2006 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The environmental horticulture industry, also known as the "Green Industry", is one of the fastest growing segments of the nation's agricultural economy and is comprised of a variety of businesses involved in production, distribution and services associated with ornamental plants, landscape and garden supplies and equipment. The National Gardening Association reported that 85 million U.S. households spent $39.6 billion at lawn and garden retail outlets in 2002. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that in 2005 the wholesale value of floral and nursery crops were $15.22 billion with 12,258 growers employing 187,563 workers. Over one quarter of these growers (28%) had sales less than $100,000. This project addresses ARS National Program 301, "Plant, Microbial, and Insect Genetic Resources, Genomics and Genetic Improvement", Component I, "Genetic Resources Management". The overall objectives of this project statement on the Woody Landscape Plant Germplasm Repository (WLPGR) are to conserve a broad spectrum of woody landscape plant genetic resources and associated information for use in research and crop improvement. Specific objectives are to (1) to collect and conserve genetic resources, (2) evaluate the preceding genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically, and (3) transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide. Conservation of genetic resources will be resolved by collecting genetic resources for a broad spectrum of woody landscape plants in collaboration with other botanical gardens and arboreta, and preserving genetic resources in the field. Woody landscape plants (WLP) are not typical agronomic crops. As a part of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), WLPGR is responsible for WLP germplasm collection for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. This is a long term project that involves many scientists of different disciplines and, therefore, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should be responsible. Germplasm collection should be done under a multi-discipline approach that involves characterization, conservation and preservation, maintenance, and distribution, as well as adequate evaluation of existing collections of germplasm. This program is necessary to support research breeding programs that are developing superior trees and shrubs. If germplasm is not adequately evaluated, it will limit the usefulness of the collection. For example, the Asian hemlock wooly adelgid is a serious pest of native forests and cultivated landscape plantings of Eastern hemlocks, Tsuga canadensis, and Carolina hemlocks, Tsuga caroliniana. There is a need to identify sources of resistance to this pest. Another example is silverbell, Halesia tetraptera var. tetraptera. It is a small native tree found in the southern areas of the US and at present more than 500 plants of different ages from 20 provenances have been established. From these populations, plants with desirable characteristics based on flowering, flower color, and shape of the plants will be selected and evaluated. To breed new hybrids and to study the genetic diversity of taxa, new germplasm should be collected to introduce and preserve genes for economically important traits. 2.List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (FY 2004) Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; conduct collection trip to China, South Korea, and Japan. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; support and participate in NACPEC collection trips. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; acquire germplasm from NPGS supported collection trip to Georgia. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); organize workshops. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; vegetative propagation. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; seed propagation. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of small plants in containers. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of large plants by contractor. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; root pruning of larger specimens. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; ball and burlap plants for transplanting. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; Seed germination; NMR studies of Styrax japonicus. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; Seed germination; seed germination test of Nandina and Pinus. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; Seed germination; carbohydrate, gibberellin, lipid analysis of Styrax. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; prepare Styrax cuttings for overwinter test. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; propagation of Halesia. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Deutzia and Ardisia; propagation of Deutzia and Ardisia. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; propagation of Pinus and complete Abies. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Ilex; collection of Ilex. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Camellia; collection of Camellia and identification of cold hardiness. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Halesia; collect for microsatellite analysis. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; distribute germplasm either as seeds or vegetative materials. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; release of germplasm for evaluation to industry collaborators. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; enter collection and evaluation data into GRIN. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; keep the homepage of WLPGR updated. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate scientific meetings to present a talk. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate trade show and introduce new and unique plant materials. Year 2 (FY 2005) Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; plan with scientists in Russian Far East for a contract collecting trip. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; USA collecting by WLPGR staff. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; NACPEC collection trips (support or participate). Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); collection of Inventory of the germplasm Compiling Data to link with GRIN. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); continue to support AABGA/NAPCC activity. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; vegetative propagation. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; seed propagation. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of plants in containers. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of large plants by contractor. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; plants balled and burlaped for transplanting. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; Pinus - NMR. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; seed germination test of Nandina and Pinus. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; carbohydrate, gibberellin, lipid analysis with Pinus. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; give low temperature treatment. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; prepare samples for carbohydrate analysis. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; propagation of Halesia. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; greenhouse evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Deutzia and Ardisia; greenhouse evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; temperature treatment and observe growth response. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; collect samples for carbohydrate analysis. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Ilex; ISSR analysis. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Camellia; identification of cold hardy markers in parents and seedlings. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Halesia; continue Halesia for microsatellite analysis. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; distribute germplasm either as seeds or vegetative materials. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; release of germplasm for evaluation to industry collaborators. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; enter collection and evaluation data into GRIN. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; keep the homepage of WLPGR updated. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate scientific meetings to present a talk. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate trade show and introduce new and unique plant materials. Year 3 (FY 2006) Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; make arrangements for contract collecting from Russian Far East or conduct collecting trip. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; conduct collection trip to China, S. Korea by WLPGR staff. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; NACPEC collection trips (participate or support). Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; make arrangements and plan for collecting trip to Russia Far East by WLPGR and NA scientists and staff. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); collection of Inventory of the germplasm. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); data management to link with GRIN. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; vegetative propagation. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; seed propagation. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of plants in containers. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of large plants by contractor. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; plants balled and burlaped for transplanting. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; Pinus - NMR. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; seed germination test of Nandina. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; continue carbohydrate, gibberellin, lipid analysis with Pinus. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; evaluate growth and flowering. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; analyze carbohydrate. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; propagation of Halesia. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; greenhouse evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; field evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Deutzia and Ardisia; greenhouse evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; temperature treatment and observe growth responses; Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; collect samples for carbohydrate analysis. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Ilex; RAPD analysis. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Camellia; identification of cold hardy markers in parents and seedlings. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Halesia; continue Halesia for microsatellite analysis. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; distribute germplasm either as seeds or vegetative materials. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; release of germplasm for evaluation to industry collaborators. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; enter collection and evaluation data into GRIN. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; keep the homepage of WLPGR updated. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate scientific meetings to present a talk. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate trade show and introduce new and unique plant materials. Year 4 (FY 2007) Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; plan for collection trip to trans-Caucasian republics. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; USA collecting by WLPGR staff (in coordination with USNA staff). Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; NACPEC collection trips (Support or participate). Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; make arrangements for contract collecting from Russian Far East or conduct collecting trip. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; conduct collection trip to China, S. Korea by WLPGR staff. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); collection of Inventory of the germplasm. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); data management to link with GRIN. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of plants in containers. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; transplanting of large plants by contractor. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; seed germination test of Nandina. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; continue carbohydrate, gibberellin, lipid analysis with Pinus. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; evaluate growth and flowering. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; analyze carbohydrate. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; greenhouse evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; field evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Deutzia and Ardisia; greenhouse evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; analyze carbohydrate. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; observe growth response. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Ilex; introgression test with selected populations. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Camellia; test markers to seedlings and wild germplasm of unknown cold hardiness. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Halesia; continue Halesia for microsatellite analysis. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; distribute germplasm either as seeds or vegetative materials. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; release of germplasm for evaluation to industry collaborators. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; enter collection and evaluation data into GRIN. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; keep the homepage of WLPGR updated. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate scientific meetings to present a talk. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate trade show and introduce new and unique plant materials. Year 5 (FY 2008) Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; NACPEC collection trips (Support or participate). Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; plan and conduct collecting trip to trans-Caucasian republics. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; make arrangements for contract collecting from Russian Far East or conduct collecting trip. Collect and conserve genetic resources; germplasm collection; conduct collection trip to China, S. Korea by WLPGR staff. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); collection of Inventory of the germplasm. Collect and conserve genetic resources; collaborate with the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North America Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC); data management to link with GRIN. Collect and conserve genetic resources; move germplasm from Glenn Dale to South Farm; complete of the move from Glenn Dale to South Farm. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; seed germination; complete carbohydrate, gibberellin, lipid analysis with Pinus. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; vegetative propagation and overwinter loss; evaluate growth and flowering. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Halesia germplasm; field evaluation. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; analyze carbohydrate. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; evaluation of Pinus and Abies; observe growth response. Evaluation of genetic resources for horticultural merit, and characterize them genetically; molecular markers of Camellia; test markers to seedlings and wild germplasm of unknown cold hardiness. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; distribute germplasm either as seeds or vegetative materials. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; germplasm distribution; release of germplasm for evaluation to industry collaborators. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; enter collection and evaluation data into GRIN. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; technology transfer and WLPGR homepage; keep the homepage of WLPGR updated. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate scientific meetings to present a talk. Transfer technology in the form of the preceding genetic resources and associated information to researchers and breeders world wide; participate trade show and introduce new and unique plant materials. 4a.List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Acquisition of germplasm from all targeted sites New germplasm for the repository was collected from the Republic of Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Russian Far East as well as a significant amount of new accessions from the United States. Leaf samples of the genus Prunus native to Korea and Japan were also collected for characterization using molecular markers. This material will help revitalize the holdings of the Woody Landscape Plant Germplasm Repository and help re-establish the collection as a resource in the effort to conserve genetic resources. A total of 296 germplasm accessions were distributed to gardens, arboreta, nurseries, and research institutes in the United States, as well as to other foreign countries. In addition, 270 accessions were received from the Morris Arboretum, the University of California, and the USDA-ARS Repository in Palmer, Alaska. These accessions will expand the gene pool base of the germplasm collection. With this renewed effort plant researchers and breeders will have a broader level of genetic diversity in which to draw from for their projects. 4b.List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Hosted week long conference between Russia and the United States The WLPGR organized and hosted, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a week long conference between the botanical communities of the United States and Russia in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania from September 19 to 23. The attendants included 35 Russian scientists from all regions of their country and 42 American scientists. The agenda was divided into six sections, each covering one major theme and its related topics. The work of the conference was accomplished through a combination of plenary and breakout sessions, and round table, and group discussion, all simultaneously interpreted into Russian and English. This conference helped to facilitate, to both public and private sector research communities, an increased understanding the diversity of potential germplasm and an opportunity to begin to exchange germplasm for breeding, conservation, and preservation. 4d.Progress report. Support Development of the North American Plant Collections Consortium This report serves to document research and service conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement (58-1230-1-047) between ARS and American Association of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta (now the American Public Gardens Association, APGA)/ North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC). Funding was provided to help support the development and management of germplasm maintained by the APGA/NAPCC and by working closely with ARS in planning, developing, sharing, and managing the NAPCC data. WLPGR also collaborated on a reviewer training workshop which was held at UC Davis Arboretum in conjunction with the APGA Annual Conference. Thirty-three participants, including representatives from Pacific and Interior West targeted institutions attended the workshop. This brings the NAPCC pool of reviewers up to 90 individuals. A three-year project to develop a distributed database system for Web-based querying utilizing DiGIR protocol, an open-source data-sharing software, was initiated. This will allow information from multiple institutions currently using a variety of incompatible database formats to be accessible to retrieve integrated results. Preservation and documentation of taxa curated in NAPCC collections increases the efficiency of overall woody landscape plant germplasm management by reducing duplication and increasing the amount of germplasm (numbers of taxa) curated to high standards. Development and usage of woody plants (Camellia, Styrax, Corylopsis) for landscape use and potted plant production This report serves to document research and service conducted under a Trust Fund Agreement (Agreement no. 58-1230-3-F161) between ARS and Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea. Germplasm of Camellia and Corylopsis was propagated from stem tip cuttings and was made available to RDA for evaluation for horticultural merits. Vegetatively propagated Camellia collected from Dae Chung Island, Korea and seedlings of Corylopsis were received from RDA. Development of markers for cold-hardiness in camellia is currently underway