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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. Research Assistant Matt Lippert holding a begonia plant.

    Welcome Research Assistant Matt Lippert!

    Jan 17, 2025

    Matt began working as a Research Assistant at the OPGC in December 2024; he will be managing the greenhouse and tissue culture plant collections.  Matt received his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in Environmental Policy and Decision Making, and previously worked at Franklin Park Conservatory, and as a propagation specialist at Millcreek Gardens.

  2. Future Seed Scientists tour the OPGC

    Nov 20, 2024

    On November 20, 2024, 15 students from Ohio State’s Seed Science course (HCS 3420) toured the germplasm center.  Eric Renze demonstrated some of the many seed cleaning techniques used at the OPGC and Edison Cigany discussed plant conservation in vitro.  OPGC staff lead tours for students and visitors throughout the year, if you are interested in a tour, please email opgc@osu.edu.

  3. OPGC Participates in 2024 WestFest!

    Oct 19, 2024

    Germplasm Center staff participated in WestFest, The Ohio State University’s West Campus Science and Sustainability Festival held on October 19.  Over 450 people participated in the event, which highlighted STEM research, sustainability initiatives and outreach programs at The Ohio State University and surrounding communities.  The OPGC sponsored a family-friendly flower bookmark activity this year; children of all ages were encouraged to use their creativity to assemble and decorate flower bookmarks to take home.