50 / SEEDWORLD.COM JANUARY 2018 is at the center of enabling large-scale phenotypic evaluation according to Byrne. Although some USDA funded projects have included large- scale phenotypic evaluation of NPGS collections –wheat, barley and carrot collections, for example – a more comprehensive effort is needed, say Byrne and Volk. Targeted sequencing of accessions Many of the world’s most important crop species have or are projected to have a draft reference genome sequence in the near future. This data can be used to design very low-cost PCR- based genotyping assays: AmpSeq and rAmpSeq “Targeted sequencing can be useful for germplasm manage- ment to eliminate redundancies and focus acquisition priorities,” explains Volk. “Genotype-phenotype analysis is also useful.” Enhancing the GRIN-Global System The usefulness of the USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) global system could be enhanced with better eco-geographic data on collection sites and more harmonized phenotypic evaluation data. “Most plant breeders are reluctant to use germplasm that lacks site-specific collection data,” says Byrne. “Without a good phenotypic description, breeders are generally unwilling to risk their resources on unknown germplasm.” Genome Editing If geneticists can create precise variation anywhere in the genome, will germplasm collections become obsolete? Byrne and Volk do no think so. “Genome editing relies on detailed information on pheno- type-genotype associations,” Byrne says. “Because the pheno- types of importance in the future cannot be known in advance access to seeds or other propagules to allow evaluation of whole plants in appropriate agricultural settings will be required into the foreseeable future.” Improved Germplasm Management Training Up to one-third of curator and scientist staff of NPGS are expected to retire by 2020. How will new staff be trained? A conference to develop a training strategy for genebank manag- ers has been organized by Byrne and Volk for April 2018 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Breeders may also benefit from training on best practices for incorporating unadapted material into breeding populations. Shared Responsibility The activities listed here are beyond the scope of what any one institution can do on its own. They will be implemented most effectively through coordinated efforts among stakeholders, including USDA-ARS, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), universities, the private sector and interna- tional partners. “We all have responsibility to raise awareness among public audiences about the current and potential value of NPGS collec- tions,” Byrne concludes. “The world’s need is for active genetic gold mines, not merely germplasm repositories.” SW