Duration: 10/01/2008 to 09/30/2013

Administrative Advisor(s):

NIFA Reps:

Non-Technical Summary

Statement of Issues and Justification

Statement of Issues and Justification
The Need: America's abundant and inexpensive supply of food and fiber is based on a productive and progressive agricultural system. The foundation for this productivity has been based on scientific knowledge and exploitation of useful genetic diversity for developing new, higher quality cultivars that can resist pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Genetic uniformity of modern cultivars results in a noteworthy lack of genetic diversity with the potential attendant susceptibility to new pest and abiotic stresses. The genes that are needed to provide a continued flow of new varieties that produce higher yields with better quality, and better withstand pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses can only come from diverse plant germplasm. Most of the food crops important in the American diet have their origin in other parts of the world. Genetic diversity of plant species has evolved in centers of origin wherever this has occurred in the world. This source of different genes continues to be essential for plant breeders and other scientists to breed new varieties that are important to American consumers today. The diversity of genes in currently used varieties in the United States does not represent the full genetic diversity that exists among landraces and wild species available in centers of origin. The germplasm collections at the National Plant Germplasm System represent an important repository of such germplasm for crop improvement. Additionally, the diversity of genes already in collections available in the United States still need further characterization to be more useful to breeders and other scientists, and they must be forever conserved in our gene banks. This is especially true with new restrictions on overseas germplasm access that have developed in the past few years. Many northeastern State Agricultural Experiment Stations (SAESs) have research and extension responsibilities for these valuable commodities. The vegetable crops maintained at Geneva account for about 46% of the value of U.S. production and the fruit crops account for 53% of the value of production of fruit trees and vines.

Proposed Objectives: 1) Acquire, maintain/regenerate, characterize, document, and distribute plant genetic resources for use in the Northeast, the United States, and the World while ensuring the identity of each accession as to species (or hybrid) and cultivar; 2) Determine the basis for and the extent of genetic variations, the geographic distribution of cultivated species, and their taxonomic relationships with closely related species and to determine the genetic mechanisms controlling the inheritance of important traits; 3) Characterize/evaluate accessions for specific traits, including high-priority traits such as nutritional content of fruits and vegetables; 4) Combine genes from diverse sources into germplasm more useful to plant breeders and to breed, release, maintain, and evaluate improved germplasm and cultivars. Note: Objectives 3-4 require the cooperation of collaborators. Forging the links between PGRU and reliable and productive cooperators should be viewed as part of these objectives.

Importance of the Work: Previous and current versions of this project (NE009) have made considerable contributions to the vegetable and fruit industry through provision of the basic genetic material for maintaining and improving productivity of these crops through development of improved varieties of vegetables and fruits with higher and more stable yield, disease and insect resistance, and improved quality. In the past five years, this project has acquired 925 new accessions of rare or endangered samples of germplasm for incorporation into the NE-9 collections. Many of these accessions are native to parts of the world where natural habitats are being destroyed as populations increase and move into underdeveloped lands. The NE-9 project currently maintains 8,400 accessions of rare and valuable fruit crops such as apple (6072), grape (1324), and tart cherries (104). The clonally-propagated apples and cherry accessions are backed up in cryogenic storage based on protocols developed with the USDA, ARS, NCGRP in Fort Collins, CO. Also maintained are 12,589 accessions of vegetable crops such as tomato, onion, cabbage and other cole crops, and a number of smaller collections including asparagus, celery, buckwheat, etc. Without the acquisition and maintenance of this material, erosion of habitats in centers of origin of these and other important crops would surely result in extinction of much or most of this important genetically diverse material that has evolved over millions of years. While maintaining the germplasm, scientists working on this project also characterize it for useful traits to make the material more readily usable by plant breeders and others who request accessions from the collections. During the last five years of the NE-9 project, 22,207 seed samples were distributed for the vegetable crops and 39,418 samples of budwood, cuttings, pollen, DNA as well as seed of wild species for the fruit crops. These samples have been sent from 9,407 accessions of vegetable crops and 3,779 accessions of fruit crops.

Technical Feasibility and Value of a Multi-state Project: Acquisition, conservation, and characterization of germplasm collections are activities that by their nature are best done at a central location rather than be done by individual states, which would result in inefficient duplication of efforts. An integrated team approach involving state partners and the Plant Genetic Resources Unit allows for an efficient conservation of germplasm while plant breeders and other scientists from individual states take the lead in characterization, especially for important quality and pest resistance traits. Utilization of germplasm for crop improvement by geneticists at individual state experiment stations capitalizes on the genetic resources and evaluation information maintained by the Plant Genetic Resources Unit.

Impact: Genes acquired from the NE-9 collection will be used to breed disease-resistant varieties of crops, thereby stabilizing production and reducing dependency on agricultural pesticides, increasingly important with the rapid emergence of exotic diseases. The collections will be used as sources of resistance to environmental stresses, such as high temperatures that reduces fruit set. With the increasing public acceptance of the relationship between diet and health, many of the plant species in the NE-9 collection are increasingly being studied for health-promoting phytochemicals they contain that are extremely important in the human diet to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other threats to human health. Finally, maximizing the use of available germplasm at the PGRU will help to keep U.S. producers competitive in a world marketplace where there is now 'One World' competitiveness within agriculture.

Related, Current and Previous Work

The Regional Research Project NE-9 partially supports and complements service and research activities encompassed within the scope of the responsibilities at Geneva. Despite similarity among missions at locations, unique regional interests as well as crop responsibilities determine the specific efforts of a location. The major crops supported by the Regional Research Project NE-9 are onion, vegetable Crucifers (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc.), winter squash, tomato, apple, tart cherry, and cold-hardy grape. Responsibility for United States national germplasm collections of these crops lies solely at Geneva.

Most crops of commercial significance in the northeastern U.S. are of exotic origin. NE-9 support has enabled the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, and other federal agencies, the Agricultural Experiment Stations of the 12 northeastern states and the District of Columbia, and other cooperators, to engage in a coordinated effort to conserve and utilize plant genetic resources. The continued demand for plant genetic resources underscores the importance of maintaining collections which preserve the vast reservoirs of genes needed to fulfill the plant and agricultural research activities so critical to the economic well-being of the northeastern U.S. and other regions of the United States. The central issue is how well each collection represents the diversity of each genus in nature and how it succeeds in meeting the needs of the user community. Therefore, qualitative factors supersede the need for sheer quantity of accessions. In this plan, those qualitative factors are addressed that maximize: 1) the ability to define and fill gaps in the collection; 2) development of characterization and evaluation data sets on each accession that are readily accessible, and the use of new research tools to refine the collection not only by adding to the collection, but also by eliminating redundancy; and 3) collaboration with the user community to enhance utilization of the collection. With the actual or potential loss of some of our most effective herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, the need for novel sources of resistance or tolerance genes will increase. Furthermore, changing landscapes, urbanization, irrigation, and other habitat changes increase the need for plants having tolerances to more stressful environments.

