Cryopreservation: an alternative method for the conservation of endangered populations of two Iberian pines (Pinus nigra Arnold and Pinus sylvestris L.)

Seed conservation in traditional seedbanks is a possibility for preserving genetic resources, but the rapid decrease in the viability of germplasm of forest trees and the problems associated with collection and multiplication, recommend the use of other storage methods. We have studied the effect of cryopreservation on the viability of Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris seeds. The results showed that germination is not significantly different in any of the blocks included in our experimental design (cryopreservation x desiccation). All this suggests that cryopreservation can be an economical and practical method in the conservation of seeds of Pinus species.