Submitted to: National Agricultural University of Ukraine Kiev Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 1998
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract: This paper presents a brief overview of the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), discussing its mission and organization. It describes the main components of the NPGS, including a tour of various facilities devoted to crop genetic resource conservation, with commentary about organizational structure and information resources. The main focus of this work is to outline the diverse roles that the NPGS plays in fostering agricultural research and education throughout the world. Examples are primarily taken from the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS), in Ames, Iowa, on of the NPGS's major seed-propagated crop germplasm sites. The NCRPIS provides germplasm and associated data to help meet research needs for plant improvement, evaluation, and basic research in many disciplines. The NCRPIS is involved with education at various levels through demonstration plantings, tours, student employment, internships, visiting scientists, and a formal University course in Plant Genetic Resource Management.