Acquisition:
In a survey by the General Accounting Office (1997), all 40 Crop Germplasm Committees (CGCs) stated that acquisition of additional germplasm is a moderately to extremely important activity and about one-half of the CGCs reported that wild and weedy relatives are under-represented in germplasm collections. We agree that judicious additions to all of PGRU's collections are needed. Because of changes in the international political climate as well as ramifications of the Convention on Biological Diversity, continued plant exploration and exchange is needed. PGRU in cooperation with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) also needs to take an active role in developing improved quarantine procedures for both import and export of germplasm. This was an area that the GAO Survey (1997) also highlighted as needing additional attention.

Significant accomplishments in the period 2003-2008 include:

-Extensive morphological characterization of the 3000 wild Malus seedlings from collections from 1993-1999. We added these as new accessions nearly doubling the listing for Malus on GRIN. Most of these are M. sieversii seedlings from collections in Kazakhstan. Those with unique phenotypic and genotypic traits will be grafted to EMLA 7 rootstock and added to the permanent collection.

-In November 2003 a collection expedition to Mexico for tomatillo was conducted. The mission added 107 accessions of tomatillo to the germplasm collection, which previously contained only 21 accessions. This addition of germplasm will provide a basis for newly emerging crop improvement programs for this crop.

-During 2004 and 2006, 56 accessions of collards from the southern United States were added to the Brassica germplasm collection.

-100 accessions of buckwheat were transferred from the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation and incorporated into the Geneva collection with PI numbers.

-750 accessions of tomato from the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation were transferred and incorporated into the Geneva collections with PI numbers

-In 2007, 30 new accessions of collards from the southern United States were added to the Brassica germplasm collection

-We received 48 new tetraploid cherry accessions from the former cherry breeding program at Cornell University as well as those in the final transfer from the Clonal Repository in Davis, CA. Some additional interspecific hybrids were recently introduced from collections in Europe (Iezzoni, 2005).

-In addition to the documenting the wild apple seedlings as separate accessions, we added 180 more apple accessions. Included in these were: 1) 50 accessions that came through the quarantine program in Beltsville, MD; 2) In a collaborative evaluation program with J. Luby of the University of Minnesota, 95 M. sieversii accessions were added. These were superior seedlings selected from the evaluation of 1800 M. sieversii seedlings that were grown and observed in Minnesota over the last 10 years; 3) 16 seed lots of M. orientalis from Armenia and Georgia which adds diversity for that species that was previously collected in Russia and Turkey; and 4) 20 seed lots representing four Malus species from Sichuan China collected there in 1997.

-We produced 7 new accessions (seed populations of 'Gala' X scab resistant M. sieversii clones) that are being used to study the genetics of apple scab resistance. Correlation of the markers with phenotype indicated some M. sieversii parents likely had known resistance genes but exhibited patterns suggesting they also contained novel resistance loci. Two of the seven populations are being used as mapping populations for fire blight, apple scab and drought resistance.

-Establishment of the research evaluation quarantine block for evaluation of grape germplasm at Geneva in 1998 allows for postponement of sanitation of the grapevines until the potential utility is determined. This work is in conjunction with the grape breeding program at Cornell University. Of the 25 accessions introduced from 1998-2003 four of these accessions are showing excellent qualities for introduction. Six more were introduced from foreign sources in 2006.

-Sixty new grape accessions were received and 40 of these were from the Elmer Swenson breeding program at the University of Minnesota. After his death, Mr. Tom Plocher characterized his collection and provided that diverse material for PGRU establishment. These accessions reflect the 'Swenson legacy' with some very unique, mostly cold-hardy lines that have excellent potential for utilization in breeding.

-One somewhat unusual grape accession was added, in that it consists of nearly 200 distinct genotypes. GVIT 1668 is a cross of GVIT 1666 'Horizon' by GVIT 1667 'Ill 547-1'. Horizon is a white wine grape that is a hybrid resulting from the cross 'Seyval' x 'Schuyler'. It has a very complex pedigree that includes the European wine grape 'Zinfandel' as well as several American species in its background. 547-1 is a V. rupestris x V. cineria cross that is resistant to powdery mildew. Together, there are at least five grape species represented in the pedigree for the GVIT 1668 cross. The purpose of the cross is to serve as a mapping population for genetic studies in grape and for molecular marker development.

-In 2006 we collected 220 wild Vitis accessions from SE U.S. (11 species) as cuttings or plants, seeds and 125 additional genotypes for DNA analysis only. Plant material was sent to Geneva, NY, propagated/processed and sent as cuttings or seed to the Davis, CA repository.

Maintenance, regeneration, and characterization:
Accessions having little or no characterization, evaluation, or passport data tend not to be ordered for use by cooperators. Furthermore, accessions lacking adequate numbers of seeds cannot be securely backed up at the NCGRP. For seed accessions, both secure backup and characterization are dependent upon regeneration activities. Plans for regeneration and NCGRP backup of the major seed collections are in place, as are plans for further evaluation studies of clonal crops. Regeneration of our Cucurbit collection could be made more efficient by the acquisition of larger pollination cages, which would obviate the need for labor-intensive hand pollinations. More attention should be paid to Geneva's minor seed crops, such as buckwheat (an important crop in Japan and a crop for which we have a breeder/researcher at Geneva, Thomas Bjorkman), artichoke, and radish. These three crops are particularly in need of regeneration. Core subsets need to be established for some of the major seed crops, winter squash, vegetable Crucifers and Allium onion. The entire apple collection of approximately 2600 accessions must be repropagated on fire blight tolerant rootstock EMLA7.


Significant accomplishments in the period 2003-2008 include:

-General, geographical, and diversity core collections of tomato were established based on Villand et al. (1998) and have been incorporated into the SOL CAP proposal (http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/tomato/SOLCAP.htm). Core collections have also been established for apple (Forsline, 1996), and grape. These core collections have been established using strategies as discussed by Brown (1989) and Kresovich et al. (1995).

