Our objectives are to:
· expand our endeavours in plant germplasm conservation, through research into the biology and cryostorage of recalcitrant seeds, and ultimately to establish a cryobanking facility of unquestionable quality (noting that there is no such facility on this continent, and only a small number world-wide);
· continue research to optimise techniques enabling the ex situ conservation and propagation of recalcitrant species in the South African, and wider African, context;
· include in the programme, germplasm of economically-important species (particularly relevant to the muthi [traditional medicine] trade). Consequently, we aim to be able to supply planting resources for the rescue and re-introduction of endangered recalcitrant-seeded species;
· cryostore products of genetic modification;
· continue the production and research training of graduates from South Africa and other African countries and elsewhere;
· disseminate appropriate technology