Objective:
To obtain minimum-descriptor evaluation data on germplasm accessions contained in national plant germplasm banks thus enabling plant breeders to select and obtain accessions having desired traits for varietal improvement activities.

Approach:
Crop advisory committees identify and define minimum descriptor characteristics for crops of economic importance and prioritize projects based on commodity needs. The NPS Germplasm Matrix Team establishes priorities on crops to be evaluated with this source of funds. When minimum descriptor evaluation is completed for one crop, funds are "rolled over" to another crop for evaluation. Data are entered into Germplasm Resources Information Network database. Each evaluation project is documented separately in CRIS. Original Start Date 01/09/88 Termination Date 01/08/93. Extended additional five years from dates of 1/9/93-1/8/98. Extended additional five years from date of 1/9/98-1/8/03. Changing start and term dates from 1/9/03-1/8/08. Extending for an additional 5 years. klj