-The apple core collection (Hokanson et al., 1998 and 2001) was expanded from 195 accessions to 257 with additions of well-characterized wild species that were collected from 1993 to 1999.

-Increased availability of seed crops from 60% to 75% accomplished from 1998 through 2008 through 3446 regenerations (nearly 2000 in the past five years), while increasing the size of the collections by 1200 accessions.

-Maintained a routine system for monitoring of seed viability for the vegetable crops to ensure that high quality seed is always available.

-Added over 1200 backups at Ft. Collins for the tomato germplasm collection, which is now currently 99% backed up at Ft. Collins.

-Completed characterization of 424 tomato, 533 onion, 253 squash, including adding 1945 digital images of fruit and foliage.

-The entire radish collection (630 accessions) was digitally imaged for roots by Dr. Philip Griffiths through an SCA with PGRU.

-Used an SCA with New Mexico State University in Las Cruces for regeneration of short-day onions to ensure long-term availability of this germplasm.

-Initiated a new three-year Trust Fund Agreement with University of California-Davis to support the Tomato Genetic Resources Collection of unique wild and genetic stock tomato accessions.

-Supported through an SCA the screening of the TGRC and Geneva L. peruvianum germplasm collections which discovered a number of new sources of resistance to the TSWV that overcomes the Sw-5 resistance gene.

-No sources of resistance to Bacterial speck race 1 were found in 212 wild tomato germplasm accessions from TGRC in a SCA supported screening effort.

-Supported through an SCA the screening of the Geneva and Ames Brassica germplasm collections for resistance to black rot with a total of 4084 accessions screened, representing 125 species belonging to 23 genera. Of the 4084 accessions, 561 were identified for a re-test. The majority of the accessions showing resistance following this re-test with race 1 were mustard species, in particular B. juncea. Of 353 B. juncea accessions re-tested at least 323 were determined to have resistance, additionally 5 B. carinata and 4 B. nigra accessions were determined to be resistant. This result was consistent with prior research which has identified Xcc resistance in B-genome crucifers.

-The entire Physalis philadelphica collection from the Mexico collection mission was characterized and evaluated for self-fertility resulting in finding high self fertility in approximately 7 accessions of tomatillo.

-Barcode labels on all plants in the orchards and vineyards have been installed, reducing typographical errors and making data collection more reliable and efficient.

-Cryopreservation in apple is nearly complete with 2330 accessions backed up (Towill, et al. 2004). At present >95% of the clonal collection is backed up and 70% of cherry accessions (Towill and Forsline, 1999) are now in cryopreservation at the USDA-ARS, NCGRP.

-Repropagation of the entire clonal collection of apple (> 2500 accessions) apple to EMLA 7 rootstock for superior control of fire blight has been completed.

-3000 seedlings from Russia, Turkey and Europe have been screened for resistant reactions to apple scab, fire blight, and cedar-apple rust. (Forsline and Aldwinckle, 2002 and Forsline, 2005).

-Refined the wild apple collection in collaboration with NCGRP (Volk et al., 2005) using morphological data and SSR markers. In the initial project, core collections were identified that represent two of the sites where the seeds were collected in Kazakhstan. Using these core individuals in a crossing scheme, 50,653 additional seeds were produced for long-term storage.

-A book was completed and 100 copies distributed to collaborators. It is a translation of Kazakh apple studies along with the work of collection and evaluation of apple from Kazakhstan (Forsline et al., 2003)

-Resources have been organized and work is well underway on a very large project to genetically fingerprint every plant in the NPGS grape collection - both at Geneva and at Davis. The two locations are closely coordinated to generate SSR profiles for at least eight (up to 20) SSR loci for each plant using the same marker sets.

-Fingerprinting of the apple collection has also begun.

Documentation:
The Genetic Resources Information Network (GRIN) National Database is the focal point for PGRU germplasm information documentation. Accessions, inventory, order, and characterization data are continually updated to provide the most current PGRU information possible. A major effort was also started to produce digital images of all crops at various stages of development to show their characteristics which are then uploaded to the GRIN National Database where they may be accessed via the Internet.

Significant accomplishments in the period 2003-2008 include:

-80% of the 2400 apple clones have been characterized for 30 descriptors with digital images completed on fruit samples for 50%. In addition, 750 of the 3000 wild Malus seedlings have been characterized with 530 having digital images completed.

-90% of the grape collection has been characterized for 15 descriptors with 414 accessions having digital images completed.

-35% of the cherries have been characterized for 12 descriptors as well as having digital images completed.

-100 seed weight information has been entered into a local Access database for creation of a table to maintain this on the Oracle database of GRIN.

-PGRU staff attends monthly web master meetings on-line with ARS Web master Jean Silvasy.

-PGRU staff also updates web pages for the Organic Seed Partnership and the Public Seed Initiative (CSREES - IFAFS and OREI grant projects).

-956 tomato accessions and 533 onion accessions have been characterized and data is being prepared for uploading into GRIN. A total of 2000 images from tomato, onion, and squash are being prepared for uploading into GRIN.

-The Novell Netware file and print operating system has been replaced by Windows Server 2003. Workstations are upgraded as needed to support changing processing requirements.

Distribution:
Distribution of germplasm is primarily through requests that are received through web access to GRIN. More rapid movement of germplasm through the quarantine system needs to be encouraged by PGRU, for both seed and clonal crops. PGRU, in collaboration with the Plant Exchange Office, must be prepared with a reasoned response to actual or potential restrictions to germplasm importation and exportation that may result from the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Significant accomplishments in the period 2003-2007 include:


-Malus and Vitis catalogs for ordering accessions are accessible via the Internet.

-Order processing has been automated, and the information is immediately placed in GRIN.


-21,762 samples (Appendix A, Table 7) of 19,842 seed accessions (Appendix A, Table 6) were distributed by PGRU in the form of seeds.

-38,015 samples (Appendix A, Table 9) of 18,844 clonal accessions (Appendix A, Table 8) were distributed by PGRU in the form of scions, seed, fruit, pollen, DNA, leaves for DNA extraction, or use of trees for crossing (Appendix A, Table 7).

-27,179 samples (Appendix A, Table 11) of 8635 accessions (Appendix A, Table 10) were distributed by PGRU in the form of scions, seed, fruit, pollen, DNA, leaves for DNA extraction, or use of trees for crossing in the Northeast region.

