THE ROLE OF THE GRIN DATABASE IN PROMOTING STABILIZATION OF ECONOMIC PLANT NAMES

Abstract

The taxonomic portion of the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service provides the scientific nomenclature for ca. 450,000 accessions of the National Plant Germplasm System. Most plants of agronomic or horticultural importance are represented among these accessions. Recently, we have extended coverage to many other plants of economic importance throughout the world, such as poisonous plants, ornamentals, weeds, and medicinal or rare plants, not represented among germplasm accessions. GRIN Taxonomy now provides accurate scientific names for nearly 36,000 species of vascular plants. For nearly two decades USDA botanists have surveyed the botanical literature and compiled extensive data relating to nomenclature, synonymy, classification, distribution, economic uses, and common names, and a bibliography of taxonomic resources for the included plants. Since 1994 these data have been freely available to internet users, and about a thousand queries are now answered daily. Direct consultation for complex nomenclatural issues is also often provided. Many agricultural organizations rely on GRIN Taxonomy as a dependable source of accurate scientific names. Included among these are international seed-testing organizations, which have used GRIN Taxonomy to promote stabilization of nomenclature in the seed industry.