Mission:
The mission of the National Germplasm Repository for Citrus and Dates is to collect, maintain, evaluate, preserve, and distribute germplasm of citrus, dates, and related Aurantioideae genera and Phoenix species. The achievement of this goal involves: 1) acquisition of the widest possible genetic diversity within citrus and dates to reduce genetic vulnerability in the future, 2) testing and treatment of accessions for pathogenic organisms, 3) maintenance of accessions in a protected, pest-free environment, 4) genetic, horticultural, and physiological characterization and evaluation of accessions, 5) establishment of an informational record for each accession covering acquisition, inventory, evaluation, and gene descriptor data, 6) distribution of pathogen-free germplasm to qualified researchers throughout the world, and 7) research into improved methods of collection, evaluation, propagation, preservation, and distribution.