-Tracking of seed orders has been accomplished using SharePoint as a central repository of all information and documents pertaining to NE9 orders.

Research:
To complement current conservation efforts, problem-oriented research has been conducted that facilitates improvements in germplasm acquisition, maintenance, and characterization. Research focusing to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the management of PGRU's germplasm is an essential component in achieving the unit's service goals (References cited in Appendix E). The primary goal of the research has been to describe intra- and interspecific genomic variation and to define genetic relationships among individuals, populations, and species. Gene bank curators have used the results to establish and maintain useful and representative crop collections and core subsets based on the integrated information representing DNA sequences, genes, genotypes, and phenotypes. Such information has also been used to determine collection strategies for wild foreign germplasm in the field, and in designating domestic populations of wild species for in situ preservation.

The personnel associated with the Regional Research Project NE-9 cooperate and participate in activities associated with 11 relevant Crop Germplasm Committees (CGCs) of the NPGS. These activities include planning and participating in plant germplasm exploration/exchange proposals and conducting germplasm evaluation studies. In addition, research carried out by current and former members of the Regional Technical Advisory Committee for NE-9 has interfaced productively with the goals of the NE-9 project at PGRU (see Appendix D for a list of relevant publications).

Significant accomplishments in the period 2003-2008 include:

-A study into the genetic relationships and diversity within Vitis based on chloroplast DNA markers in the context of a multifaceted approach that also includes SNP, SSRs and AFLP markers examining repository accessions and new germplasm collected from wild populations. Chloroplast markers are generally more conserved than SSRs, AFLP and many nuclear SNPs, have a generally more simple mode of inheritance, possibly facilitating the study of relationships among closely related species. Twelve markers totaling approximately 12,000 aligned nucleotides have been selected for the final analysis of Vitis relationships based on chloroplast sequence.

-Measure genetic shifts in preserves and regenerated accessions (Richards et al., 2008)

-Evaluation of elite M. sieversii germplasm for apple scab resistance (Luby et al., 2006)

-Genetic diversity and disease resistance of wild Malus orientalis from Turkey and Russia (Volk et al., 2008)

-Evaluation of wild Malus species for rootstock potential identifying apomixis and resistance to root diseases (Fazio et al., 2008)

-Potential mechanisms of host plant resistance to insects in Malus germplasm (Myers et al., 2007)

-Resistance to post harvest diseases in Malus sieversii fruit (Janisiewicz et al., 2008)

-Develop core subsets of wild Malus sieversii to make representative seed collections through crossing schemes (Volk et al., 2005)

-Substantial progress has been made on a project with Bruce Reisch and two other Cornell scientists toward developing a genetic linkage map of an extremely wide genetic cross involving at least five grape species that is segregating for numerous viticultural and entomological traits.

-Computational tool development has continued, with a new method devised for analyzing unphased nucleotide sequence data with Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The results allow one to visualize genetic distances with a scatterplot, and to identify specific genetic regions containing polymorphisms responsible for particular patterns of genetic diversity. This method has been used to analyze and visualize relationships among the grape accessions and tomato landraces

-We have demonstrated that storage in liquid nitrogen (LN) is reliable and can be used for backing up a germplasm collection (Towill et al., 2004)


-Developed software tools to predict and design SNP markers (Huntley et al., 2005), and confirmed in the lab more polymorphism than had been previously reported in domesticated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We found evidence for highly diverged alleles within cultivars, hypothesized to be cryptic wild species alleles that represent linkage drag (Labate and Baldo, 2005).

-Obtained accurate estimates of DNA sequence variation within a diversity panel of domesticated tomato and compared marker types for bias (Labate et al., 2006)

-Developed 191 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and insertion/deletion (indel) markers in domesticated tomato that will be useful for germplasm characterization and mapping (Baldo et al., 2008).

-Reported a study of the genetic basis of horticultural type in broccoli and cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae) accessions (Labate et al., 2006)

-Optimized sequence-based amplified polymorphism (SBAP) markers to estimate diversity in winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) accessions (Robertson et al., 2004).

Objectives

1. Acquire, maintain/regenerate, characterize, document, and distribute plant genetic resources for use in the Northeast, the United States, and the World while ensuring the identity of each accession as to species (or hybrid) and cultivar.
   
2. Determine the basis for and the extent of genetic variations, the geographic distribution of cultivated species, and their taxonomic relationships with closely related species and to determine the genetic mechanisms controlling the inheritance of important traits.
   
3. Characterize/evaluate accessions for specific traits, including high-priority traits such as nutritional content of fruits and vegetables.
   
4. Combine genes from diverse sources into germplasm more useful to plant breeders and to breed, release, maintain, and evaluate improved germplasm and cultivars.
   

