ARS | Publication request: Collecting in Central Asia: National Plant Germplasm System Plant Explorations

Submitted to: Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 13, 2010
Publication Date: August 2, 2010
Citation: Hellier, B.C. 2010. Collecting in Central Asia: National Plant Germplasm System Plant Explorations. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Conference Abstract.

Interpretive Summary: This was an oral presentation in the Genetics and Germplasm Working Group workshop titled “Horticultural Value of Wild Genetic Resources.” The USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System is charged with the preservation of economically important crop plants and their wild relatives. Curators in the System strive to develop collections capturing the genetic diversity of each species. One mechanism for filling gaps in collections is through plant exploration. The process of NPGS plant germplasm exploration will be discussed using examples from collection missions in Central Asia. The 2007 exploration for Taraxacum kok-saghyz will be used a specific case study.

Technical Abstract: The USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System is charged with the preservation of economically important crop plants and their wild relatives. Curators in the System strive to develop collections capturing the genetic diversity of each species. One mechanism for filling gaps in collections is through plant exploration. The process of NPGS plant germplasm exploration will be discussed using examples from collection missions in Central Asia. The 2007 exploration for Taraxacum kok-saghyz will be used a specific case study.