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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Plant Introduction Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #209318
Title: Medicinal Plant Curation and New Crop Development Research

Author
item McCoy, Joe Ann

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Annual Appalachian Opportunities Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2007
Publication Date: 12/31/2007
Citation: Mccoy, J.H. 2007. Medicinal Plant Curation and New Crop Development Research. In: Morales, M.R., Foster, J.G., editors. Appalachian Opportunities: Plants and Plant Systems for Small Farm Product Diversification. Fifth Appalachian Opportunities Symposium, March 10, 2007, Mountain State University, Beckley, West Virginia. p. 65-68.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The NPGS is a cooperative effort by public (State and Federal) and private organizations to preserve the genetic diversity of plants by long-term storage of germplasm, primarily in the form of seeds. The mission of the NPGS includes: 1.) the conservation of diverse crop germplasm through collection and acquisition; 2.) conducting a variety of germplasm-related research; and 3.) encouraging the use of the germplasm collections and associated information for research, crop improvement and product development. Accession data is maintained via the Germplasm Resources Information Network's database (GRIN http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/). 466,173 accessions are represented in the NPGS as of 26 Feb 2006. The presentation will summarize how medicinal plant researchers can utilize the NPGS both for acquisition and long-term preservation of research collections. The collections are suitable for a wide variety of research projects ranging from ornamental breeding studies to LC/GC analysis of metabolites of interest. Examples of current research projects will be discussed. The Echinacea collection will be used as a model example of a comprehensive collection which has been preserved via the NPGS and is currently available for research purposes. Illustrations of seed and control-pollinated cage propagation methods, and facilities utilized for seed cleaning, testing and storage will also be included. In addition, methods for utilization of the GRIN database to view evaluation data, locate passport information and acquire germplasm will be provided.