Damascus, April 19 (SANA) Syria’s national gene bank is reinforcing its strategic role in protecting agricultural biodiversity and supporting food security by preserving thousands of plant genetic resources, many of them linked to crops historically rooted in the region and adapted to harsh climatic conditions.
Located in Deir al-Hajar in Damascus countryside, the gene bank currently contains around 8,000 genetic accessions, including local varieties, improved lines and protected seed samples covering a wide range of crops important to Syrian agriculture.
Maisoun Saleh, head of the Genetic Resources Department at the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), said the collections include wheat, barley, maize, legumes, fodder crops, vegetables, medicinal plants and oil crops, making the facility one of the country’s most important agricultural scientific centers.
She explained that preserving plant genetic diversity is essential for maintaining future production capacity, especially at a time when agriculture faces mounting challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, pests, diseases and changing environmental conditions.
International preservation standards
Saleh said the gene bank operates according to internationally recognized scientific standards for seed conservation.
Active samples are stored in medium-temperature facilities at 0 to 4 degrees Celsius, allowing periodic access for research and breeding purposes, while long-term base samples are stored in deep-freeze chambers at minus 18 degrees Celsius, enabling preservation for up to 50 years under suitable conditions.
These storage systems are designed to maintain seed viability and ensure that valuable genetic traits remain available for future generations.
Supporting farmers and scientific research
The gene bank also plays a direct developmental role by supplying researchers and breeders with selected plant material used in breeding programs aimed at improving productivity, disease resistance and drought tolerance.
Saleh said universities and postgraduate researchers in Syria also benefit from the facility through access to scientific material used in theses, laboratory studies and agricultural innovation programs.
She noted that strengthening seed resources is vital for producing varieties capable of coping with declining rainfall, rising temperatures and reduced irrigation resources.
Syria’s biodiversity importance
Officials say Syria occupies a special place in global agricultural history, as it is considered one of the centers of origin for several major crops, particularly wheat and a number of legume species.
This heritage gives Syrian genetic resources particular value, as many native varieties have naturally developed resilience to local stresses over centuries, making them highly useful in modern breeding programs.
Despite its importance, the gene bank continues to face challenges related to funding, infrastructure and technical needs, affecting parts of its operational capacity and increasing the need for rehabilitation and renewed investment. Saleh said.
International cooperation and backup protection
She said cooperation continues with international organizations, particularly the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).
As part of risk-management efforts, around 5,400 backup samples have been deposited through secure preservation arrangements with ICARDA, ensuring the possibility of recovery if needed.
Future plans through 2030
The Ministry of Agriculture plans to further strengthen the role of the gene bank under its 2026–2030 five-year strategy, which focuses on developing high-yield, drought-resistant and disease-resistant crop varieties.
The strategy also aims to improve agricultural productivity, support farmers and enhance Syria’s ability to respond to future food and climate challenges.
Officials say preserving genetic resources today is an investment in the country’s agricultural future and long-term economic resilience.
Kh.A
