ARS | Publication request: REPORT OF THE COTTON CROP GERMPLASM COMMITTEE

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: January 7, 2005
Publication Date: June 1, 2005
Citation: Wallace, T.P., Gutierrez, O.A., Percy, R.G., Thaxton, P., Ulloa, M. 2005. Report of the cotton crop germplasm committee. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference abstract, pg 1060.

Technical Abstract: The USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) provides for a cooperative effort by both the public and private sectors to acquire and preserve plant genetic diversity. Evaluation, documentation, and distribution are also important components of the NPGS. The Cotton Germplasm Committee (CGC) is responsible for providing a report on the status of this cooperative effort. The Cotton Germplasm Committee Status Report was last updated in 1997. A committee was elected to review and update the report to reflect cotton germplasm related activities over the last seven years. As a result of Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSDP-9, a crop vulnerability statement was included to identify the risk of potential high consequence plant disease/pests to the U.S. cotton crop. The report is made possible through voluntary contributions of scientists across the cotton belt. Although information on germplasm holdings and collection trips by federal scientists are readily available, it is more of a challenge to identify scientists involved in research related to germplasm evaluation and enhancement. The germplasm status report provides a valuable reference for writing regional projects, identifying research needs by Cotton Incorporated, the National Cotton Council, and is used for evaluating proposals for collection trips and USDA-ARS research projects. A comprehensive reporting of germplasm related activities can also aid in coordination of activities to avoid duplication, facilitate cooperation, and encourage utilization of the cotton germplasm collection.