Methods

The Regional Research Project NE-9 will continue to serve as a conduit for movement of valuable plant genetic resources from worldwide origins to the northeastern states as well as the entire United States (see Appendix A, Tables 6-8). As such, the objectives and the procedures of the project are organized as a continuum. Objectives 1 and 2 will be performed primarily by personnel of PGRU, whereas latter objectives (3-4) will be in collaboration with cooperators associated with NE-9 activities. PGRU is relatively well equipped with facilities and equipment for conduct of its service and research activities (Appendix F). 1. Acquire, maintain/regenerate, characterize, document, and distribute plant genetic resources for use in the Northeast, the United States, and the World while ensuring the identity of each accession as to species (or hybrid) and cultivar. Acquisition: To ensure the acquisition of broad genetic diversity, the curators work closely with relevant CGCs to determine germplasm needs for these crops. Mapping the locations of existing accessions identifies geographic gaps. Genetic and phenotypic gaps are determined by characterization data from ongoing as well as previous projects. We will complete the passport database in GRIN through passport requisition activities to obtain missing information from acquisition reports, Plant Introduction literature and trip reports. Any foreign acquisitions will be brought in via the National Plant Germplasm Quarantine Office in Beltsville or via APHIS import permits. All foreign explorations will comply with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and national access laws in host countries. National authorities will be contacted for permission for access to germplasm under terms acceptable to both the host country and USDA. The NPGS will not claim ownership or seek intellectual property rights over the germplasm collected. The NPGS cannot accept germplasm with intellectual property rights. Small non-monetary benefit sharing projects that contribute to conservation of plant genetic resources in the host country may be associated with foreign explorations. Such projects are often funded as a component of plant exploration proposals supported by the USDA-ARS Plant Exploration Program. Priorities for collecting underrepresented wild Malus now include about seven species from Southwest China. Heirloom apple cultivars from American collector groups will be surveyed along with collections of elite and heirloom cultivars in European genebanks. Cider apples that represent a unique gene pool will be acquired from Spain and France. Initiation of a special set of genetic stocks of apple genotypes representing special genetic qualities and also important study sets (mapping populations, etc.) for use in genetic studies. Mapping populations will only be given provisional (GMAL) accessional status so that they can be readily de-accessioned and possibly replaced as mapping needs evolve. The tart cherry collection (Iezzoni et al., 1990) is quite diverse morphologically but is lacking some important traits for resistance to Moniliana laxa (cherry leafspot) (Wharton and Iezzoni, 2005). A recent plant exchange trip to three Russian institutes was able to acquire 60 accessions that are being evaluated for leafspot resistance ( Iezzoni, 2005). These and other seedling grow-outs from the breeding program by our collaborator at Michigan State University are being evaluated. Those with unique traits will be added to the permanent collection In Vitis, we will survey international databases and those from breeder's and amateur collectors to obtain additional elite and heirloom cultivars. We have minimal representation of about 12 North American species. Many of these were originally collected in the 1960s. Collections of wild Vitis species in North America are planned. Gaps will be identified by comparing the holdings of the repositories at Geneva and Davis with species listed in GRIN. A second collection emphasis will be on the Chinese species. Upward of 50 Vitis species are present in China. We have had access to DNA from many of these Chinese taxa and have performed extensive sequence analysis of thirty genes in over 300 accessions, which included Chinese grapes, as well as many other grape taxa from the Geneva and Davis collections. This information will help us target Asian grape germplasm for inclusion in the USDA collections. Special genetic stocks collections will emerge for material with particular merit in genetic analysis. In tomato, SNP markers will be optimized using Real-Time PCR and two plants per accession will be genotyped for multiple accessions that are inferred to be duplicates. A minimum of two cultivars (e.g., Rio Grande and Money Maker), with up to six accessions per cultivar, will be surveyed in this study using 12 unlinked SNP markers. Based on multilocus genotypes of sampled plants, an Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) will be used to estimate how molecular genetic variation is partitioned within and among plants, accessions, and groups (cultivars). A method developed in-house for quantifying and visualizing unphased genotype data (DNA sequence and SNPs) based on Principal Components Analysis (PCA) will be used to characterize genetic distances between accessions and identify genetic regions associated with this diversity. With vegetables the emphasis will be on collection of onion from Central Asia (center of domestication) and with tomatillo from Guatemala. Germplasm will be collected using optimum sampling strategies (Allard, 1970; Hawkes, 1975; Marshall and Brown, 1975; Sykes, 1975; Zagaja, 1970). Because of the increasing importance of heirlooms for crop improvement for breeding for organic production, we will inventory our heirlooms and compare to the use of heirlooms in SARE and OREI grants that have an emphasis in developing improved varieties for organic agriculture. In tomatillo we will initiate SNP marker development in collaboration with Dr. Todd Vision, in order to strengthen resources for germplasm characterization and mapping. Maintenance / Regeneration: Regeneration of a seed accession is done when germination falls below 60% or the number of seed available for distribution falls below 5,000. Seed regenerations are conducted using the appropriate pollination techniques and pollinators. Bumble bee, honey bee, solitary bee, fly, or hand pollination is done, as appropriate, in the greenhouse, screenhouse, field, or pollination cages. After extraction of seed from fruits, seed are left at 1 degree C and 20% relative humidity until equilibrated. These are then stored under optimal conditions in a freezer room at -20 degrees C, in heat-sealed, moisture-proof, foil-lined bags. In addition, duplicate seed of many accessions are backed up in cold storage or cryopreservation at the NCGRP. Eventually all seed accessions will be backed up in this fashion. During the next five years, PGRU plans to regenerate an average of 50 tomato, 50 Brassica, 50 onion, 25 cucurbits, and 25 other genera annually. Some of these regenerations will be carried out at the USDA-ARS regeneration site in Parlier, California, which enables PGRU to regenerate a greater number of total accessions. An SCA will be used to regenerate short-day onions at New Mexico State University and a Trust Agreement will be used to support the Tomato Genetics Resources Center regenerations at Davis, California. In order to assure that we have healthy germplasm available for the users, we maintain living collections using well-established and time-tested horticultural methods. There are many challenges (biotic and abiotic) to maintain healthy and live plants. At present, we maintain approximately 2500 clones of apple, 1200 clones of grape and 120 clones of sour cherry in field plantings. Collection health is assured using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and conventional practices. In apple, to better reduce fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) incidence, we transitioned our apple plantings to be grown exclusively on EMLA 7 rootstocks (fire blight-resistant). EMLA 7 is a semi-dwarf rootstock that limits the vigorous growth which induces 'shoot blight'. In addition, prohexadione calcium ('Apogee') a plant growth regulator that reduces shoot growth is applied annually to all apple plantings to minimize fire blight incidence (Forsline and Aldwinckle, 2002). Since cryogenic storage provides a backup in case of losses, we grow only one propagule of each of the 2500+ apple clones which cuts our acreage needs in half. Grape accessions (duplicated) are grown on their own roots. We occasionally observe vines that are killed to the ground in winter cold. However, vines are renewed with suckers that arise from the roots. In some cases we observe a main trunk of a vine infected with Crown Gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens). In this case the main trunk is removed and replaced with a vigorous sucker. Some accessions have vines that are naturally low in vigor and may have difficulty competing with adjacent vines. In this case, annually we remove up to 80% of the flower clusters on these vines to increase their vegetative productivity. The tetraploid (tart) cherry collection (P. cerasus/P. fruticosa) is duplicated in the field planting. The rootstock of choice is the commercially-acceptable 'MxM2'. Control of cherry leafspot (Moniliana laxa) is our largest challenge to prevent mid-summer defoliation. If trees defoliate too soon in the growing season, they are more susceptible to winter cold injury. Because there are many challenges (biotic and abiotic) to maintain healthy and live plants, we must consider alternative maintenance strategies. Therefore, backup collections of apple and sour cherry as cryogenically stored dormant buds will be maintained at the NCGRP in Fort Collins, CO. With occasional losses of apple accessions in field plantings due to fire blight, wet soils or other factors, we have been able to rescue 80 accessions from the cryogenically-stored buds and reestablish them on EMLA 7 rootstock in field plantings. These rescues will be continued as needed by rehydrating LN-stored dormant buds and grafting them directly to the rootstocks in a nursery. Characterization: Characterization of PGRU's major crops, apple, grape, vegetable Brassica, tomato, winter squash, and Allium, is carried out for characteristics designated by the respective CGCs. These generally include vegetative characters of leaves, stems, and flowers, and fruit characteristics, such as size, shape, color, flavor, sugar content, etc. Evaluations of traits that are difficult and expensive to measure, e.g., nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables, are done in collaboration with appropriate specialists or experts. Characters are assessed according to international standards, if they exist. Contingent on receiving competitive funding we will characterize tomato fruit quality including Vitamin C content (Bradley et al., 1973), lycopene (Hyman et al., 2004), Brix, and shape (Brewer et al., 2006) for a core set of 50 accessions. Characterization of seed crops will mostly be done during regeneration, i.e., when we have living plants to examine, so that characterization schedule depends upon regeneration schedule for a particular crop. Since the tomato collection is almost completely characterized, emphasis during the next five years will be on the other crops that are planned for regeneration: Crucifers, onion, cucurbits, and radish. Plans are to complete characterization of the apple, tart cherry and grape collections using a minimal descriptor list during the next two years. Digital imaging of fruit samples using a grid background for reference will be completed for all accessions. In addition we will document digital images for inflorescences as well as tree and vine forms and other plant parts. Documentation: While PGRU still maintains local databases for all PGRU collections, the GRIN National Database is established as the major source of germplasm information. A major effort was also started at PGRU to produce digital images of all crops at various stages of development to show their characteristics. They are then uploaded to the GRIN National Database where they may be accessed via the Internet. All molecular genotype data will be uploaded to the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) according to recent protocols adopted for this procedure (C. Richards and G. Volk, unpublished), but implemented in GRIN (www.ars-grin.gov)). In addition, relevant data will also be uploaded to GenBank, and/or organism-specific databases such as the Genome Database for Rosaceae (GDR), and cross-linked between the respective databases. Distribution: Distribution of clonal accessions is mostly in the form of dormant scions and cuttings as well as pollen, and leaves for DNA extraction and the vegetable germplasm collections are distributed via seeds. Germplasm requests will be through requests submitted through GRIN. These requests will be fulfilled locally with data on distribution maintained through GRIN records. PGRU distributes germplasm in four different forms: seeds, dormant cuttings, pollen, and green cuttings. No special handling is necessary for seeds (coin envelopes), pollen (microfuge tubes or vials), or DNA (microfuge tubes). Record keeping for order processing is automated. We expect orders for distribution of DNA will increase over the next five years. 