New germplasm should be acquired in response to a long-range plan based on analyses of present holdings and future needs and goals. As collections grow in size it is increasingly important to develop procedures that allow them to be used easily and managed efficiently. This will require the NPGS to give continuing attention to quarantine, information management, development of criteria for entry of new accessions, and the problems of managing large collections (Chang, 1989).

The National Plant Germplasm System should develop a comprehensive plan for plant exploration.

Successful explorations depend, in part, on clear, scientifically based objectives. In the past, lack of a plan for exploration has resulted in some crops receiving greater attention while others, with few champions, went unserved.

Until very recently, the guidelines for plant exploration activities were too rigid and complex for even a relatively simple collecting trip. Flexibility is needed to approve, fund, and expedite the various endeavors in plant exploration. These may involve a single collector, a team of individuals, multinational fieldwork, collection of a precisely located endemic species, or collection of many species over a wide range. Past difficulties have led to a decline in requests for support and for exploration activities, and to criticisms about the lack of these activities in the national system. In recent years, actions have been taken to address these deficiencies.

Since 1988, the national system has begun to develop priorities based on deficiencies in its collections and on expected germplasm needs. The crop advisory committees can play an important part in priority development. Qualified people are being sought to collect germplasm in accordance with established priorities and standards. This approach is a considerable departure from the past practice of assuming that exploration proposals submitted to the Germplasm Matrix Team through the then existent Plant Exploration Office would reflect the appropriate priorities for the NPGS.

It is very important to address national and local concerns when planning explorations. Cooperative efforts that include U.S. and local scientists working together throughout a growing season should be sought through FAO or the International Board for Plant Genetic

Front Matter (R1-R16)

Executive Summary (1-20)

1 Managing Crop Genetic Resources (21-42)

2 Elements of the National Plant Germplasm System (43-86)

3 Administration of the National System (87-106)

4 Prescription for Effectiveness (107-144)

References (145-148)

Glossary (149-153)

Abbreviations (154-155)

Authors (156-160)

Index (161-173)