Location: Vegetable Crops Research
Project Number: 5090-21000-072-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: Mar 7, 2023
End Date: Mar 6, 2028
Objective:
Objective 1: Conduct research to develop genetic resource maintenance, evaluation, or characterization methods and, in alignment with the overall NPGS Plan, apply them to priority potato genetic resources to avoid backlogs in genetic resource and information management.
Objective 2: Acquire, distribute, and maintain the safety, genetic integrity, health, and viability of priority potato genetic resources and associated descriptive information.
Approach:
Conduct research to develop genetic resource maintenance, evaluation, or characterization methods and, in alignment with the overall NPGS Plan, apply them to priority potato genetic resources to avoid backlogs in genetic resource and information management. Make core subsets from species with many populations, or complete a related study of status and dynamics of genetic diversity in the genebank. Perform one in-house phenotypic evaluation, ideally for a new valuable trait, or for common traits from a more breeding-friendly germplasm source. Perform joint research projects with specialist collaborators to identify valuable germplasm, including making of custom samples, propagules and/or research populations. Identify in situ population locations and study valuable germplasm at sites in southwest U.S. Perform greenhouse botanical seed multiplication. Annually assess whole seed collection in terms of seed numbers and germination. Process, label, organize, and store multiplied seeds at -20C. Rely on longstanding methods to secure new seeds (at least 200 accessions per year) in storage in a way that results in maximum long-term viability. Transfer in vitro clonal collection stocks to fresh medium as needed to maintain viability. Use longstanding methods to keep the 1500 clonal collection alive and continuously available for distribution. Maintain optimal virus test schedule and records for all seeds and clones. Assess germination of all seedlots within a 5-year interval which equals at least 1200 accessions per year. Distribute data, advice, information, and germplasm efficiently to cooperators.
