Plant Import Information

Program Capacity

Processing of germplasm through quarantine requires several types of limited resources:

1. Skilled people who propagate and maintain the plants, perform the diagnostic tests for pathogens, and maintain the electronic database containing testing information and inventories.
2. Specialized "containment" facilities such as greenhouses, screenhouses and orchards in which to conduct the testing and maintain the plants.
3. Money to pay salaries, buy supplies and equipment etc.
4. Also, the testing process is only as good as the protocols that are used. Time must be reserved for incorporation of improved testing protocols.

USDA-APHIS, PGQP does not charge a 'user fee' for any of these services, so resources are ultimately capped by the budget allocated by Congress for program purposes.

The capacity of the PGQP to handle accessions of a given type is established annually by PGQP based on the resources available and the historic demand for services by each community. We attempt to balance the competing needs of the various commodity groups.

Current inventory at PGQP

The current inventory numbers given may be greater than the number of accessions actually held by PGQP. This may occur for example, if repositories receive accessions released by PGQP but do not claim them in the GRIN database.

Program Capacities and open season dates at PGQP

^* Application by the deadline does not in itself guarantee entry

^** Inquire, admission approved on individual basis

Last Modified: January 22, 2007