2. Determine the basis for and the extent of genetic variations, the geographic distribution of cultivated species, and their taxonomic relationships with closely related species and to determine the genetic mechanisms controlling the inheritance of important traits. In order to characterize genetic diversity among the grapes, apples, and tart cherry accessions, we will make use of a variety of nuclear genetic markers. These markers will be applied to collection analysis issues of diversity, phylogeny, and collection quality control measures. These include existing markers that have been used to map very wide populations unique to the Geneva repository that segregate for many horticultural, viticultural, pomological, pathological and entomological traits; candidate genes implicated in the above traits; computationally mining public DNA sequences. Markers associated with significant traits in mapping populations will be tested for PCR stability, allele frequencies and information content and potentially applied collection-wide. A set of robustly performing SNP-based markers will be developed for tomato and Vitis based on published and on our previously collected DNA sequence data (Simon et al., 2005; Labate et al., 2008; Van Deynze et al., 2007). ABI's Primer Express Software will be used for custom design of primers and probes. Allelic discrimination assays for each SNP marker will be through interrogation by a pair of TaqMan minor groove binding (MGB) fluorescently-labeled probes (Afonina et al., 1997; Lee et al., 1993). SSR markers will be assayed using standard protocols (Dangl et al., 2001). Raw genotypes for plants will consist of unphased SNP genotypes and SSR or AFLP allele migration distances. In the case of size-based allele markers, these will be binned using the GeneMarker software. Associations with important traits will be determined using Geneva-specific mapping populations (Nyrop et al., 2007) and standard analyses such as those provided with JoinMap and MapQTL. SSR analysis (Dangl et al., 2001) will be performed for all clonal accessions and samples of seedling accessions for priority taxa. SSR locus selection will be based upon consistency of performance in the widely diverse germplasm in the collections. When appropriate, marker selection will be coordinated with similar research done on other major world collections. At least eight-up to twenty loci will be analyzed per accession. Results will be posted in GRIN. Microsatellite analysis will be performed using well established protocols and procedures (Dangl et al., 2001). Emphasis for grape will be placed upon standardization of protocols with the Davis grape repository and the French national grape collection in Montpellier. SSR loci developed in Vitis vinifera that have been used to genotype other collections (Adam-Blondon et al., 2004; Riaz et al., 2003; Simon et al., 2007) will be given priority. For apples, markers developed and used by American, European and New Zealand researchers will be assessed for their stability and information content across the apple genus (Hokanson et al., 1998; Liebhard et al., 2003; Guilford et al., 1997; Simon, 2006). For grape, genotype SSR fingerprints will be obtained for every plant in the Geneva and Davis collections. Results will be displayed as PCR product size in base pairs for each allele at each locus analyzed. For apple and cherry fingerprints of each accession will be obtained. This information will first be used to try to identify possible mislabeling or other errors. Consistency of fingerprint identities across all plants of each clonal accession will be critical. The next level of utility will be to compare fingerprints of named NPGS accessions with fingerprints of like-named accessions found in other collections. After these applications of the results at the repository level, they can be further utilized by PGRU and other researchers to address biological questions about these taxa, such as diversity and phylogenetic analysis, trait associations, etc. This use of the fingerprints will likely illuminate gaps and redundancies in the collection. All molecular genotype data will be uploaded to the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Landraces, cultivars, and advanced breeding lines represent a continuum of crop germplasm types. In general, an assumption is that the total amount of genetic variation progressively decreases in this series as the potential for agronomic performance increases. However, crossing highly selected material back to wild progenitors or landraces to incorporate novel favorable alleles into cultivars has been widely practiced in tomato for many decades. This practice can lead to unpredictable patterns of genetic variation within the gene pool of cultivars due to linkage drag. We propose to sample NPGS accessions of cultivated tomato that will constitute a core subset reflecting 75 years of U.S. tomato breeding history. SNP genotyping will be performed. Markers will represent a minimum of 12 unlinked genes. An increased understanding of patterns of genetic variation in this core subset will facilitate its management and distribution by helping end-users to decide which accessions to request. Four species were recently segregated from the highly polymorphic wild tomato species S. peruvianum: S. arcanum, S. huaylasense, S. peruvianum, and S. corneliomulleri (Peralta and Spooner, 2005; Peralta et al., 2008). This raises questions as to the species identity of the 265 S. peruvianum sensu lato (s.l., meaning, in the broad sense) accessions conserved by NPGS. If the four new species can be readily distinguished using molecular markers, this would eliminate the requirement to grow plants to flowering and would facilitate their rapid reclassification. Resequencing of various classes of markers will be performed on two plants each of 12 diverse S. peruvianum NPGS accessions that have been identified as representatives of the four distinct species based on the taxonomic key. Dendrograms based on genetic marker data will be generated. SNPs and indels for markers inferred to be diagnostic based on this preliminary sample will be converted to Real Time PCR assays for a minimum of 12 unlinked polymorphisms. Fifty diverse NPGS S. peruvianum accessions that have been identified as representatives of the four subspecies will then be genotyped. If developed markers prove to be diagnostic, this will also aid in verifying species status of newly acquired wild germplasm. 3. Characterize and evaluate plant genetic resources for specific desirable traits. Other evaluations are carried out by cooperators and researchers who have the specialized knowledge, equipment, and technology to judge attributes such as disease and insect resistance, phytonutrient concentrations, and tolerance to environmental stresses or extremes. Particular areas of evaluation emphasis in recent years include screening for disease resistances, cold hardiness, leaf hairiness, and anti-oxidant concentrations. Many of these evaluations will be funded through the CGCs using crop evaluation proposals funded by the NPGS. Site data and evaluation for morphological traits is done while on collecting expeditions for new collections in the wild with information loaded to GRIN. Similarly, evaluation for morphological traits is done for the main field collection of clones and the seedling grow outs by observation and analysis of living plants growing in orchards and vineyards. Established core collections are used for collaborative research. Digital imaging will be completed on vegetative and reproductive organs of all accessions and made available through GRIN. We will assemble and load to GRIN results from collaborative evaluation projects. Evaluations for features such as disease resistance (including development of molecular markers for specific disease-resistant genes), pest susceptibility, nutrient content, and stress tolerance are carried out by cooperators, who are often funded by germplasm evaluation competitive grants. The relevant CGCs have defined priority descriptors for apple, grape, tart cherry, tomato, onion and cabbage. A large list of descriptors has been loaded to GRIN and CGCs have defined many of these to be priority descriptors. Phenotypic data will be loaded to GRIN as it is obtained. We will expand the number of descriptors measured based on CGC priorities. Evaluation data from collaborators will be checked for accuracy and proper linkage to accessions and loaded to GRIN. Select individual seedlings among these populations that have unique traits will be maintained as clones. Collection evaluation is aided by establishment of core collections that provide initial test arrays. We will continue to collaborate on evaluations for traits such as disease resistance, pest susceptibility, horticultural quality, environmental adaptation, stress tolerance and tree architecture. We will assure that all data is loaded to GRIN. 4. Combine genes from diverse sources into germplasm more useful to plant breeders and to breed, release, maintain, and evaluate improved germplasm and cultivars. One scientist at the ARS Location in Geneva has the objective to evaluate and breed new dwarfing and semi-dwarfing apple rootstock varieties resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses through conventional and molecular genetic means. These objectives will be met by utilizing the germplasm collections at PGRU as sources of diversity for recombination with adapted high value breeding lines and varieties. In collaborative work with Cornell University, the University of Minnesota and Horticultural Research, Palmerston, North, New Zealand, we have identified sources of apple scab resistance in the Central Asian germplasm that has potential as new parental material in breeding programs. In spring 2002, PGRU made crosses of scab resistant selections of Malus sieversii and a susceptible cultivar, 'Gala'. Seven distinct populations were produced. Initial screening results have shown remarkable segregation for resistance. Using genetic markers, these populations and a broad spectrum of Malus sieversii from the original collections made in Kazakhstan will be characterized for the different scab resistant genes. Two of the populations are now being used to map traits of fire blight, apple scab and drought resistance.

