B: Science

Plant collections are an important resource for scientific research. Taxonomists use living plants, in conjunction with herbarium specimens and field observation, to describe species, observe development, study variation and test keys. Other scientists need accurately identified plants from collections for molecular analysis, chemotaxonomy, cytogenetics, biosystematics, chemical and pharmaceutical screening, conservation biology and many other research purposes. The study of climate change and its effects is just one current reminder of the relevance of collections to the pursuit of modern scientific research. It is often not possible or practical to gather fresh plant material directly from the wild, and ex situ collections are then the only means of obtaining the necessary material. Indeed, there is a moral imperative upon holders of ex situ collections to make best use of the material available.

To be of maximum possible use for scientific research, plant collections need to be comprehensive in terms of taxa representation, genetic diversity and geographic distribution. They also need to be well maintained, accessible, accurately identified and well documented. PlantNet, however, is not advocating that each garden should try to grow everything themselves. Indeed, using the networking expertise of PlantNet and modern communication systems, frequent collaboration between gardens should allow each garden to focus on what it grows best, thus, eventually, in effect, creating a collective and comprehensive national collection. Horticultural staff and others also require the help and collaboration of scientists to identify plants, create new and appropriate designs and features, give advice on the habitats and microclimates from which plants originate, and structure the collections when specified genetic assemblages are needed.

PlantNet aims to promote and increase the effective use of plant collections for research by ensuring that they meet the needs and expectations of the scientific community.

To achieve these aims, PlantNet will:

• update the PlantNet Directory of Botanical Collections in Britain and Ireland and eventually produce a web version to make it easier for scientists to access the collections they need
• increase the dialogue between collection holders and scientists by holding at least one appropriate workshop within the next 3 years
• promote the existence of PlantNet to the plant science community in general and to specific groups such as the committee of Systematics 2000, the Systematics Association, Institute of Biology, research councils and institutes, the Biology Curators’ Group and other relevant plant science groups
• liaise with other science groups, such as the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Ecsite-UK, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Committee on the Public Understanding of Science and jointly, as appropriate, contribute to national policy
• encourage scientific input into the PlantNet Newsletter
• encourage scientists to work in close collaboration with horticulturists
• promote the highest standards of record-keeping
• encourage scientists to make the best use of existing plant collections and to acknowledge their use
• conduct a survey of scientific usage of collections – to produce an index of expertise, products and examples of ways in which living plants from collections have been used
• promote networking among staff working on the same plant groups in different gardens
• establish a programme across the country for the promotion of the scientific value of collections, from the perspective of those involved in maintaining and using collections for this purpose
• encourage botanic and similar gardens to take part in National Science Week and science festivals.

The following policies are also relevant in delivering the Science policy:

• A: Horticulture
• E: Standards of Record-keeping
• F: Conservation