TECHNICAL NOTES USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

Boise, ID TN PLANT MATERIALS NO. 27 DECEMBER 2006 Revision

Plant Germplasm Development: Traditional and Alternative Approaches

The enclosed brochure entitled “The AOSCA Native Plant Connection” provides information on traditional (variety or cultivar) and alternative approaches (pre-variety releases) to release plants used in solving natural resource problems. This publication was prepared by Stanford A. Young, Seed Certification Specialist, Utah State University, Barry Schrumpf, Oregon Seed Certification Service and Eugene Amberson, Wisconsin Crop Improvement Association. Published by Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA).

NATIVE PLANT CONNECTIONTHE AOSCA

Association ofOfficial Seed

Certifying Agencies

ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL SEED CERTIFYING AGENCIES(AOSCA)

THE AOSCA NATIVE PLANT CONNECTION

The Need for Native Plant GeneticSource Information

Large-scale natural and human-caused ecosystemdisturbances generate a voluminous demand for nativeplant reproductive materials (most commonly seed)intended for restoration, revegetation, and stabilizationof natural communities. This demand is enhanced byan increasing interest in establishing populations ofnative wildflowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs in parks,wildlife refuges, roadsides, tree farms and orchards, andresidential landscapes.

The reproductive materials required to satisfy theseplanting needs have some special constraints. Mostplant species consist of more or less continuousgenotypic arrays reflecting differential adaptation tovariation in soils, climates, and disturbance regimesacross a species’ range of distribution. Long-termsuccess in restoring a species to a given site is dependentupon obtaining adapted plant materials. Adapted plantmaterials are most likely to originate from the same siteor nearby sites with similar physical and biologicalenvironments, unless the species’ population is knownto be broadly adapted or particular accessions haveproven to be widely adapted within the species’range of distribution.

For some broadly adapted species characterized bycopious seed production, wildland collection cansupply a significant seed volume for direct plantings.For most species, however, accessions consisting oflimited quantities of seed obtained from definedwildland stands must be increased in fields or nurseries.Unfortunately, accurate documentation of collectionsite and/or cultivated production has often beenunavailable to those seeking site-appropriate nativeplant materials. This situation led to the expansionof AOSCA third-party inspection and labelingprograms to specifically address the needs of thenative seed and plant industry.

1

Road cutstablization and

restoration.

Wasatch MountainRange wildlands.

Collecting antelopebitterbrush with

seed hopper.

How AOSCA is Meeting this Need

AOSCA has implemented certification requirementsand standards that accommodate plant germplasm(whether newly acquired accessions or named varieties)of native grasses, forbs, and woody plants. Thesecertification procedures provide third-party verificationof source, genetic identity, and genetic purity ofwildland collected or field or nursery grown plantgermplasm materials. This bulletin defines AOSCAplant germplasm types, describes certification proce-dures and labeling, and summarizes supportingguidelines, tables, and flow charts.

Plant Germplasm Development:Traditional and Alternative Approach

The traditional approach for plant germplasm develop-ment is to produce varieties with known adaptabilityand proven superior or unique characteristics that aredistinct, uniform, and stable. A typical variety (orsynonymous term “cultivar”) originates from naturalpopulations or genetically manipulated (i.e. massselection, recombination, induced mutation, orbiotechnological methods) populations of a species.These (1) unevaluated bulk populations form poolsfrom which (2) breeding lines or clonal groups areselected on the basis of desirable traits; (3) inbred linesor clonal synthetic progenies are then developed withtraits of interest proven to be heritable; and (4) aVariety/Cultivar is formally released with distinctivetraits documented as uniform and stable when evalu-ated over multiple locations and years.

As an alternative to formal variety release, AOSCAPre-Variety Germplasm (PVG) categories facilitateorderly procurement, production, and distribution ofplant germplasm materials. The PVG categories offer aparallel progression with the first three above numberedstages for variety development. They are respectivelydesignated as (1) Source Identified Class (unevaluatedgermplasm identified only as to species and location ofthe wild growing parents), (2) Selected Class(germplasm showing promise of desirable traits,

2

Seeds of antelopebitterbrush.

