The Marx Pisum Genetic Stocks Collection

The G.A. Marx Pisum Genetic Stocks Collection will be ready for distribution about March 1992. Nearly 450 genetically-defined lines have been increased under greenhouse conditions and seed inventories are now adequate for distribution. A catalogue describing the genotype and phenotype of each line is in the final editing phase. The effort to develop this collection is part of a five year project funded by the National Plant Germplasm System. Entries in the collection are based on categories of material selected by Dr Marx before his death as most representative of his genetic research. A committee drawn from the international Pisum scientific community confirmed candidate genotypes, while the USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, NY organized the database and conducted the seed increases. The collection will be incorporated into the USDA Pisum collection, but will be maintained and distributed as a distinct, cohesive entity. Responsibility for maintenance and distribution of the Marx Collection will lie with Dr Rich Hannan, USDA-ARS Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164.

J.R. McFerson

USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit

Cornell Univ., Geneva NY 14456-0462, USA