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Answering the call of plant specialists, ARS' National Plant
Germplasm System (NPGS)
distributed more than 117,000 seeds, cuttings and other forms
of plant germplasm in 1995--30 percent overseas. And, from
1990 through 1995, the NPGS distributed 886,704 germplasm samples
to scientists and breeders in 149 countries--including 11 countries
in South America, 20 in the Caribbean and Central America, 34
in Africa, 15 in Western Asia, 16 in Europe, 11 in the South Pacific
Islands, 12 in the Southeast Asia Rim, and four in the China Sphere.
More than 200,000 of those distributions were from wild or
"landrace"
plants that may contain rare, valuable genes of interest to breeders--such
as genes for drought resistance or higher yields. The crops ranged
from the popular wheat, corn, potatoes and tomatoes to the
lesser-distributed
native American pecan. The NPGS stores seeds, cuttings and other
forms of germplasm that contain each plant's unique genes--making
the system a "genetic bank" for the world's plant diversity.
During 1990-95, the system also received 28,242 germplasm samples
from 88 countries--where, in some cases, the germplasm came from
plants that were threatened by development.
National Genetic Resources Program, Beltsville, MD
Henry Shands, (301) 504-5059
Digital cameras now record when seeds germinate--and how fast
and long the tiny roots grow. The data will help seed-bank
scientists, who need to easily and quickly identify seed in danger
of dying in storage. All seeds lose vigor during extended storage;
plants must be regrown periodically to refresh the seed supplies.
Root length is one key sign of vigor, but the current test--done
by hand--is expensive and time-consuming. The new approach uses
a germination chamber that contains a rotating carousel of 50
moist boards covered with blotter paper. Seeds are placed on the
boards to germinate. As the carousel turns, once per hour, a digital
camera records images of all the seeds' germination and root growth.
Scientists say plant breeders could use the system to select plants
with fastest growing roots and greatest vigor. This technique
also has significant potential for the seed trade industry which
seeks to market high-vigor seed.
National
Seed Storage Laboratory,
Fort Collins, CO
Phillip C. Stanwood, (970) 495-3209
(Return to Table of Contents)
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Last Modified: 02/11/2002
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