New AEGIS

Reinforcement of the AEGIS Quality System and EURISCO data coverage

Short title: New AEGIS

 The project 'New AEGIS' is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Activity Coordinator: ECPGR Secretariat

Timeframe

1 September 2024 – 28 February 2025

Project short description

In line with priorities identified for ECPGR's Phase XI (2024–2028) and the objectives of the Plant Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe, the 'New AEGIS' project aims to strengthen AEGIS by improving quality and transparency in its Associate Member genebanks through the preparation of genebank manuals, publication of Standard Operating Procedures, development of agreed genebank metrics, and peer support. The project will reinforce EURISCO by including dispersed phenotypic data from previous European projects.

The expected outcomes of the project include:

  • AEGIS Associate Members are more aware of AEGIS principles, improving genebank operations and access to the European Collection
  • At least 20 new operational genebank manuals are created
  • All manuals are reviewed, providing an overview of current practices and recommendations for improvement
  • Three crop-specific genebank standards are developed
  • Five to ten Associate Members agree to publish their Standard Operating Procedures in English
  • A list of genebank metrics is drafted by pilot genebanks, and prepared for publication
  • Characterization and evaluation data for various crops are integrated into EURISCO.
  • Six reciprocal genebank review visits are completed, with reports published online.

Implementation

March 2025
Key achievements to date include:

  • 14 new operational genebank manuals have been developed or are under development. All manuals are being analyzed and compared. An overview of current practices and recommendations will be presented at the final meeting
  • Crop-specific genebank standards for barley, berries, maize and Malus/Pyrus are under development
  • 1 AEGIS Associate Member (Romania) has published their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and University of Pavia (Italy) is preparing their documents
  • 14 genebanks tested the genebank metrics. A peer-reviewed paper has been drafted and has been submitted to an impact journal
  • 9 reciprocal genebank visits are taking place involving the following genebank/countries: Nordgen/Austria/Hungary; Netherlands/Latvia/Portugal; Czech/Georgia/Romania
  • Phenotypic data are being prepared for inclusion in EURISCO for Brassica by INRAE, France, for maize by the Romanian genebank, for Vitis by CREA-VE, Italy and for hops by KIS, Slovenia

December 2024
Key progress at the end of 2024 include:

  • 11 genebanks have committed to preparing and sharing their genebank manuals, and 2 have been already finalized (AGES, Austria and Warwick University, UK)
  • 2 new crop-specific standards will be completed by the Berries and the Malus/Pyrus Working Groups
  • 15 genebanks are testing a set of agreed genebank metrics
  • Reciprocal genebank peer-review visits are planned as follows: 1) Nordgen, Sweden (lead), Austria, Hungary, 2) CGN, The Netherlands (lead), Latvia, Portugal and 3) CRI, Czech Republic (lead), Georgia, Romania.

October 2024
The New AEGIS kick-off meeting was held online on 4 October 2024. The recording of the meeting is available below.

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