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With years of practice and knowledge in curating a native seed collection for the Madrean Archipelago, seed lab staff have developed effective systems for seed collection, cleaning, and storage that promote the maximum long-term viability of seed lots.

 

The lab currently houses over 550 collections in a storage space converted into a walk-in cooler kept at an optimal temperature and humidity level for short to medium-term storage (1-7 years).

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SEED LAB

The Borderlands Nursery & Seed lab is an innovative vision of a “regional seed center” that maintains a working collection of native seed for restoration, research, commercial sale, and nursery/seed production. The main components of the seed program include:

 

  • Development of techniques and protocols (e.g. germination testing, seed cleaning)

  • Management of seed collection and storage infrastructure

  • Strategic development of a genetically diverse seed bank for the Madrean Archipelago

  • Training professionals and citizens in native plant identification, seed collection & ethical wild-harvesting

  • Coordinating with multiple public and private partners who seek restoration services in order to “get out in front” of restoration needs and accelerate coordinated habitat improvements

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SEED LAB SERVICES

Seed Collection and Cleaning

Our seed collection team is available for contract hire. Collection services include a crew of collectors, a crew lead, and a lead botanist, plus project management services. Seed cleaning and processing is conducted by a crew of seed lab technicians with oversight by the Seed Lab Manager at our facility in Patagonia. Please inquire directly to the Seed Lab Manager about pricing, availability, and options.

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Seed Storage

We offer short-term (1-7 years) seed storage at our Seed Lab facility in a converted walk-in cooler that is kept at optimal temperature and humidity levels. Storage costs are $1.50 per accession per month or $0.50/lb per month for bulk-only accessions.

 

Seed Pelletization

Coating seed in a mixture of clay, compost, and diatomaceous earth then binding it together as a pellet is a low-tech method to improve seeding success in drylands. We currently offer seed pelletization as a service for our partners that have contracted for seed collections or bulk seed orders through our seeding project management and curation service. 

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Seeding Project Management and Curation

We offer project management for small and large-scale revegetation and habitat restoration projects that use native seed. This service includes the creation of a customized species palette for the goals of your project and seed curation and sourcing. 

 

Germination and Viability Testing

Our seed lab is not a certified testing facility, but our staff has been trained and follows the protocols of the USFS National Seed Laboratory for germination testing and viability testing using Tetrazolium. 

Email: 

Contact us regarding contracting BN&S for any of these services.

HIRE US: 

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