The NCPN and Their Role in Research
“The NCPN provides high quality asexually propagated plant material free of targeted plant pathogens and pests that cause economic loss to protect the environment and ensure the global competitiveness of specialty crop producers”- NCPN Mission Statement
The National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) exists to help protect specialty crops in the United States, which include roses, from the spread of pathogens such as viruses and insects. They promote the use of pathogen-tested plant material and operate under the support of three United States Department of Agriculture agencies; the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Together these agencies provide support for quarantine, research, and activities that extend into the community
The clean plant centers are organized to focus on pathogen diagnostic and elimination services. They also promote production of disease-free plant propagation material and maintain blocks of pathogen-tested materials. As of 2016, the NCPN has provided $30,000,000 worth of support; including 35 initiatives instated at the 28 clean plant centers which span 19 U.S. states and territories.
To learn more about the NPCN and how it operates, please consult the following pdf: ncpn-factsheet