Measurement of Progress and Results

Outputs

• Increased representation of grape, apple, Physalis, Brassica, onion, wild and weedy relatives, tomato introgression populations, modern cultivars of vegetables and buckwheat. Seed increase of wild apple M. sieversii populations and selected wild apple clones from seedlings.
• Representative, secure genetic resources collections. Ongoing repropagation of apple and regeneration of vegetable germplasm. Cryopreserved apple and tart cherry accessions. Storage and backup at NCGRP of high-quality vegetable seed. Research and improved protocols in cryopreservation in collaboration with NCGRP.
• An expanding database of passport, characterization and evaluation data made available through GRIN to improve efficiency of use of germplasm. Digital images and characterization of apple, grape, cherry, tomato, onion and cabbage.
• Molecular markers (SNPs, SSRs) and genotypic data for accession identification and fingerprinting, phylogenetics, population genetics, genetic mapping and marker-assisted selection of apple, grape, tomato and tomatillo.
• Continued refinement of core subsets for major crops.
• Evaluation and genetic studies of quality traits. These include nutritional components such as antioxidants in apples, carotenoids in tomato and anthocyanins in grapes; disease resistance to apple fire blight, apple scab, and grape nematodes; cold tolerance in grapes and dwarfing in apples. Development and release of improved apple rootstocks and improved grape rootstocks and scions.

Outcomes or Projected Impacts

• Genetic base of crops will be broadened to reduce the dangers of genetic vulnerability. Wild species and introgression lines are very promising sources of favorable new alleles and are in increasingly high-demand for crop improvement and research.
• Valuable germplasm is readily available at PGRU and back-ups are secured at NCGRP.
• Available genetic diversity in the collections will be more efficiently utilized and conserved.
• Critical tools for germplasm conservation, characterization and improvement, in the form of molecular markers and genotypic data for high-priority species and quality traits, will be publicly available.
• Molecular genotyping will improve existing core subsets and result in more efficient characterization and management of our collections.
• Discovery of genes for increased disease and pest resistance will decrease reliance on pesticides and reduce growers' costs and negative environmental impacts. Discovering genetic bases and novel alleles for improved nutrient levels will lead to more nutritious food. Productivity, profitability and viability of agriculture in the northeast will be ensured.

