Genebank collections
The Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) is custodian to one of the world’s most diverse collections, with over 210,000 accessions (or types) of seed representing 1,250 species across 162 genera. This extensive collection includes cultivated varieties, traditional landrace varieties grown in farmers’ fields around the globe, cutting-edge breeding lines, and wild relatives of temperate and tropical grain crop species. With germplasm sourced from more than 150 countries and every major agroecological zone, the AGG ensures Australia’s researchers and breeders have access to a broad diversity of germplasm with strong relevance to the ever-changing Australian growing conditions.
The genebank’s collection features a wide range of crops, including temperate and tropical cereals, legumes, oilseeds, and minor crops. The collection is as diverse as it is deep, comprised:
- 50% winter cereals
- 25% temperate pulses
- 12% tropical legumes and oilseeds
- 9% tropical cereals
- 4% temperate oilseeds
- Plus additional minor crops.
With 95% of Australia’s agricultural plants originating from overseas, the AGG plays a critical role in preserving global germplasm. It conserves Australia’s unique crop wild relatives, species that are highly adapted to and thrive under extreme climatic and environmental conditions, making them invaluable sources of traits for improving climate resilience, pest resistance and productivity.
By conserving and sharing this genetic diversity, the AGG underpins the future of Australian agriculture, ensuring our grains industry can meet the challenges of tomorrow - from climate change to emerging pests and diseases - with science-driven innovation.
