Location: Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU)
Project Number: 8060-21000-034-033-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2021
End Date: Aug 31, 2024
Objective:
The objective of this agreement is to facilitate the establishment of the USDA-ARS hemp germplasm collection in Geneva, New York, while strengthening hemp research and educational capacity at Alabama A&M University.
1. Establish capacity and infrastructure for evaluation, characterization, and seed increase of the USDA National Plant Germplsm System (NPGS) hemp germplasm collection.
2. Develop and apply collaborative hemp phenotyping protocols for evaluation and characterization of hemp genetic resources for addition to the USDA Germplasm Resource Information Network (GRIN)-Global hemp database.
3. Establish educational resources to enhance and intensify hemp education and research objectives at 1890 institutions.
Approach:
For achieving Objective 1, ARS will work with the partnering institution to establish resources needed for hemp germplasm evaluation, characterization, and population-level seed increase by providing protocols, germplasm processing equipment, and germplasm.
2. For achieving Objective 2, ARS will establish protocols for growing hemp in field, greenhouses and growth rooms. Appropriate field and greenhouse spaces at Alabama A&M will be identified and upgraded, if necessary, for growing and securing the crop. Light and temperature-controlled plant growth chambers will be modified for accommodating specific research needs, such as isolation for seed propagation.
3. For achieving Objective 3, ARS will work with partnering institution to develop coursework modules, a bi-monthly seminar series, and student led research projects that increase educational, developmental, and research opportunities in hemp science.
