’ s Choice Series on Sharing Data and Materials The Preservation of Plant Genetic Resources . Experiences with Arabidopsis 1

The preservation of genetic resources used to support multinational research programs in plant biology requires extensive sharing and curation of information and materials. Each sector of the community has an important role to play, from individual investigators and volunteer coordinators to curators of central databases and public stock centers. When empowered with a sense of responsibility and goodwill, stable sources of funding, and a standardized system of genetic nomenclature, plant biologists can build a lasting collection of genetic resources that aid their research programs. In this article, we reflect upon our personal experience with genetic resources and nomenclature of Arabidopsis, consider how this example might benefit those working with other plant species, and discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.