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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Plant Introduction Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #198563
Title: PRESERVATION OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS

Author
item McCoy, Joe Ann

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/9/2006
Publication Date: 10/14/2006
Citation: Mccoy, J.H. 2006. Preservation of medicinal and aromatic crops [abstract]. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference. p. 5

Interpretive Summary: This presentation will both illustrate and summarize how medicinal plant researchers can utilize the NCRPIS collection. The collections have been utilized for a wide variety of research projects ranging from ornamental breeding studies to LC/GC analysis of metabolites of interest. Current research projects will be discussed along with resulting peer reviewed publications. The Echinacea collection will be used as a model example of a comprehensive collection available for research purposes. Illustrations of seed and control-pollinated cage propagation methods, and facilities utilized for seed cleaning, testing and storage will also be included. In addition, instructions on how to use the GRIN database to view evaluation data and acquire germplasm will be provided.

Technical Abstract: The NPGS is a cooperative effort by public (State and Federal) and private organizations to preserve the genetic diversity of plants by long-term storage of germplasm, primarily in the form of seeds. The mission of the NPGS includes: 1.) the conservation of diverse crop germplasm through collection and acquisition; 2.) conducting a variety of germplasm-related research; and 3.) encouraging the use of the germplasm collections and associated information for research, crop improvement and product development. Accession data is maintained via the Germplasm Resources Information Network's database (GRIN http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/). 466,173 accessions are represented in the NPGS as of 26 Feb 2006. This presentation will summarize how medicinal plant researchers can utilize the NCRPIS. The collections are suitable for a wide variety of research projects ranging from ornamental breeding studies to LC/GC analysis of metabolites of interest. Examples of current research projects will be discussed. The Echinacea collection will be used as a model example of a comprehensive collection available for research purposes. Illustrations of seed and control-pollinated cage propagation methods, and facilities utilized for seed cleaning, testing and storage will also be included. In addition, instructions on how to use the GRIN database to view evaluation data and acquire germplasm will be provided.