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The Data Warehouse

Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (MSBP) portal for seed collections data

World map showing global hotspots for collections held within the MSBP Data Warehouse
MSBP Data Warehouse collections mapped © RBG Kew
Explore data Base Lists

27 November 2023 - Species base lists refreshed

Which data are available?

Data available depends entirely on the policies of each participating Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) partner. Data falls into three main categories:

  • Seed accession data: Default data includes Donor seed bank accession numbers; locality and collector; sampling methodology; verified identification; and an estimate of seed quantities.
  • Germination test data: Any associated germination test data of the above accessions can be offered through the MSBP Data Warehouse. This includes information on all germination tests carried out on material thus far duplicated to the Millennium Seed Bank.
  • Georeferenced data: Non-sensitive species may include geographic co-ordinates data that can be mapped in the Data Warehouse using the built-in BRAHMS online mapping tools. Publication of co-ordinates data is at partners' discretion.
  • X-ray images: X-ray images from selected seed collections are available, including advanced zoom functionality. A small sample of each seed collection is X-rayed on arrival at the MSB. Seeds which are empty or infested can be identified and the data can be used as the basis of a preliminary assessment of collection quality.
  • IUCN threat categories: Over 2,000 species in the Data Warehouse have an IUCN red list category. IUCN threat categories and criteria are located in the Botanical Records table and collections can be attributed different colours in the mapping interface according to their threat category.

How can I get access to the Data Warehouse?

Access to the data, species and collections base lists and member resources is available to staff from organisations within the MSBP. To register please click on 'Register' in the top right hand corner of your screen and follow the instructions. If you have any questions please email your MSB coordinator, or the MSBP administration team .

How often is the Data Warehouse refreshed?

Data Warehouse seed accessions data, as well as species and collections base lists, are refreshed monthly.

Which seed banks have already contributed data to the Data Warehouse?

You can download a list of seed banks who have already contributed to the Data Warehouse, along with their respective seed bank abbreviations as displayed in the seed table, "Seedbank" field. Please note, there are many more organisations who have contributed seed collections data to the Data Warehouse than are contained in this list, this list shows only storage seed banks for all collections.

How can I share data via the Data Warehouse?

If you would like to assist a global conservation network and contribute towards the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) target 7 by sharing your seed collections data with the MSB, please get in touch! Email the MSBP administration team .

This website and the linked database are curated and published using BRAHMS and BRAHMS online.