Location: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-21000-280-007-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 16, 2014
End Date: Jun 15, 2019
Objective:
Provide support to the Plant Exchange Office (PEO) plant exploration program by making arrangements with botanists in countries other than the United States to document and collect plant genetic resources for the US National Plant Germplasm System, and support the PEO taxonomic research program by assigning and administratively supporting a qualified taxonomist to this project.
Approach:
Specific germplasm needs for the US NPGS, will be identified by the USDA/ARS/NGRL/Plant Exchange Office (PEO). The Research Leader and Curator of the Woody Landscape Plant Germplasm Repository (WLPGR) at the US National Arboretum may also identify specific germplasm needs for their program for collection through this agreement. The PI at Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) will identify and work with qualified botanists in the desired countries to obtain proposals; funds for the approved proposals will be added to the SCA. ARS/PEO will monitor the collection activities and communicate directly with the field botanists. The Cooperator will assist with the communications between PEO and the field botanists when necessary. All plant collections will be conducted in compliance with national and international laws and treaties affecting the acquisition and exchange of plant genetic resources.
The Cooperator will provide for each targeted crop: 1) an evaluation of the overall phylogenetic classification of the crop and its relatives, by means of a thorough review of recent taxonomic literature, and 2) an evaluation of the crop’s wild relative gene pool members, through a review of the plant genetics, plant breeding, or other crop science literature. Upon completion, a summary of the classification data will be provided to the GRIN Taxonomist for review and any necessary adjustments to the classification will be made by the Cooperator.
