# Australian Grains Genebank: seeds of six tropical crops lose viability in 20–40 years at −20 °C

- Published: 2026-11-15 19:55 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Agritech & food
- Tags: seed bank reliability, frozen seed viability, Australian Grains Genebank, Plant Genetic Resources, seed germination decline, mung bean storage, pigeon pea viability, adzuki bean, genebank monitoring, Svalbard seed vault
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-f96da79fd81ecf6b8523fc37_australian_grains_genebank/

**Analysis of over 3,800 seed lots, some stored since the 1960s, showed viability falling faster than theoretical models predicted. This bears on how often genebanks must test their stocks.**

![Australian Grains Genebank: seeds of six tropical crops lose viability in 20–40 years at −20 °C](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/70fbcf3c16b9fc1a.jpg)
*pravda.ru*

Researchers at the Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) measured how long frozen seeds of tropical crops actually stay viable, pravda.ru reports. The study appeared in the journal Plant Genetic Resources. The team analysed more than 3,800 seed lots of six tropical crops, including sorghum, soybean, bean and mung bean. Storage conditions were −20 °C and 15% humidity, and some lots had been kept in storage since the 1960s. [1]

Viability declined much faster than theoretical models had suggested. According to the lead author, seed physiologist Catherine Baum, the data show viability dropping below the critical threshold of 85% after 20–40 years. [1]

## Models versus measurements

Earlier estimates assumed that seeds of some species could stay viable for hundreds or even thousands of years. For sorghum, the planned interval between germination tests was once every 2,900 years, and for mung bean once every 2,000 years. In practice, many seeds began to fail after a couple of decades. [1]

The authors stress that relying on the old mathematical models is risky. They also note that a seed germinating in the laboratory does not guarantee that it will grow into a full, healthy plant able to produce a crop. [1]

## Differences between crops

Mung bean showed the best result: after 45 years of storage, more than 90% of seeds from one lot germinated. [1]

Pigeon pea performed worst. On average, only four lots retained high viability after 36 years. [1]

Adzuki bean had the shortest lifespan, about 17.4 years on average. [1]

As the article puts it, the findings mean that the Svalbard "Doomsday vault" in Norway and other genebanks need more frequent audits and regular renewal of stocks than was assumed. The researchers say the data should help revise existing storage protocols, with continuous monitoring replacing a "freeze and forget" approach. [1]

## Sources

1. [pravda.ru](https://www.pravda.ru/news/science/2443235-seed-bank-survival-threat)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-f96da79fd81ecf6b8523fc37_australian_grains_genebank/