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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » National Germplasm Resources Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #391532
Research Project: Develop, Enhance, and Operate GRIN-Global and Other Genetic Resource Information Systems to Support the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System and Other USDA-ARS Genetic Resource Collections

Location: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory

Title: The U.S. National Plant Germplasm System...Preserves Genetic Diversity for All People for All Time

Author
item Kinard, Gary
item Bassil, Nahla
item Hummer, Kim
item Reinhold Aboosaie, Lauri
item Aradhya, Mallikarjuna
item Smith, Jenny
item Kluepfel, Daniel
item Galarneau, Erin
item Gutierrez, Benjamin

Submitted to: Fruit Gardener
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2022
Publication Date: 3/15/2022
Citation: Kinard, G.R., Bassil, N.V., Hummer, K.E., Reinhold, L.A., Aradhya, M.K., Smith, J.L., Kluepfel, D.A., Galarneau, E.R., Gutierrez, B.L. 2022. The U.S. National Plant Germplasm System...Preserves Genetic Diversity for All People for All Time. Fruit Gardener. March and April 2022/page 12-15.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) is a cooperative effort to promote the collection, conservation, documentation, and utilization of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The NPGS is managed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Many partners assist the NPGS in these activities, most notably land grant universities that provide infrastructural and operational support for many of the 20 genebank locations. Extensive collections of horticultural and specialty crops are a strength of the NPGS. Deciduous temperate fruit crops are curated primarily at genebanks in Corvallis, OR; Davis, CA; and Geneva, NY. Distributing germplasm, free of charge, to requestors with an appropriate justification and, as required, the necessary permits is a primary objective of the NPGS. Requests for germplasm from members of serious hobbyist and specialty growing organizations can be especially challenging to evaluate. We recognize that such organizations are frequently partners in conserving and making available unique germplasm, especially for heritage or heirloom cultivars where the NPGS cannot curate all of them. This article provides guidance and suggestions for members of California Rare Fruit Growers when requesting germplasm from the NPGS.