Milestones

(2008): Ongoing regeneration, storage and backup of germplasm; develop molecular markers in tomato, grape, apple; ongoing acquisition of modern vegetable cultivars; ongoing characterization, digital imaging and evaluation of vegetable and clonal germplasm; select well-characterized wild Malus for unique traits for addition to the main collection; phenotype for fire blight resistance mapping population no. 1, passport data analysis of cultivated tomato accessions, select 190 core tomato lines, classify S. peruvianum under revised taxonomy, develop Real-Time PCR markers in tomato. Complete laboratory phase of finger printing of grape collection and continue finger printing in apple collection. Begin data entry of grape fingerprints. Develop medium density linkage map of grape cross used in NRI grant. Complete analysis of grape diversity study. Develop genus-wide grape SNP markers from diversity study and from mapping study.

(2009): Ongoing regeneration, storage and backup of germplasm; ongoing characterization, digital imaging and evaluation of vegetable and clonal germplasm; Complete cryogenic storage of tart cherry, Plant seedlings from validation of apple seed increase project with NCGRP; phenotype for fire blight resistance mapping population no. 2, test tomato markers in a few duplicate accessions, obtain non-NPGS tomato germplasm for core, classify S. peruvianum under revised taxonomy. Complete laboratory phase of fingerprinting of apple collection. Begin data entry of apple fingerprints.

(2010): Ongoing regeneration, storage and backup of germplasm; ongoing characterization, digital imaging and evaluation of vegetable and clonal germplasm; complete upload of backlog of data on GRIN; genotype wild tomato taxa; select additional well-characterized wild Malus for unique traits for addition to the main collection; genotype apple seed validation project; analyze partitioning of genetic variation in tomato duplicates, develop SNP markers in S. peruvianum and tomatillo, SNP genotype 190 core tomato lines, classify S. peruvianum under revised taxonomy. Complete evaluation of grape seedling families for possible additions into PI collection. Removal of seedling vineyard.

(2011): Ongoing regeneration, storage and backup of germplasm; ongoing characterization, digital imaging and evaluation of vegetable and clonal germplasm; Genotype landraces of tomato; complete tomato backup at NCGRP, define protocol for grape cryo; fingerprint grape and apple; seed increase and clone selection of M. sieversii; collect wild grape, develop SNP markers in S. peruvianum and tomatillo, SNP genotype 190 core tomato lines; cryopreserve additional apple accessions that were added to the main collection recently; produce seed to supplement original seed of M. orientalis. Phenotype and map "unselected" 'Horizon' x 'Illinois' grape mapping population.

(2012): Ongoing regeneration, storage and backup of germplasm; ongoing characterization, digital imaging and evaluation of vegetable and clonal germplasm; genotype N. American tomato collection, complete characterization of grape, develop SNP markers in tomatillo, analyze partitioning of genetic variation in tomato core, SNP genotype S. peruvianum. Select M. sieversii accessions for the main collection from grow-outs of populationns of collaborators.

Projected Participation

View Appendix E: Participation

Outreach Plan

The primary mechanism for dissemination of products of PGRU service activities is the distribution of germplasm. This is accomplished through providing passport and characterization information about the germplasm maintained at PGRU through the Genetic Resources Information Network (GRIN) where PGRU has a strong presence. Additionally, information concerning germplasm maintenance, characterization, collection, and genetic diversity research is maintained on the PGRU website. PGRU scientists serve as ex-officio members of Crop Germplasm Committees (CGCs) which provide strong linkages to crop improvement and research programs for the crops maintained at PGRU. This provides a mechanism to ensure that service and research activities of PGRU are relevant to the needs of our stakeholders. PGRU scientists work collaboratively with other ARS and university scientists on research grant projects.

Scientists are responsive to requests for information, advice, or assistance from colleagues in ARS, SAES, industry and foreign groups. Scientists initiate and/or participate in program-related activities which support ARS operations and goals, and which contribute meaningfully to the accomplishment of the ARS mission, strategic objectives, and National Programs of which the Management Unit is a part. Included in this are: 1) Scientific publications reporting the genetic diversity in PGRU collections; 2) Lectures and demonstrations to visitors at PGRU; 3) Education modules for study by secondary and college students; and 4) Participation in press releases for the popular media including radio, television, and other avenues.

Organization/Governance

The NE-9 project lacks a well-defined end point since there is a continual and ever-increasing need for plant genetic resources. It also follows that the organization and technical aspects of the project outlines will change only in points of emphasis from year to year.

Regional Research Project NE-9 can be effective only through federal, state, and private cooperation. The federal agency ARS, through acquisition, maintenance, characterization, documentation, and distribution activities, will make plant genetic resources available for evaluation and utilization research. ARS will provide support, staff, facilities, equipment, and specialized technical assistance at both the regional and national levels. The SAESs provide facilities, some staff, equipment, utilities, and local assistance.

The NE-9 Regional Technical Advisory Committee will provide technical guidance in this effort. This committee is composed of an Administrative Advisor, Regional Coordinator, plus technical representatives invited to participate from each of the Northeastern SAESs plus the District of Columbia and from West Virginia State Universty (an 1890s Land Grant Institution). ARS representatives from the National Program Staff, the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, and the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation are also included on the committee as ex officio members. The names, affiliations, and areas of specialization of these individuals are presented subsequently (Appendices B and C).

Other committees contribute to the planning and management and are active participants in the NPGS. These include:

1. The ARS Plant Germplasm Operations Committee evaluates and recommends foreign/domestic exploration proposals, and assists the NPGS, ARS National Program Staff and other officials with plans needed to manage the NPGS.

2. CGCs have been established for about 40 crops (or crop groups) to help advise the NPGS with regard to genetic vulnerability, gaps in current collections, operational procedures, evaluation needs, and current enhancement and utilization research associated with their specific commodity.

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Attachments

Land Grant Participating States/Institutions

DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, WV

Non Land Grant Participating States/Institutions

Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center, USDA ARS, USDA-ARS, USDA-ARS/Plant Genetic Resources Unit, USDA, ARS, USDA/ARS-National Seed Storage Laboratory