Author
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Widrlechner, Mark |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: In 1991, the USDA/ARS North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station made available for distribution 129 accessions of germplasm representing 31 genera of herbaceous ornamentals. This number increased to 329 accessions of 42 genera by 1995. During 1991-1995, more than 500 seed packets were distributed to fulfill requests for these plants received from public and private researchers. Analysis of this demand together with expert advice from Crop Germplasm Committees and technical considerations, such as ease of culture and seed production, can help set priorities for germplasm regeneration to meet future demand. A recent analysis of demand at U.S. National Plant Germplasm System sites indicated that demand between 0.23 and 0.97 distributions per available accession per year was typical. Of 42 ornamental genera analyzed, nine were demanded more frequently than is typical, ten were demanded less frequently, with others in the typical range. In order of increasing frequency, the nine genera with the highest distribution rates were Verbena, Gypsophila, Echinacea, Lapeirousia, Delphinium, Cerastium, Baptisia, Lilium, and Tanacetum. Six of these genera are represented only by a single available accession. Notably, Echinacea and Tanacetum are of research interest both as ornamentals and as medicinal/industrial crops. |
