|
WELCOME
Background: Why the NSL exists. Most native plants used for ecosystem conservation and restoration are propagated exclusively from seeds. Sufficient quantities of seeds are, therefore, needed to restore and sustain native plant communities that are increasingly affected by invasive species, pest infestations, wildfire, and climate change. Successful seed production requires knowledge of seed development, cleaning, germination, and storage procedures, known collectively as seed science and technology.
The National Seed Laboratory (NSL) is currently addressing these complex challenges and is serving as the primary national strategic resource for forest ecosystem seed science and technology. (more) (link to full briefing paper)
What the NSL does:
Native Plant Protocol Development - The NSL develops protocols for seed handling, germination, and storage of a wide range of native plant seeds.
Training and Technology Transfer - The NSL provides training materials, workshops, and customized individual training programs to United States and international seed workers, and collaborates with research and production facilities nationwide.
Genetic Conservation - Some native plant species are at risk in the wild because of insects, disease, invasive weeds, overuse by humans, and/or inherent biology. Seeds from these species can be conserved for decades in freezer storage. The NSL provides samples of these stored seeds for domestic and international research and maintains an internet accessible data base of these samples.
International Work - Seeds are traded between countries and the NSL is involved in certifying the genetic identity of these seeds. NSL is a member of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and is the only US laboratory accredited by ISTA to test forest seeds.
Seed Testing Services - The Laboratory performs seed tests for private industry, state governments, and federal agencies. Results are used in forest and conservation nurseries to make efficient use of seeds, to evaluate seed quality in processing plants, and as the basis for seed price determination. |
