The Australian Pastures Genebank: unlocking native genetic resources for rangeland restoration and research

Abstract

Australian rangelands are subject to increasing climatic variability and declining pasture condition, necessitating improved resilience and productivity with minimal reliance on external inputs. The Australian Pastures Genebank (APG) serves as the national centre for pasture and forage genetic resources, conserving the biodiversity vital to Australia’s agricultural and rangeland systems. Within its collection, the APG has identified 2,675 native accessions representing 407 species, including 1,828 that are georeferenced with precise latitude and longitude data. This collection of native seeds is unique, with no duplication in other international genebanks, providing a foundation for research, restoration, and sustainable pasture development. Germplasm held in the APG were linked to a curated, native-only dataset derived from historical pasture evaluation trials across 48 sites in Queensland, the Northern Territory and New South Wales. The dataset includes observations of establishment, persistence, drought tolerance, grazing response and biomass production. Integration of germplasm resources with historical datasets provides a resource for targeted evaluation under current climatic conditions. By combining conservation, data sharing, and applied research, the APG supports national and international work in rangeland restoration and the advancement of climate-resilient agriculture.