using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and other polymerase reaction assays. Additional leaf samples of Corylopsis for DNA extraction were obtained and the second phase of the project to characterize C. glabrescens complex is underway using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Two-year-old camellia seedlings failed to flower in the greenhouse, while rooted cuttings flowered in the first year, although the survival rate of selected cultivars was very low. Also, when vegetatively propagated Camellia cuttings rooted at RDA were brought to Beltsville, the survival rate was also low. Over-winter loss of vegetatively propagated Styrax was repeated in 2004 and the over-winter loss of rooted propagules seems to be inversely related to the length of cuttings; the loss was the least when the lengths of cuttings are 18 cm long and the highest when the cuttings are 8 cm long. The development of a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker for cold hardiness in Camellia, based on the marker band obtained from randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, was completed. It is now possible to screen cold hardy and non-hardy seedlings at early stages. This research will result in a propagation protocol for these important ornamental species. 5.Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. Germplasm distribution and acquisition In 2004, a total of 125 germplasm accessions were made. These accessions will expand the gene pool base of the germplasm collection. Accessions were in the form of seeds (Pinus koraiensis, Acer sp, and Viburnum trilobum), plants (Quercus robur and Rhododendron ruteum), and cuttings (winter hardy Camellia japonica and C. sasanqua and Corylopsis glabrescens). Responding to the requests made through GRIN or directly to WLPGR staff, distributions were made to gardens, arboreta, nurseries, and research institutes in the United States, and also other foreign countries. A total of 328 germplasm accessions were distributed. Distributions were made in the form of seeds (Acer tartaricum and Cedrus libani) and plants (Celtis bungeana, Fraxinus bungeana, and Camellia oleifera). This accomplishment was marked as a milestone in the current Project Plan Year 1 (FY 2004) and 2 (2005); and contributes to Component I of National Program 301 - Genetic Resource Management; and fit into the ARS Strategic Plan under performance measure 1.2.8. Support Development of the North American Plant Collections Consortium This report documents research and service conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement , Agreement No., 58-1230-1-047 between ARS (Project No. 1230-21000-029-00D: Genetic Resources, Evaluation, and Information Management of Woody Landscape Plant Germplasm) and American Association of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA)/ North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC). The SCA was extended to September, 2004 by providing funding to help support the development and management of germplasm maintained by the AABGA/NAPCC and by working closely with ARS in planning, developing, sharing, and managing the NAPCC data. Preservation and documentation of germplasm curated in NAPCC collections increases the efficiency of overall woody landscape plant germplasm management by reducing duplication. This accomplishment contributes to Component I of National Program 301 - Genetic Resource Management; and fit into the ARS Strategic Plan under performance measure 1.2.8. Styrax seed germination Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine seed maturation in a non-destructive manner. MRI showed tissues that contained water with different mobility in early growth stages during seed development of Styrax japonicus seed. In the pericarp, seed coat, and endosperm of fruits harvested 17 weeks after anthesis, the amount of free water decreased with maturation of the seed, and water existed in bound forms in endosperm and cotyledons as seeds became mature. Styrax japonicus 'Pink Chimes' fruits harvested 11 weeks after anthesis formed cotyledons and endosperm as shown by MRI, and seeds were fully developed when harvested 13 - 15 weeks after anthesis. Styrax japonicus seeds (NA accession no. 60191) harvested 12 weeks (1999) and 16 weeks (2000) after anthesis were fully developed and mature, and responded to germination-promoting treatments. To ensure good germination higher than 80%, seeds should be harvested 12 to 16 weeks after anthesis and treated 1 month of warm (18 C) followed by 2 months of cold (5.5 C) treatments. The maximum percent germination was 98%, after 2 months of warm treatment followed by 3 months of cold treatment, which is significantly higher than the percentage previous reported. This accomplishment contributes to Component I of National Program 301 - Genetic Resource Management; and fit into the ARS Strategic Plan under performance measure 1.2.8. Sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker for cold hardy Camellia Sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers, based on the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in Ardisia crenata, were developed for seedlings that were originated after open pollination between A. crenata with variegated foliages and red berries and A. crenata with non-variegated foliage and white berries. These SCAR markers are able to screen seedlings at early stages of growth and development before plants become mature in 4 years. This accomplishment was marked as a milestone in the current Project Plan Year 1 (FY 2004); and contributes to Component I of National Program 301 - Genetic Resource Management; and fit into the ARS Strategic Plan under performance measure 1.2.8. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Responding to the requests made through the GRIN or directly to WLPGR staff, a total of 296 germplasm accessions were distributed to gardens, arboreta, nurseries, and research institutions in the United States and to foreign countries. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Presented two posters at the Annual Meeting of American Society for Horticultural Science entitled "Characterization of the Genus Corylopsis" and "Evaluation and forcing of Curcuma as potted plant and cut flower". Presented a poster at the BARC Poster day entitled "Characterization of the Genus Corylopsis". Participated in Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit Open House, May 9, 2006 and interacted with stakeholders (nurserymen, urban foresters, gardening public). Jentz, K., 2006. Kevin Conrad, Woody Plants Curator. Washington Gardener, March/April 2006. Review Publications Meerow, A.W., Roh, M.S., Schnell II, R.J. 2006. Sixteen microsatellite loci from Halesia tetraptera (Styracaceae). Molecular Ecology Notes. 5:777-779 Joung, Y.H. and Roh, M.S. 2005. Mapping characterization of Pinus sylvestris var. sylvestriformis based on chloroplast DNA microsatellite markers. Forest Genetics. 12:89-98. Roh, M.S., Lawson, R., Lee, J.S., Suh, J.K., Criley, R.A. and Apavatjrut, P. 2006. Evaluation of Curcuma as potted plants and cut flowers. 81(1):63-71.