Mission:
To conduct basic and applied research with the ultimate goal of improving the longterm preservation of all forms of plant germplasm. Develop basic information on deterioration/degeneration of plant germplasm, including longevity and genetic stability under various storage conditions. Determine mechanisms of injury, and alleviation/repair of injury resulting from exposure of plant germplasm to desiccation and low temperature. Develop new methodologies for preservation of all forms of plant germplasm including seeds, pollen, meristems, and cell cultures. Develop new technologies for evaluating viability/vigor of seed and other forms of plant germplasm and reinvigoration of deteriorated germplasm.