(Nature) A sample of a plant variety collected at a specific location and time. The terms ecotype, wild type and accession are not uniformly used in the Arabidopsis field and often cause confusion. The term accession is probably the most appropriate way to describe the Arabidopsis laboratory lines collected initially from the wild. [http://www.nature.com/nrg/journal/v3/n2/glossary/nrg730_glossary.html] [Google define: Accession]
Germplasm
(WikiPedia) Germplasm is a term used to describe the genetic resources, or more precisely the DNA of an organism and collections of that material. The term germ plasm was first used by August Weismann to describe a component of germ cells that he proposed were responsible for heredity, roughly equatable to our modern understanding of DNA. Worldwide there are collections of plant, animal and bacterial germplasm for use in breeding new organisms and the conservation of existing species. Also, current procedures are being taken to conserve germplasm such as botanical gardens, in situ conservations, and ex situ collections. References: Day-Rubenstein, K and Heisey, P. 2003. Plant Genetic Resources: New Rules for International Exchange. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germplasm] [Google define: Germplasm]
In Situ
(Latin phrase) In its original place; in position
In situ
(medical)
1. In the original position.
2. Confined to the site of origin.
Ex situ
(WikiPedia)
The use of ex situ conservation measures including captive breeding, of animals, botanic gardens and seed banks.
