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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mayaguez, Puerto Rico » Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research » Research » Research Project #444005

Research Project: Seed Increase, Evaluation, and Phytosanitary Assessment of Tropically-Adapted Genetic Resources

Location: Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research

2023 Annual Report


Objectives
1. Maintain the safety, genetic integrity, health, and viability of priority genetic resources through seed increases and release of quarantined NPGS accessions of grain genetic resources. 2. Generate phenotypic evaluation and morphological characterization data for genetic resources cultivated for regeneration and/or release from quarantine and incorporate those data into the GRIN-Global information management system.


Approach
Select and treat seed for freedom of signs and symptoms of pathogens; conduct annual disease surveys; inspect and verify status of plants (PPQ); grow quarantined and/or photoperiod-sensitive crops, report new diseases, maintain low pest levels, bag heads prior to anthesis; identify diseases and take regulatory action; record key descriptor information for entry into Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), harvest seed and examine for disease symptoms; and return seed to National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS).


Progress Report
This is the first report for the project 6090-21000-060-000D which began in February 2023 and replaces project 6090-21000-056-000D. Initial progress has been made through planting of the tropical maize materials. Planting and characterization of finger millet, cowpea, cucurbits, Ipomoea will be initiated in September 2023 according to plans.


Accomplishments