Program for plant germplasm preservation in the United States: the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System

Abstract

The United States’ National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) coordinates Federal, State, and private sector efforts to collect, maintain, and preserve plant germplasm for potential use in the improvement of crops used in agriculture and industry. The NPGS accomplishes its functions by use of specialized units organized to provide operational, advisory, and administrative support. Base and working collections of all important crop plants in the U.S. are maintained as seed, whole plants, or plant parts in special facilities. These collections are evaluated, enhanced, and distributed under policies that assure accessibility, genetic integrity, and long-term security. The NPGS is supported by research programs to enhance use of genetic diversity and to develop safe and economical methods of alternative preservation. The Germplasm Resources Information Network, a centralized national information repository, is a source of readily available information about NPGS collections. The NPGS maintains active relations with the international plant germplasm system through exchanges of genetic materials and serves as a backup repository for international collections of maize, rice and other crops.