National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Gene bank and research facility in Corvallis, Oregon, United States
The National Clonal Germplasm Repository is a research facility in Corvallis that stores living plants and plant tissue samples, including fruit varieties, nuts, berries, hops, and mint. The collection serves as a source of genetic material that scientists and farmers can use for research projects and agricultural development.
The facility was established in the 1970s as part of the United States Department of Agriculture and is one of nine repositories located across the country. It was created to systematically collect and preserve plant genetic resources before many traditional varieties disappeared.
The repository preserves plant genetic diversity and helps researchers and farmers access genetic resources that would otherwise disappear over time. This work supports agricultural communities across the region by making seeds and plant materials available for study and cultivation.
Visitors and researchers can access the collection through an online cataloging system that contains detailed information about hundreds of thousands of plant samples. It is advisable to contact the facility in advance to request specific genetic materials or arrange a tour of the premises.
The facility uses cryopreservation to store plant cells at temperatures below minus 150 degrees Celsius, allowing for decades or even centuries of storage. This technique enables the repository to safeguard genetic material for future generations without constantly regrowking it.
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