The International Treaty list offered through the Multilateral System of the ITPGRFA
Conditions of access to the list and conditions for making requests
- This seed list is for use by recognised organisations carrying out research, breeding and training in relation to food and fodder production. All other requests by recognised organisations should be directed via the general MSB Seed List.
- We are unable to accept requests from private individuals. RBG Kew is unable to enter into correspondence on this matter.
- Users need to apply for registration (see below) prior to being given access to the list. When making repeat orders, the 'User Code' supplied should be used solely by the registered user on behalf of their organisation.
- The users must return the order form by post. To monitor usage, the user is also requested briefly to outline the intended use of the seeds.
- Users should note that very occasionally it may be necessary to decline requests because seed numbers have declined to very low levels.
- The seeds and associated collecting data and germination conditions will be sent as soon as possible to the user. A Material Transfer Agreement, MTA (see terms) will be included with the seeds and data, receipt of which will be taken as acceptance of the terms contained within the MTA .
- Users must prevent the spread of invasive plants and plant pests / pathogens. It is therefore essential that they follow the guidance given in the section below which should be read before proceeding to registration / ordering.
Prevention of the spread of invasive plants and plant pests / pathogens
The movement of germplasm (including seeds) may result in the introduction of invasive plants and plant pests / pathogens. The threats from such introductions are recognised by the International Plant Protection Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Thus, seeds should only be imported after careful consideration as outlined below.
Overseas correspondents must check with their national authorities concerning import regulations and must send any necessary permits with their request. It should be noted that it will not normally be possible to provide phytosanitary certificates for the seed lots dispatched.
Information on known invasive species that threaten biodiversity is available via the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group's Global Invasive Species Database at http://www.issg.org/database/. This database provides an initial prediction of regions in which the given species could become invasive. RBG Kew strongly encourages all seed list users to check this database and other available regional data sources for the species requested. However, it is not possible to reliably predict under which circumstances species will become invasive. Therefore, RBG Kew requires users to take all appropriate steps to contain the seeds supplied, the plants grown from them and (particularly) their progeny.
In addition, due to the risk of unforeseen pathogens, it is advisable that the germplasm is screened for diseases and kept in quarantine conditions even where this is beyond the requirements of national authorities.
