2006 Annual Report
4a.List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006.
This project establishes a general framework for the conservation of genetic resources comprised of Pinus radiata (Monterey pine) from two disjunct populations from Guadalupe and Cedros Islands in Mexico. The Monterey pine population on Guadalupe Island is of primary conservation importance as there are only ~200 Monterey pine trees remaining on the Island. No seed was received in 2006 for this agreement although research was done in collaboration with Cathy Hargraves, a visiting scientist from New Zealand on micropropagation of this seed. The results from the research demonstrated that micropropagation could be used to facilitate both the amplification and dissemination of genetic material for conservation and tree breeding objectives in Mexico, USA, New Zealand and Australia.
4b.List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any.
Collaborative research with Kathy Hargraves also demonstrated that the micropropagated shoots could be stored long-term in cryopreservation.
4c.List significant activities that support special target populations.
None.
4d.Progress report.
This report serves to document research conducted under the Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement #58-5402-4-0159FN between ARS and COLEGIO. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5402-21000-006-00D Preservation and Quality Assessment of Plant Genetic Resources. This Agreement establishes the framework where, in collaboration with the University of California-Davis, and the Colegio de Postgraduados en Ciencias Agricolas, Mexico, seed from two wild populations of Pinus radiata on Islands in Mexico are being preserved as safety back-up at the NCGRP. As disjunct populations, these seed may represent valuable germplasm not available in other Pinus radiata populations. Further, the trees on one Island are at high risk as there only ~200 trees remaining on Guadalupe Island.
|