BluebunchWheatgrassseed heads.

Firecrackerpenstemon,

wildland site.

having been selected either within or as a common sitecomparison among accessions or populations of the samespecies), and (3) Tested Class (germplasm for whichprogeny testing has proven desirable traits to be heri-table). This progression may also serve as a route leadingto formal (4) Variety/Cultivar release if eligibilityrequirements are satisfied.

The four defined AOSCA plant germplasm types arethus based upon verification of species and source, andthe extent of distinctive trait identification, selection,and stabilization documented for a given plantgermplasm accession or population. Figure 1 illustratesthe sequential progression of AOSCA germplasm types;the dual tracks are explained in the following section.

Natural and Manipulated Genetic Tracks

Germplasm originating from a wildland (native,naturalized, or feral) stand is assigned a genetic status ofeither “manipulated-track” or “natural-track” (note thegermplasm accession arrows in Fig. 1). The natural-track is reserved for those germplasm accessions that arean unrestricted representation of the intact wildlandplant population on the original site. Additionally,genetic manipulation must be purposefully avoidedwhen such accessions are increased in field or nurseryproduction, compared with other accessions oncommon sites, and/or tested for trait heritabilityand adaptability.

Accessions that are purposefully or inadvertentlyhybridized with other accessions or selected for distinc-tive traits within the population (whether on the originalsite or in succeeding field or nursery generations) arerouted to the manipulated-track. This routing is furtherillustrated by the center arrow portion of Fig. 1. If agermplasm following either track or at any stage ofdevelopment is altered from its defined genetic identity,it reverts to bulk population status until grantedapproval as a newly defined germplasm on themanipulated-track.

3

Indianricegrass seed.

Fourwingsaltbushmature seed.

Purple coneflower.

Germplasm assigned to either track follows a similarprogression relative to AOSCA germplasm types, and isappropriate for end use depending on the objectives forthe planting site. To facilitate this germplasm statusdistinction, “natural-track” recognition as applicable toa specific germplasm should be so noted on certifica-tion tags (see Additional Label Information section).

Practical Application ofAOSCA Plant Germplasm Types

Formal variety release is applicable when geographicadaptability and market potential are well defined, andis necessary when seeking protection under the PlantVariety Protection Act. Utilization of PVG categories isapplicable when a) identification and propagation ofspecies and/or ecotypes at various stages of evaluationare needed for timely (often immediate) restoration ofspecific geographic areas, b) market potential is limitedbeyond specific geographic areas, and/or c) accommo-dating consumer special plant material demands (referto both sidebars in Fig. 1).

A germplasm accession may potentially be shepherdedthrough PVG categories on either genetic track toachieve formal release. For most native plant acces-sions, however, germplasm evaluation and comparisonare designed to facilitate native plant use in localizedsite revegetation rather than for advancement towardformal release. In this context, a germplasm designa-tion within any PVG category (Source identified,Selected, or Tested) is a legitimate end product. Manypublic and private agencies follow internally establishedprotocols for germplasm acquisition, study, develop-ment, and/or release, though such formality is not abasic requirement in utilizing PVG certification.Germplasm eligibility for a given PVG category mustbe supported by documentation submitted to andaccepted by an AOSCA seed certification agency.

4

Firecrackerpenstemon, seedfield production.

Conditioningwildland shrub seed.

Westernyarrow,seed fieldproduction.

SEED CERTIFICATION NOMENCLATURE AND LABELING FOR PLANT GERMPLASM TYPES

Plant Species Population

GermplasmAccession

Selected Class(breeding lines, clonal groups,

manipulated accessions)GREEN TAG

G0, G1, G2, G3 . . .

Selected Class(unrestricted natural accessions)

GREEN TAG G0, G1, G2, G3 . . .

Source Identified Class(unrestricted natural accessions)

YELLOW TAG G0, G1, G2, G3 . . .

Tested Class(unrestricted natural accessions)

BLUE TAG G0, G1, G2, G3 . . .

Tested Class(inbreds, synthetics,

manipulated accessions)BLUE TAG

G0, G1, G2, G3 . . .

