In 1991, the USDA–ARS North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station made available for distribution 129 accessions of germplasm representing 31 genera of herbaceous ornamentals. This number increased to 329 accessions of 42 genera by 1995. During 1991–95, more than 500 seed packets were distributed to fulfill requests for these plants received from a diverse array of public and private researchers. An analysis of this demand together with expert advice from Crop Germplasm Committees and technical considerations, such as ease of culture and seed production, can help set priorities to plan germplasm regeneration to meet future demand. A recent analysis of demand at U.S. National Plant Germplasm System active sites indicated that demand ranging between 0.23 and 0.97 distributions per available accession per year was typical. Of the 42 ornamental genera analyzed in this study, 9 were demanded more frequently than was typical, 10 were demanded less frequently, with the remainder in the typical range. In order of increasing frequency, the nine genera with the highest distribution rates were Verbena, Gypsophila, Echinacea, Lapeirousia, Delphinium, Cerastium, Baptisia, Lilium, and Tanacetum. Six of these genera are represented only by a single available accession. Notably, Echinacea and Tanacetum are of research interest both as ornamentals and as medicinal/industrial crops. This poster gives a brief overview of the economic value of these genera, display the results of the demand analysis, discuss the results relative to recommendations from Crop Germplasm Committees and requestors, and consider how demand can shape management plans for the acquisition and regeneration of ornamental germplasm.
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