GrainGenes

Cultivar name clearance. Breeders are encouraged to have proposed names for new cultivars checked for duplication, trademark, and other possible infringemts. The breeder can send the proposed name to me (Harold E. Bockelman, USDA-ARS-NSGC, P.O. Box 307, Aberdeen, ID 83210 USA). If desired, more than one name may be submitted, listed in order of preference. This will save considerable time, if a conflict is found with the first name. Available records (GRIN, CI/PI cards, variety files, etc.) here at Aberdeen are checked for conflicts with the proposed name. If a conflict is found (previous use of the name for that crop), the breeder is requested to submit a different name. If no conflicts are found, the requested name is forwarded to the Agricultural Marketing Service where the proposed name is checked for possible conflicts in trademarks, etc. The Agricultural Marketing Service does not guarantee that its findings are the final word, because their files may not be complete and/or unregistered trademarks may exist. This clearance procedure generally requires about 4 weeks.

Elite germplasm requested. Breeders are encouraged to submit their elite lines for inclusion in the National Small Grains Collection (NSGC). Of special interest are lines that have been in uniform nurseries, but are not to be released as cultivars. Historically, uniform nurseries have been the testing grounds for the most advanced, elite germplasm from the various public and private breeding programs. Entries in uniform nurseries and other breeding materials that are never released as cultivars are still of potential value to breeders, pathologists, entomologists, and other researchers.

Breeders should submit 200-500 g of untreated seed to the NSGC (address: P.O. Box 307, Aberdeen, ID 83210 USA). Seed from outside of the United States should be sent to the USDA Plant Germplasm Quarantine Center (address: Bldg.580, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA) with enclosed forwarding directions. Include a description of the germplasm, including: donor (breeder, institution); scientific and common names; cultivar name and/or other identifiers (breeder line or selection number, etc.); pedigree; descriptive information (of important traits and special characteristics); and growth habit. The request then is forwarded to the Plant Introduction Office. Upon PI assignment the Plant Introduction Officer returns documentation (PI card) to the NSGC Curator and the originating breeder. The NSGC Curator forwards a backup sample of seed to the National Seed Storage Laboratory and places the remaining seed in the NSGC.

Assignment of a PI number and inclusion in the NSGC makes the germplasm available for research purposes to bona fide scientists in the U.S. and worldwide.

Please note that a different procedure applies if you are obtaining Crop Science registration (see Crop Sci. 28: 716. 1988).

Guidelines for exporting seed. All seed sent to a foreign country should be inspected and receive a phytosanitary certificate. In most cases a fee of $19 payable to APHIS (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service) is required to cover the cost of the pc. You may wish to work with APHIS personnel in your state or your State Department of Agriculture to obtain a phytosanitary certificate. Also, please be aware of any import permits and additional declarations that certain importing countries may require to accompany the shipment.

Guidelines for importing seed. Any scientist importing seed should be aware of any restrictions that apply. APHIS personnel can provide current information on applicable restrictions. Of particular importance to wheat researchers are import restrictions related to flag smut and Karnal bunt. Presently, some 34 countries have flag smut import restrictions. Six countries currently have Karnal bunt import restrictions. Importation of seed from flag smut and Karnal bunt countries requires a permit from APHIS. Special handling and grow-out procedures apply to such shipments.