Plant Germplasm Conservation

1
Plant Germplasm Conservation
Robert Shell Track1, Maria Erickson2, Steve
Hanlin2, Mark Millard2, Carolyn Lawrence3, 4, and
Candice Gardner2
1 Cannon Ball, ND 2 USDA-ARS-PIRU, and North
Central Regional Plant Introduction Station,
Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University,
Ames, IA 3 Department of Genetics, Development,
and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames,
IA 4 USDA-ARS, CICGRU, Ames, IA
Introduction The purpose of this project was
to gain an understanding of Maize Germplasm
Conservation and its impact and to gain
experience on how its done. Data capturing
methods are a major component also. This work
was done at The North Central Regional Plant
Introduction Station (NCRPIS) in Ames IA. The
mission of the NCSPIS is to collect, maintain,
and distribute seeds in their collection all over
the world and in the U.S. NCRPIS has a wide
collection of maize, cucurbits, sunflower, flax
and others. The number of seed distributed is
normally 100 kernels but is increased to 200
kernels when the germination falls below 50 and
84. The distribution is stopped completely when
the germination fall below 50. To ensure
there is a supply of viable seed, there are
important steps to be taken. First the seeds are
checked for viability by germination testing.
That information is then recorded in a data base
called Germplasm Resources Information Network
(GRIN). The data is then accessed by the Curators
for them to make decisions to increase the
material.
Materials and Methods Different accessions from
the germplasm collection were selected and
counted out in 4 reps with 50 per replicate
totaling 200 seeds per seedlot. Seeds were then
taken out of each pouch and placed in wet paper
towels, rolled up tightly and placed into tubs
and then into a germinator set at 20 C for 12
hours in dark and 30 C for12 hours in light for
7 days. They were then taken out and evaluated on
how well the seeds grew. The seedlings were
scored as to whether they were normal, abnormal
or dead according to rules of the Association of
Official Seed Analysts (AOSA, 2005). Those
counts were then entered in the database, GRIN
(Figure 3). GRIN tracks all the data about the
seeds and that information is accessed by the
Curators to study and make determinations as to
when to increase seed in order to maintain an
adequate and viable germplasm stock in storage.
Abstract Germplasm conservation is the
safekeeping of the genetic diversity of a crop
and its related species. In learning more about
germplasm conservation this summer, I collected
data, managed plant pollinators, grew plants from
seed as a part of viability testing, and entered
data into a database repository called GRIN (the
Germplasm Resources Information Network).
Although the plant pollinator work was carried
out with various plants, the rest of the work
focused mainly on maize (Zea mays L. subsp. mays,
also called corn). In learning about corn, I
tested germination rates for various accessions
and entered data, and helped with hand
pollination. Controlling pollination and testing
seed viability and vigor are just some parts of
what is required to maintain maize germplasm.
About Me My name is Robert Shell Track. Im
from North Dakota on the Standing Rock Sioux
Tribe Reservation. I am part Navajo and part
Sioux. I grew up on Sioux territory, raised by my
Sioux father. I came to this program to get a
college experience for my upcoming college years.
I got information about the program from a nearby
college, Sitting Bull College, in North Dakota.
Results When the germination tests were
evaluated, approximately 10 to 15 of the
seedlings were abnormal or did not grow (Figures
1 and 2). The curators will use this information
to determine if those seedlots are remaining
viable under the seed storage conditions.
Figure 1. Data Entry form for GRIN
Conclusions The objective of this project has
been accomplished. I gained understanding of the
study and work of maize germplasm conservation
and its impact. Ive studied and worked with
Employees at the NCRPIS station and collected
data. It was a Great summer to spend with the GWC
Internship and everyone else who was involved
with this project.
Figure 3. Germination testing Checking the
seedling roots to see if they are healthy or
diseased.
Figure 2. Germination testing corn seedlings
after 7days in the growth chamber.
Acknowledgements Mentors Lisa Burke NCRPIS,
Biological Science Technician Plants Joan
Peterson Department of Agronomy George
Washington Carver Mary de Baca Program Advisor,
Director of Diversity Programs Dustin Thunder
Hawk Graduate Student, Assistant R.A. Aurelio
Curbelo Program Assistant, Graduate Student,
Assistant R.A. Krystal Vasquez Graduate Student,
Assistant R.A. Marcus Glenn Graduate Student,
Assistant R.A. Thanks to the National Science
Foundation for the funding!
Navajo Brothers Zach Nate Robert Jordan