Variety/Cultivar(uniform and stable germplasm)

WHITE TAG: B, FPURPLE TAG: R

BLUE TAG: C

trait selection within bulk or natural poplulations

progeny testing;traits proven heritable

multiple location/year testing

multiple location/yeartesting

progeny testing;traits proven heritable

trait comparison andselection among accessions

"Natural-Track""

GermplasmAccession

"Manipulated-Track"

FIGURE 1. Germplasm development flow chart.

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/MA

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ated

Mul

tiple

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ars

D

EV

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Im

med

iate

UseBulk Populations

(recombinations, mass selections,modified germplasms)

NO TAG

Pur

pose

ful o

r In

adve

rten

t Gen

etic

Man

ipul

atio

n

GeGenetic S

tatus Genetic Statustus

Variety/Cultivar(unrestricted natural accessions)

WHITE TAG: B, FPURPLE TAG: R

BLUE TAG: C

Generation Limitation, Designation,and Labeling

The number of field or nursery increase generationsallowed (as well as length of stand, isolation distancesrequired, and seed purity and viability standards) for allgermplasm types may be specified by AOSCA. Factorsconsidered are the mode of reproduction, geneticstability, plant longevity, and seed characteristics ofindividual species. The AOSCA generation limit forsexually reproduced or apomictic Pre-VarietyGermplasm is five (unless otherwise specified), whilevegetative generations may be unlimited.

Natural-track wildland collected seed is by definitionGeneration zero (G0) since it is an unrestrictedrepresentation of an intact G0 parent population.For a manipulated-track germplasm the G0 parentplants, which by convention for cultivated populationsproduce G1 seed, must be formally defined by thedeveloper in consultation with an AOSCA agency. Asshown in the pre-variety germplasm class boxes in Fig.1, generations are designated G0, G1, G2, G3, etc.,which are analogous to the variety/cultivar generationdesignations of Breeder, Foundation, Registeredand Certified.

Variety/cultivar tags are color coded to signify genera-tion (white for Breeder and Foundation, purple forRegistered, and blue for Certified). PVG tags are colorcoded only according to category (yellow for SourceIdentified, green for Selected, and blue for Tested), sospecific generation information must be listed on PVGtags (Figure 2). The notation specifies both thegeneration of the tagged material and the number ofincrease generations permitted, e.g. G1/3 or G4/5.An accelerated downgrading of generation formarketing purposes may be specified on the tagsuch that the material would not be eligible forplanting stock, e.g. G3/3 or G5/5.

5

Grayhead prairieconeflower.

Wildland seed analysis.

Additional Label Information

Though individual certification agency labeling formatsmay vary somewhat, other information listed on PVGtags (Fig. 2) normally includes a) the scientific andcommon species names; b) germplasm identificationterm (optional); c) production location (state andcounty or similar geographic description) and elevationof the field or nursery; d) source site (location andelevation of the defined G0 material); e) whether thedefined G0 material is indigenous at its source site (yes,no, or unknown); f ) whether the tagged material is“natural-track” in status (yes or no); and g) certificationand/or seed lot numbers. Additional site characteris-tics, selection criteria, and/or testing results may beavailable from the germplasm collector/developer.

When a pre-variety germplasm is offered in commerceattendant with an optional germplasm identificationterm (i.e. accession number or notation of origin orspecific trait), the word “Germplasm” must follow (e.g.ARS 2936 Germplasm Scarlet Globemallow; SouthernIowa Germplasm Canada Wildrye) to avoid miscon-struing the term as an official variety/cultivar name.

Variety/cultivar tags (Breeder, Foundation, andRegistered are similar in format to the Certifiedexample shown in Fig. 2) provide littleinformation beyond kind (species),variety name, and certification/lotnumber, since the formalrelease notice would supplypertinent variety source anddevelopment information.It is recommended, however,that “natural-track” status(if applicable) and knownregions or zones ofadaptation be listedon the tag for nativeplant varieties/cultivars.

6

Palmerpenstemon,

seed fieldproduction.

Fire rehabilitationseeding success.

Aerial firerehabilitationseeding.

