Genebanking

The OPGC uses genebanking to help preserve the genetic makeup of oranmental plants. The following describes our motivation for doing so as well as our procedure.

More information:

Current Accessions (Microsoft Word Document, 27 KB)
A list of our accessions by genus as of 2005.01.21

Collection Form (Microsoft Word Document, 35 KB)
Our Genebanking Collection Form (DOC)

Collection Form (Adobe PDF, 70 KB)
Our Genebanking Collection Form (PDF)

Example Collection Form (Adobe PDF, 105 KB)
A sample collection form filled out

Collection Form FAQ (Microsoft Word Document, 34 KB)
A FAQ for our Collection Form

Genebanking Motivation / 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.

OPGCGenebankScheme.jpg
OPGCGenebankScheme.jpg
(81 KB)
Genebanking Procedure

  • Acquisition
  • Regeneration
  • Characterization
  • Conservation
  • Evaluation
  • Documentation
  • Distribution
  • Utilization