Scientists have recently completed a mission to collect seeds on the “roof of the world” with the aim of preserving plant genetic resources.
The research team spent over 20 days exploring the summit of Mount Everest last month and successfully collected seeds from several rare plant species such as Crucihimalaya himalaica and Saussurea gnaphalodes at an altitude of approximately 6,200 meters above sea level, setting a new record in China.
Saussurea gnaphalodes living on the summit of Everest. (Photo: Vladimir Kolbintsev)
Seeds stored at GBWS. (Photo: CNS)
After cleaning and counting, the seeds will be preserved within the Wild Species Gene Bank (GBWS), a national database that comprehensively collects and conserves the genetic resources of flora and fauna in Yunnan Province.
“This mission is of great significance for biodiversity conservation, responding to climate change, and enhancing biosafety,” emphasized researcher Cai Jie at GBWS.
Established in 2004, GBWS is the largest seed bank in Asia, currently storing over 10,000 seeds from approximately 50% of wild plant species in China. Advanced preservation technology in cold storage at -20°C allows seeds to be maintained for several hundred years.
