Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Griffin, Georgia » Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #112748
Title: THE CASE FOR MULTIPLE-USE PLANT GERMPLASM COLLECTIONS AND A STRATEGY FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Author
item GREENE, STEPHANIE - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item Morris, John - Brad

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2001
Publication Date: 7/1/2001
Citation: Greene, S.L., Morris, J.B. The case for multiple-use plant germplasm collections and a strategy for implementation. Crop science, 2001. Crop science 41:886-892.

Interpretive Summary: The National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) was established to collect, characterize, preserve and distribute seeds of plants collected around the world. This germplasm contains the genes that are useful in developing either new or improved crops for agricultural and horticultural use. However, over the years the use of these natural resources has changed so that currently a diverse community of users utilize these resources. This paper outlines a model for establishing a more varied germplasm collection that will better meet the needs of the more diverse groups of users while conserving valuable genetic diversity.

Technical Abstract: This study was conducted to develop a model for management of germplasm collections so they serve diverse users and function as a conservation tool. The genus, "Trifolium" is used to develop such a tool. The strategy begins with defining a broad-based gene pool that is based on an expansion of the traditional crop gene pool concept. The extent of representation within pools is prioritized based upon the relative contribution expected from each pool in meeting the objectives of diverse users and plant conservation. Species and/or specific traits likely to be the focus of crop improvement or vulnerable to genetic erosion are then identified and subsets of germplasm assembled to provide a greater resolution of this type of variation. The results will be a stable, comprehensive taxonomic collection containing dynamic subsets of germplasm contributing a higher resolution of variation and meeting the specific needs of diverse users or serving to conserve vulnerable genetic diversity.