ARS | Publication request: The Tropical and Subtropical Germplasm Repositories of The National Germplasm System

Submitted to: Hortscience Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 25, 2008
Publication Date: July 25, 2008
Citation: Ayala Silva, T., Schnell Ii, R.J., Meerow, A.W., Goenaga, R.J., Irish, B.M. 2008. The Tropical and Subtropical Germplasm Repositories of The National Germplasm System. Hortscience Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: Germplasm collections are viewed as a source of hereditary diversity to maintain crop improvement and agricultural research, and germplasm management efforts. The United States Department of Agriculture's National Plant Germplasm Repository System (NPGS) is responsible for the control of plant genetic resources in the United States and its territories. We considers the fruits and nuts collections (germplasm) held by some of the clonal germplasm repositories. They are the Subtropical Horticultural Research Station (SHRS) in Miami, FL ( '5000 accessions), the Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) Mayaguez, PR ( '800 accessions). The NPGS research programs are dedicated to respond to problems that help curators maintain and administer genetic resources in a more thriving and cost-efficient approach. The assessment, characterization and research on safekeeping of these plants are confered here.

Technical Abstract: Germplasm collections are viewed as a source of genetic diversity to support crop improvement and agricultural research, and germplasm conservation efforts. The United States Department of Agriculture's National Plant Germplasm Repository System (NPGS) is responsible for administering plant genetic resources in the United States and its territories. Our paper considers the fruits and nuts collections (Genetic resources) held by two of the subtropical and tropical clonal germplasm repositories. They are the Subtropical Horticultural Research Station (SHRS) in Miami, FL (' 5000 accessions), the Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) Mayaguez, PR (' 800 accessions). The NPGS research programs are dedicated to respond to problems that help curators safeguard and administer genetic resources in a more successful and cost-efficient approach. Also, the evaluation, characterization and research on safeguarding these collections are discussed here.