuring the reliability of those stored in the vault. When the seed vault is accessed, the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum manages a seed bank to collect, research, and distribute wild plant seeds, with the goal of gathering valuable research information for their effective use.
- Resource Acquisition and
Collection Information - Indigenous Plants of the Korean Peninsula
- Baekdudaegan Native Plants
- Crop Wild Relatives (CWR)
- Quality Standardization and
Storage and Information Storage - Wild Plant Seed Bank
- Seed Quality Management &
Seed Management Standardization
Utilization Information
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Resource Acquisition and Collection Information
Through seed collection efforts that encompass indigenous plants of the Baekdudaegan, native plants of Korea, and crop wild relatives (CWR) found both in Korea and globally, we have gathered wild plant seeds and reference specimens. Additionally, we have compiled information on the collection sites, including details such as location, habitat, and altitude.
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Quality Standardization and Storage and Information Storage
Through research on quality management and storage (including the wild plant seed bank and the forest seed quality management standardization project), we have established the morphological information of wild plant seeds (such as thousand-kernel weight, seed length, width, and thickness) as well as storage information (including storage lifespan, storage characteristics, spectrum, etc.) that is currently being collected and preserved.
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Research and Utilization Information
In addition to the information we have collected and stored, we have gathered research data across various fields to promote the widespread use of wild plant seeds and unlock new value. This includes details on germination conditions, types of dormancy and methods for breaking it, as well as X-ray, microscopy, and SEM imaging data. We also have information on cultivation practices and their utility, such as total phenols, total flavonoids, and DPPH levels, along with genetic information.
The KAGI engages in activities related to the collection, storage, and research of wild plant seeds, establishing itself as a leader in the conservation and utilization of these resources. Through ‘Seedpedia,’ developed as part of the “Native Plant Seed Information Project,” we provide the public with standardized and systematic integrated data on wild plant seeds.
What are ‘wild plant seeds’?
‘Wild plant seeds’ refer to the seeds of wild plants that grow naturally in mountains and fields. While we often encounter wild plants in these areas, we sometimes overlook the diverse potential they possess.
The Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata Siebold & Zucc.), commonly used in landscaping, contains the anticancer compound taxol in its bark and seeds. This compound has demonstrated significant effectiveness against breast, ovarian, and lung cancers, making it a valuable source for anticancer treatments. Additionally, wild soybean (Glycine soja Siebold & Zucc.) and wild chives (Allium senescens L.) are the ancestral species of modern food crops like soybeans and onions.
Wild plant seeds, which we often encounter, are becoming increasingly valuable for preservation and industrial use due to the crisis in food crops caused by climate change. In response, the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault is dedicated to the safe preservation of wild plants, while the National Arboretum of Baekdudaegan focuses on the collection, storage, and research of these seeds. This work aids in identifying the habitats of wild plant seeds and addresses the gap in research regarding their storage, lifespan, vitality, and genetic characteristics compared to cultivated crops.
The Roles of Seedpedia
The Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KAGI) shares seed collection information, characteristic information, and research data for the continuous conservation and utilization of wild plant seeds through ‘Seedpedia’. Additionally, we establish and distribute material resources such as seeds, specimens, and extracts for seed preservation and research, while providing support activities for the research and industrialization of wild plant seeds.
- Key Services
This portal provides the following services:
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About Seed Information
You can find information about specific seeds using various methods, including searches by common name or scientific name. Through this search, you can access data collected by the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KAGI), including details on seed collection, quality control, morphology, storage, and viability
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About Seed Image Information
In the Seedpedia Statistics section, the KAGI provides data on collected seeds, including collection information, seed characteristics, usefulness, and images. These statistics are updated monthly, and you can also view annual data in addition to the monthly updates.
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About Research Information
In ‘About Research Information,’ you can search for and access details regarding the list of research projects, papers, publications, patents, and products conducted by the KAGI.
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SeedPedia Statistics
In the Seedpedia Statistics section, the KAGI provides data on collected seeds, including collection information, seed characteristics, usefulness, and images. These statistics are updated monthly, and you can also view annual data in addition to the monthly updates.