U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
                    Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov**
                            
                            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                            
                            A **lock** (                            
                              A locked padlock                                                      
                            
                            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Menu Agricultural Research Service
						
                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU): Geneva, NY
 close



    Research

                    Research Projects
                                    Publications
                                    Collaborations
                                    News
                People

                    Staff Listing
                                    Careers


        


                    Diversity Collections
                        Apple
                                    Brassica
                                    Buckwheat
                                    Celery
                                    Grape
                                    Hemp
                                    Onion
                                    Radish
                                    Squash
                                    Tart Cherry
                                    Tomato
                                    Other Seed CropsSearch small
                    Search
            
            ARS Home
                                About ARS
                                Contact Us




ARS Home Northeast Area Geneva, New York Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) Research





- Galarneau, Erin
- Zhong, Gan-Yuan
- Gutierrez, Benjamin
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- Publications
- Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics and Genetic Improvement (301)

Research Project: **Location:
                            Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU)** Project Number: 8060-21000-028-000-D
                        
                        Project Type: In-House Appropriated Start Date: Mar 6, 2018
                        
                        End Date: Mar 5, 2023 **Objective:**
                        
                        The long-term overall objectives of this project are to acquire and conserve a broad spectrum of genetic diversity of apples (Malus), cold-hardy grapes (Vitis) and tart cherries (Prunus), to characterize and distribute these genetic resources and associated information to breeders and others for research and crop
improvement, and to increase public awareness of the value of these crop genetic resources. During this project period, our objectives are as follows:

Objective 1:  Efficiently and effectively acquire apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources, maintain their safety, genetic integrity, health and viability, and distribute them and associated information worldwide. [NP301, C2, PS2A; C1, PS1A]

Sub-objective 1.A.: Conserve, back up, regenerate, and distribute apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources and associated information. 
Sub-objective 1.B.: Acquire apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources through exploration, collection, and/or exchange to fill the gaps in the collections. 

Objective 2:  Develop more effective genetic resource characterization and evaluation (especially for phenotyping trees and vines) methods and applying them to priority apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources. Record and disseminate characterization and evaluation data via GRIN-Global and other data sources. [NP301, C2, PS2A; C1, PS1A]

Sub-objective 2.A.: Characterize and evaluate key morphological, horticultural, genetic, and biochemical attributes of apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources. Record all the characterization and evaluation data via GRIN-Global and other databases.
Sub-objective 2.B.: Develop or adapt new methods and apply them for characterizing priority apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources.  

Objective 3:  Work with other NPGS gene banks and Crop Germplasm Committees to develop, update, document, and implement curatorial best management practices and Crop Vulnerability Statements for apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources and information management. [NP301, C2, PS2A]

Sub-objective 3.A.: Work with other clonal repositories to develop and implement best management practices for apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources.
Sub-objective 3.B.: Update the Crop Vulnerability Statements of apple, grape, and Prunus (tart cherry). **Approach:**
                        
                        To accomplish the objectives above, effective project planning, implementation and management are required. Innovative and sustained scientific efforts are needed to provide scientific foundation for better managing the germplasm resources and making the resources and associated information readily available to the users.
To meet Objective 1, we will maintain the collection in a good healthy condition through effective field cultivation, cryopreservation and seed storage; we will continue to increase the back-up coverage of the Malus and tart cherry collection using cryopreservation and other methods in collaboration with the National Center for Germplasm Resources Preservation (NCGRP); information about accessions will be made available in easily understandable and accessible formats via GRIN-Global; we will regenerate and distribute our collections and associated information timely and effectively; we will continue filling collection gaps through germplasm exploration and exchanges. Vitis and Malus will be our primary foci. To meet Objective 2, we will characterize and evaluate key morphological, horticultural, genetic, and biochemical attributes of apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources; we will record all the characterization and evaluation data via GRIN-Global and other databases; we will continue collecting basic Malus and Vitis descriptor information such as fruit size and cluster attributes; we will work with collaborators to evalaute our Malus collection for hard cider characteristics; we will determine policy levels of selected Malus accessions; and we will develop or adapt new methods, such as aerial phenotyping and new virus testing technologies, and apply them for characterizing priority apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources. To meet Objective 3, we will work closely with other clonal repositories to develop and implement best management practices for apple, cold-hardy grape, and tart cherry genetic resources and will update the Crop Vulnerability Statements of apple, grape, and Prunus (tart cherry). In addition, we will enhance the germplasm management effectiveness and utilization efficiencies by characterizing and evaluating the collection through various genetic and molecular approaches. We will work closely with Crop Germplasm Committees to implement the priorities they define for collection and evaluation. The major impact of the project is to preserve genetic resources of apples, grapes, and tart cherries for future improvement of these crops worldwide.


Return to top


Connect with ARS Sign up


ARS Home
                            USDA.gov
                            Plain Writing
                            Policies & Links
                            Civil Rights Statements
                            FOIA
                            Accessibility Statement
                            Privacy Policy
                            Non-Discrimination Statement
                            Quality of Information
                            USA.gov
                            WhiteHouse.gov