The AOSCA Process for CertifiedProduction of Native Plant Seed

AOSCA seed certification agencies (acting as a third-party) require seedcollectors/producers to follow established requirements, procedures, andstandards to assure germplasm identity and purity for the seed consumer.

B. Field/Nursery ProductionStock seed or plants for establishingcertified field/nursery productionmust be of an eligible generation andhave appropriate labeling. Certifica-tion procedures include:

• Application for Certification• Verification of origin and

generation of plantingstock

• Seedling inspection• Field inspection before

harvest to check compli-ance with species require-ments for isolation andgenetic purity (control ofprohibited and otherspecified weeds or otherspecies may be required)

• Tagging of the seed lot aftercompliance with applicablerequirements and stan-dards; seed purity andviability analysis may berequired

A. Wildland CollectionWildland collected seed can beused for direct sales to end users,for establishment of field/nursery production, or for entryinto plant germplasm develop-ment programs. Certificationprocedures include:

• Pre-Collection Applicationfiled before harvest

• Proper permitting and/orpermission for collectingon public and private lands

• Site Identification Log filledout during and afterharvest

• Verification of the collectionsite and identification andevaluation of plant andseed samples before,during, and/or post harvest

• Tagging of the seed lot aftercompliance with applicablerequirements and stan-dards; seed purity andviability analysis may berequired

• Germplasm accessionsacquired within establishedprotocols of recognizedpublic or private agenciesare normally eligible (withappropriate data on file inlieu of the above proce-dures) to enter thecertification process asplanting stock

7

Nativecollector in

mountain bigsagebrush

stand.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact the official seed certifying agencyin your country, state or province for furtherinformation, application forms, or help infollowing wildland plant materials certificationprocedures. A list of certifying agencies isavailable from the AOSCA Office:

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies55 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 150Meridian, ID 83642-8638, USA

Telephone: (208) 884-2493Fax: (208) 884-4201Website: www.aosca.org

Bulletin Authors:Stanford A. Young, Seed Certification Specialist,

Utah State UniversityBarry Schrumpf, Oregon Seed Certification Service,

Oregon State UniversityEugene Amberson,

Wisconsin Crop Improvement Association.

Copyright AOSCA 2003All photos by Stanford A. Young

8

Prairierestoration

project.

Harvesting basinwildrye.

Species Name Sporobolus heterolepis Common Name Prairie Dropseed Germplasm ID,Gen. G3/5 G3 State,County,Elev. WI,Dane,800 ft. G0 State,Region,Elev. WI,Southwest,790 ft. G0 Indigenous? Yes Natural-Track? Yes Lot: 2999-SPOHET-3-SE; 03346

SOURCE IDENTIFIED SEED

MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL SEED CERTIFYING AGENCIES

Agency logohere

TESTED CLASS SEED

MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL SEED CERTIFYING AGENCIES

Agency logohere

Species Name Dalea candidaCommon Name White Prairie Clover Germplasm ID,Gen. Antelope,G2/5 G2 State,County,Elev. MT,Carbon,3350 ft. G0 State,County,Elev. ND,Stark,2400 ft. G0 Indigenous? Yes Cert. #: 026962 Natural-Track? Yes Lot #: SFD-02-FLD20-1

FIGURE 2. AOSCA Pre-Variety Germplasmand Variety/Cultivar tag examples.

CERTIFIED CLASS SEED

MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL SEED CERTIFYING AGENCIES

Agency logohere

KIND: Mountain Big Sagebrush

VARIETY: Hobble Creek, “Natural-track”

CERT. #: WC-1852

LOT #: ArTrVaHC-02001

FIGURE 2. AOSCA Pre-Variety Germplasmand Variety/Cultivar tag examples.

SELECTED CLASS SEED

MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL SEED CERTIFYING AGENCIES

Agency logohere

Species Name Krascheninnikovia lanata Common Name Winterfat Germplasm ID,Gen. Northern Cold Desert,G2/3 G2 State,County,Elev. OR,Malheur,2300 ft. G0 State,County,Elev. ID,Bingham,4100 ft. G0 Indigenous? No Natural-Track? No Cert. #: 00497 Lot #: KL203