There are several reputable sources for domesticated crop seed collection for research purposes. Some of the best sources include:
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT): CIMMYT is a global agricultural research organization that specializes in maize and wheat breeding. They have a large collection of seed resources, including over 28,000 accessions of maize and 150,000 accessions of wheat.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): IRRI is a non-profit research organization that specializes in rice breeding. They maintain a large seed bank with over 127,000 accessions of rice from all over the world.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS): The USDA ARS maintains a National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) which is a collection of over 500,000 accessions of crop germplasm, including seeds, plants, and tissues. The NPGS includes collections of many domesticated crops such as soybeans, corn, and cotton.
Seed Savers Exchange: Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and promoting genetic diversity in agriculture. They maintain a large seed bank with over 20,000 accessions of heirloom seeds.
It is important to note that seed collection for research purposes may require special permits and compliance with regulations. It is recommended to consult with the appropriate authorities before collecting seeds for research purposes.
The best source for domesticated crop seed collection for research work would depend on the specific crop being studied and the intended use of the seeds. However, there are several established organizations that provide high-quality seeds for research purposes. Some of the most reputable sources for domesticated crop seeds include:
The National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS): The NPGS is operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and maintains a collection of over 600,000 plant accessions, including domesticated crops. The NPGS provides seeds for research purposes and collaborates with international organizations to facilitate global access to plant genetic resources.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): The IRRI is a nonprofit organization that conducts research on rice and works to improve global food security. The IRRI maintains a collection of over 127,000 rice accessions, including domesticated rice, and provides seeds to researchers around the world.
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT): The CIMMYT is a nonprofit research and training organization that works to improve global food security by developing and disseminating new technologies and knowledge related to maize and wheat. The CIMMYT maintains a collection of over 150,000 maize and wheat accessions, including domesticated varieties, and provides seeds for research purposes.
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR): The CGIAR is a global partnership that supports agricultural research for development. The CGIAR operates several research centers around the world, each with a focus on specific crops or regions. Many of these centers maintain collections of domesticated crop seeds and provide seeds for research purposes.
It is important to ensure that the seeds being used for research are of high quality and have been properly characterized and documented. Using seeds from established organizations like those listed above can help ensure that the seeds are of high quality and have been properly characterized.