Background
Breeders improve crops through the genetic introduction of traits such as flower color or disease resistance. However, before genetic enhancement is possible, the genes must be identified and located in the pool of genetic resources or germplasm of the species. Access to a diverse germplasm pool is crucial for the successful incorporation of novel traits in commercial ornamental crops. Unfortunately, most breeding programs have focused primarily on aesthetic qualities resulting in an inadvertent erosion and narrowing of genetic diversity of many economically important ornamental crops. This narrowed genetic base has increased the potential for epidemic disease and reduced our ability for ornamental crop improvement. In view of an annual farmgate value for floriculture crops in 2001 of $4.74 billion in USA, there is a critical need for work of the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center.
Genebanking Procedure
- Acquisition
- Regeneration
- Characterization
- Conservation1
- Evaluation
- Documentation
- Distribution
- Utilization
Genebanking
Management Scheme
