The world's food supply is based on intensive agriculture, which relies on genetic uniformity. But this uniformity increases crop vulnerability to pests and stresses.
Scientists must have access to genetic diversity to help bring forth new varieties that can resist pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. The NPGS aids the scientists and the need for genetic diversity by:
Since many important crop species originate outside the United States, the first steps toward diversity are acquisition and introduction. New germplasm (accessions) enter NPGS through collection, donation by foreign cooperators or international germplasm collections. An identifying number such as the Plant Introduction number (PI number) is assigned to each accession. The accession is then evaluated, maintained, and made available for distribution. To view the number of species, families and accessions are found in the NPGS, go to the Statistics page.
Through these efforts, NPGS assists in improving the quality and productivity of crops.
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Last updated: 08 October 1999