Balqa, July 28 (Petra) -- The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) has launched an advanced regional training program on the use of nuclear radiation in seed sterilization and preservation, in cooperation with the Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA) and the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC).

The program, which runs from July 26 to 30, 2026, brings together researchers and specialists from Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Syria, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania and Sudan. Engineer Maisoon Ababneh coordinates it.

The training aims to strengthen the capacities of seed bank personnel and enhance Arab cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear technologies for conserving plant genetic resources.

NARC Acting Director General Zakaria Musallam said peaceful nuclear applications play an important role in improving the efficiency of seed banks, safeguarding biodiversity and preserving genetic resources that support scientific research, plant breeding, sustainable agricultural production and food security.

Tareq Al-Maghribi, AAEA representative, said the program forms part of the agency's efforts to build technical capacity, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and strengthen joint Arab scientific cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Acting Director of the National Seed Bank Khaldoun Al-Sane stressed the importance of investing in shared Arab expertise and knowledge to address challenges facing the agricultural sector and improve the efficiency of seed banks in preserving plant genetic resources.

The program covers the application of nuclear radiation in seed treatment, sterilization and preservation, seed quality testing, plant breeding, biotechnology and genetic resource management through lectures, hands-on training sessions and field visits led by experts and specialists.

Organizers said the initiative also serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and best practices while promoting cooperation among participating institutions to support the conservation of plant genetic resources and expand the use of peaceful nuclear technologies in advancing sustainable agricultural development across the Arab region.

//Petra// AF