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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Plant Introduction Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #239595
Title: The NCRPIS - Providing Diverse Plant Genetic Resources for Worldwide Research and Development

Author
item Erickson, Maria
item Pfiffner, Lisa
item Burke, Lisa
item Kovach, David
item Widrlechner, Mark
item Gardner, Candice

Submitted to: Association of Official Seed Analysts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/20/2009
Publication Date: 5/15/2009
Citation: Erickson, M.G., Pfiffner, L.A., Burke, L.A., Kovach, D.A., Widrlechner, M.P., Gardner, C.A. 2009. The NCRPIS - Providing Diverse Plant Genetic Resources for Worldwide Research and Development [abstract]. Association of Official Seed Analysts, Seed Technology Newsletter. 83(2):18.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) is an active plant genebank of the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Dedicated to conserving and providing plant genetic resources and valuable information to researchers worldwide, the NPGS is a network of federal and state institutions and research units coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). The NCRPIS was established as the first Plant Introduction Station in 1948 in Ames, Iowa in cooperation with Iowa State University. Today, the NCRPIS collections contain over 1,400 different plant species and ca. 50,000 accessions of crop cultivars, elite lines, landraces, populations, and wild and weedy crop relatives (valuable sources of genetic diversity). Our poster will present an overview of these collections and the personnel who curate and conserve them. Our mission includes acquisition and conservation of genetically diverse crop germplasm and associated information, characterization, evaluation, distribution, enhancement and education. Plant germplasm is collected, regenerated, stored under controlled conditions, monitored for viability, and distributed to researchers and educators worldwide. Accessions with ample seed quantities are backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation (NCGRP) in Ft. Collins, CO. Where applicable, NCRPIS collection viability is monitored according to AOSA seed testing rules in our AOSA-certified laboratory under the supervision of an AOSA-certified CSA. The lack of standardized viability-testing protocols for many species necessitates a prioritized, collaborative approach to germination research. We conduct research that supports conservation activities, crop improvement and germplasm utilization to meet a wide array of objectives. The expertise of our NCGRP research partners is important to achieving these objectives.