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The Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC) is part of the National Plant Germplasm System, a network of organizations and people dedicated to preserving the genetic diversity of crop plants.

The OPGC is a joint effort of the USDA-ARS and The Ohio State University's Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.  Financial support is provided through the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative of the ARS.

Mission and Goals

Our mission is to conserve genetically-diverse herbaceous plant germplasm and associated information,  conduct germplasm-related research, and encourage the use of germplasm and associated information for research, crop improvement and product development.   

Our goals are to acquire, document, maintain, characterize and distribute herbaceous ornamental genetic resources and associated information for conservation, and to enhance scientific research as well as the floriculture and nursery industry. 

News

  1. Brazilian Student Presents Research at OSU Exposition

    Nov 21, 2017

    Amanda Lima Vilela, a visiting intern from the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil  (UFLA) presented a poster of her work on "Seed quality parameters in different Phlox species" at the annual International Scholar Research Exposition held by the Office of Inernational Affairs of The Ohio State University.  Amanda's poster will be on display in the main university administration building, Bricker Hall, through Spring Semester 2018.  

  2. Dr. Grobman visits OPGC

    Alexander Grobman visits OPGC

    Nov 15, 2017

    Dr. Alexander Grobman, a distinguished corn and sorghum breeder, scientist and international center administrator from Lima, Peru visited the OPGC as part of a tour of germplasm facilities in the USDA National Plant Germplasm System.  Dr. Grobman is a graduate of The Ohio State University so his visit had a dual purpose of exploring international collaboration as well as re-acquainting himself with his alma matter.

  3. Jonathan LaBorde Completes Internship at the OPGC

    Nov 10, 2017

    Undergraduate student and Horticulture major Jonathan LaBorde worked as an intern at the OPGC for the Summer of 2017.  He experienced multiple dimensions of our activities at the OPGC including vegetative and seed propagation, greenhouse management, and field operations.  Jonathan graduates in December 2017 and hopes to pursue a career in the controlled-environment production industry.

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