Introduction
      Rationale  in implementing Barcoding/IT technology for Genebanks
      The collections at the CGIAR Genebanks are large and growing, and so are the accompanying data and the immensity of the task at hand, 
      necessitating optimal management of these data and information for Conservation and use of PGR under the International Treaty for Plant 
      Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
      In preparedness for the implementation of barcoding technology, 3 ICRAF Genebank staff attended 3 training workshops in; Czech 
      Republic, Germany and Ethiopia in 2016. As a result of these workshops, Barcoding implementation plan was developed. This was followed 
      by another intensive training on Genebank Operations Advanced Learning (GOAL) Workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya and the use Barcoding 
      technology was further emphasized to be an important component of the Genebank QMS as well as applicable in all genebank procedures. 
      So far most of the barcoding technology has been procured and Marvin Seed analyzer and Zebra printer are already in use. The rest of the 
                                     th
      equipment are expected in the 4  week of January from  which comprehensive implementation will take place in earnest.
      Why barcoding technology 
      • Barcoding is considered a good practice for modern and reliable genebanks.
      • Barcoding increases accuracy by reducing the likelihood of human errors from mislabeled germplasm
      • Barcoding increases efficiency and productivity by improving the monitoring and tracking of genebank processes.
      • Barcoding ensures uniform, universally understood data collection and timely processing since data is captured and relayed in real-time
         ICRAF Genebank Barcoding equipment
            Equipment                                   Model
           Hand held mobile computer                    Motorola MC67NA Mobile Computer
           Mobile printer                               Zebra, ZQ520- Rugged Mobile Printer
           Tablet computer                              Zebra ET55- Tablet Computer
           Printers                                     Zebra ZT41042- Barcode Printer 
           Labels                                       Paper 
                                                        Matt coated
           Scanner                                      DS6707
           Barcoding software                           Zebradesigner
                                                             ICRAF Genebank procedures
                 The barcoding and IT technology is currently being  applied in the following procedures 
         Procedure                                        Activities
         Acquisition                                      Identification of priority AF tree species -  based on distribution trends or/and partner requests (GRU Database 
                                                          reference) Seed collection/donation with partners Seed dispatch with signed MOUs, MTAs, PICs, import /export 
                                                          documents Seed reception including verification of passport data, species and health status, registration  
                                                          (identification with accession numbers) 
          Conservation (Seed extraction, cleaning, and    Choice of seed extraction method based on the species/type of fruit Dry fruits – threshing, cracking, gentle 
         drying)                                          pounding Wet fruits – soaking, fermentation, sieving in running water. Seed cleaning by sieving the remove 
                                                          adhering materials Dry seeds to low moisture content of 15%RH for orthodox seeds Conditions of drying and 
                                                          testing equipment are routinely monitored 
         Conservation (Seed testing, purity, viability,   Conduct purity test to determine the proportion of pure seeds Germination test is the main viability test to 
         weight, characterization)                        determine the proportion of viable seed 
                                                          10/18 
                                                           Conduct the weight of 1000 seeds  Seed description determines the morphological characteristics of the 
                                                          seed/seedling (size, shape and colour, images
         Conservation (Seed storage)                      Seed must meet 15%RH before storage Seed prepared for packing according to storage categories Long term 
                                                          storage (LTS) to be sent to LTS partners – 1600 seeds Medium term storage (MTS) to be stored at ICRAF seed 
                                                          bank – 2500 seeds Safety Duplicate Sample (SDS) to be sent to duplication institute- 500 seeds Seed for 
                                                          distribution to be stored at ICRAF seed bank – remainder of the seed Seed packed in aluminium pouches and 
                                                          sealed. Conditions of storage are periodically monitored 
         Regeneration (Multiplication)                    Species/accessions selection Site selection Planting layouts Crop management  at Muguga in collaboration with 
                                                          Kenya Forest Research Institute
                                                          ICRAF Genebank procedures 
      Procedure                                         Activities
      Distribution                                      Seed request received at the genebank and entered into the database Seed availability check in the GRU database is 
                                                        done and requester informed when seed is not available. For local seed orders go to section 5 below For seed requests 
                                                        outside Kenya, the requester is requested to send plant import permit against the available seed. Once the import permit 
                                                        is received, the genebank requests for a phytosanitary/export certificate from KEPHIS. The cost of the permits and 
                                                        logistics are borne by the requester Seed packed, labeled and details filled in distribution form. For local seed orders go 
                                                        to section 6 below Seed presented to KEPHIS for issue of export permit Seed dispatch 
       Safety Duplication                               Species/accession selection Contact/MOUs with duplication institute Seed preparation Seed dispatch 
      Characterization/Evaluation of material           Conduct the weight of 1000 seeds  Seed description determines the morphological characteristics of the seed/seedling 
                                                        (size, shape and colour, images) Field Genebanks species characterization and evaluation
      Plant Health (Virus indexing)                     Isolation site Nursery management Testing by KEPHIS 
           Implementation plan
          Process                                    Activities                                 Equipment /services                       Current status
          Acquisition                                Improve data capture and uploading in      Tablets                                   Q1 of 2017. Equipment arrives in January. 
                                                     the seed genebank and WCA field                                                      Roll-out barcoding plan put in place
                                                     genebank   by availing barcoding 
                                                     equipment and data templates 
                                                                                                mobile printers
                                                                                                Labels
                                                     Train field genebank staff on barcoding    Training workshop                         Planned for Q2 of 2017
                                                     and online SMTA tools application
                                                                                                 
                                                     Improve data quality by                    Consultation services                     On-going
                                                     developing/applying data checking tools 
                                                     (e.g. Taxonomic data checker) as defined  
                                                     by Crop Trust and USDA-Genesys platform