Treasure trove of breeding

The new KWS Seed Inventory provides space for up to 1.3 million seed samples

In order to develop high-performance varieties for agriculture, breeders specifically look for plants with certain traits for crossbreeding purposes. The high-quality seeds for this breeding work are processed and stored in elite storage facilities. The largest and most modern KWS facility of its kind is located at the company's headquarters in Einbeck.

The new Seed Inventory provides space for up to 1.3 million seed samples of sugarbeet, fodder beet, oilseed rape, catch crops and peas. It significantly expands capacity and creates more space for genetic diversity – the basis for developing high-performance and resistant varieties.

“The Seed Inventory primarily houses material from current and past propagations of our breeding programs which makes it a treasure trove of our breeders’ knowledge”, explains Robert Heidhues, Head of Global R&D Business Functions. The quantities of seed required for breeding new varieties have also increased at a pace with KWS’s steady growth. Besides general breeding programs, those that focus on specific traits such as drought tolerance or resistance are gaining importance.

To provide the best possible protection for these valuable goods, the storage rooms operate at optimum climatic conditions. A temperature of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius and 30 percent humidity ensure that the seed’s germination capacity is maintained, and pests cannot thrive. This allows samples to be stored safely for well over 10 years.

  • Jonas Wielert, Head of R&D Seed Processing
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    Jonas Wielert, Head of R&D Seed Processing

  • Robert Heidhues, Head of Global R&D Business Functions
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    Robert Heidhues, Head of Global R&D Business Functions

  • More than 1 million seed samples of sugarbeet, fodder beet, oil seed rape and catch crops are processed, treated and stored in the Seed Inventory. The seeds are delivered from all over the world in different shapes and sizes.
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    More than 1 million seed samples of sugarbeet, fodder beet, oil seed rape and catch crops are processed, treated and stored in the Seed Inventory. The seeds are delivered from all over the world in different shapes and sizes.

  • For processing, the seed is removed from soil, stones, stubble and plant residues. Sieving machines, wind turbines and a gravity table are available for cleaning.
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    For processing, the seed is removed from soil, stones, stubble and plant residues. Sieving machines, wind turbines and a gravity table are available for cleaning.

  • The seed is packed in small bags and brought to the warehouse of the Seed Inventory. Or, depending on the breeder's requirements, processed further and sent to one of the KWS breeding stations worldwide for sowing.
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    The seed is packed in small bags and brought to the warehouse of the Seed Inventory. Or, depending on the breeder's requirements, processed further and sent to one of the KWS breeding stations worldwide for sowing.

  • KWS attached great importance to sustainability when planning the new Seed Inventory. The waste heat from a nearby sewage treatment plant is used to supply heat. Sustainable electricity is supplied by photovoltaic modules on the roof of the building.
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    KWS attached great importance to sustainability when planning the new Seed Inventory. The waste heat from a nearby sewage treatment plant is used to supply heat. Sustainable electricity is supplied by photovoltaic modules on the roof of the building.

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Christina Schulze
Christina Schulze
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