The establishment of National Plant Genetic Resources Center of R.O.C. and its operational activities

Journal
中華農學會報
Journal Volume
176
Pages
122-140
Date Issued
1996
Author(s)
Fan, M.J.
Lin, C.Y.
URI
Abstract
Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute has established a National Plant Genetic Resources Center since 1993. The Center includes the long-term, the medium-term and the short-term storage rooms with storage condition of -12 +-2 degree C and 40 +- 30% R.H., 1+-2 degree C and 40 +-30% R.H., 10 +- 2 degree C and 40 +- 30% R.H., respectively, available for preserving orthodox type seeds. Storage capacity for the long-term room is 240,000 accessions in aluminum cans sealed under partial vacuum. There are seven repository sites for clonal germplasm at different elevations above sea level. For the strength of the acquisition, conservation and use of crop germplasm, a crop advisory committee of Taiwan province and a national plant genetic resources system have been established. The plan calls for an amalgamation of existing capabilities of all agricultural research institutions with the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) playing a nuclear role. Under the system, TARI undertakes collaboration with research institutions and agricultural colleges in field collection, post-entry quarantine, conservation regeneration, documentation, dissemination and international cooperation. Since 1960, TARI had been engaged in international exchange of crop seed and seedling. The average number of introduced or collected varieties and number of distributed varieties is 653 and 948 respectively. Up to now, the Center had stored more than 27,023 accessions in its long-term, medium-term storage rooms or field repositories. In order to modernize and computerize the Center, an information system has also been completed. For interested researchers and breeders, this Center provides telephone access to search for genetic resources information. In the future, this Center will strengthen the international cooperation on germplasm collection and information exchange, and aim to become an international center for tropical and subtropical crops.
Type
journal article