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ARS scientists, researchers, and support staff across the country continue to work through this challenging time. Researchers and technicians at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Davis, CA, are pruning hedges of grapes, kiwifruit, and other fruits to maintain the health of the plants and safety of the National collection. The Repository maintains the second largest collection of grapes in the world, as well as kiwifruit and other fruits, which are distributed to the scientific community for genetic research.

Researchers and technicians at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Davis, CA, are pruning hedges of grapes, kiwifruit, and other fruits to maintain the health of the plants and safety of the National collection. Shown here: 1) Horticulturist Bernie Prins prunes grapes, and 2) Research Technician Jeff Moersfelder prunes kiwifruit. The Repository maintains the second largest collection of grapes in the world, with about 3,400 accessions. The wild grape species are being used by scientists as a source of important traits, such as disease and pest resistance, and unique flavor profiles. The Repository maintains the kiwifruit genetics as plants in the ground because the plants do not breed true from seeds. The fruit grown here is distributed to the scientific community for genetic research.