Plant Germplasm Conservation

1. 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 it’s 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. Plant Germplasm Conservation About Me My name is Robert Shell Track. I’m 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. I’ve 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 2. Germination testing: corn seedlings after 7days in the growth chamber. Figure 3. Germination testing: Checking the seedling roots to see if they are healthy or diseased. 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