Abstract. This study evaluates and compares the seed germination capacity and viability of six crop species conserved for approximately 35 years under medium-term genebank storage conditions (–10°C and 30–40% relative humidity) at the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI). The main focus is on assessing the extent of viability changes that occurred during this long-term storage period. Using a sample of 363 accessions, the current germination percentages were compared with initial storage data to determine species-specific seed longevity. The purpose of the study is to establish how effectively these crop species retain viability over decades and to evaluate current genebank management protocols. Methods. Germination tests using 100 to 200 seeds per accession arranged in four replications, with periodic radicle and plumule emergence counts taken between 3 and 14 days after sowing. Scientific novelty. Providing critical evidence on long-term seed longevity under medium-term storage in Ethiopia’s national genebank and demonstrating that standard 5–10-year viability monitoring intervals could be safely extended for stable species, thereby optimizing conservation efficiency. Results. It was found that most accessions maintained highly stable germination capacity after 35 years, with viability changes ranging from a minor 2.1% increase in Lathyrus sativus to a significant 6.84% decline in Sorghum bicolor. The remaining species (Pisum sativum, Triticum spp., Sesamum indicum, and Linum usitatissimum) showed minimal decreases ranging from 1.13% to 3.03%, with no statistically significant effects observed. Establishing that accessions with less than a 5% viability loss do not require immediate regeneration supports the extension of monitoring intervals for stable species and highlights the need for broader investigations into additional collection longevities.

Key words: Accession, Gene-bank, Landrace, Seed viability, Storage

For citation: Habte M.T., Tilahun W.M. Evaluation of Germination Performance of Selected Crop Seeds Stored Under Medium-Term Conditions (–10 °C) at the Ethiopian National Gene Bank and Its Implications for Determining Seed Monitoring Intervals. Journal of Biological Sciences and Agriculture. 2026, Vol. 2, No. 3, рр. 99-128. https://doi.org/10.63490/3034-6797-2026-02-03-99-128

Date of receipt of the article: 02.06.2026, date of review: 18.06.2026, date of acceptance: 25.06.2026

Published: 30.06.2026 г.

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