Germplasm bank

Since 2009, the Museum's Germplasm Bank has updated its methodologies, moving from short-term storage in a ventilated refrigerator at +5°C to long-term storage at -20°C. The ex situ conservation objectives are also pursued by the Museum through the direct cultivation of species in the Botanical Garden, dedicated to the Mediterranean flora and vegetation of the insular and continental territory of the province of Livorno.

For each species sampled, the form proposed by the seed collection group of the RIBeS network is filled out. Furthermore, the individuals are reported in the internal accession register in paper and digital form so that each accession is associated with a unique inventory number.

Once dried, the accessions are stored in airtight jars at -20°C and made available through the Index seminum for exchanges or for possible reintroductions into nature.

The Museum carries out collection, study and conservation activities of plant germplasm on the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Studies on the germination behavior of the seeds of wild plants, such as the Capraia cornflower (Centaurea gymnocarpa Moris et De Not.), are carried out at the laboratory in collaboration with the Livorno Botanical Group.

Furthermore, research is carried out on the biosystematics of some critical or endemic species of the Tuscan Archipelago; an example of this is the report of Stachys salisii Jord. et Fourr. as a new endemism for the Island of Capraia.