We are starting a research project on the ploidy and phenotypic characteristics of this small spring (or winter) annual, known as 'whitlow grass', Draba verna, or Erophila verna and hoping to get seed from as many sites globally as possible. If you are able to find plants and can send samples, here are some guidelines as to what we are looking for:
Please wait until the plant is finished flowering and seeds are ripe (but before dispersal, of course). Please note the exact latitude, longitude and if possible elevation of the site, with photos of the plants and location if possible. Please include your own name, email or other contact information, and institution or address. FROM THE U.S.: If you can send whole, pressed, air dried plants, please send 12-15 whole pressed plants with seeds, or, save seeds only from the plants and send dried seeds packaged separately from each plant. FROM OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.: The USDA does not allow whole plants, so please send seeds only. Their requirements are at the bottom of this note. If you have seeds from fewer plants, that is also useful, please send what you can collect. If you have seeds from other species of Draba or Erophila, please identify the species and send those, they may also be useful for our research project. Our contact information is: Jessica Gurevitch jessica.gurevi...@stonybrook.edu AND Jesse Hollister jesse.hollis...@stonybrook.edu Mailing address: Jessica Gurevitch, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794-5245 USA Thanks very much in advance! Here is the USDA requirements for seeds sent to us from outside the U.S. (i) A typed or legibly printed seed list/invoice accompanies each shipment with the name of the collector/shipper, the botanical names (at least to genus, preferably to species level) listed alphabetically, as well as the country of origin, and country shipped from, for each taxon. Each seed packet is clearly labeled with the name of the collector/shipper, the country of origin, and the scientific name at least to the genus, and preferably to the species, level. The invoice/seed list may provide a code for each lot, which may be used on the seed packets in lieu of the full list of required information. In this case, each packet must at least include the appropriate code, which is referenced to the entry for that packet on the seed list/invoice. (ii) There are a maximum of 50 seeds of 1 taxon (taxonomic category such as genus, species, cultivar, etc.) per packet; or a maximum weight not to exceed 10 grams of seed of 1 taxon per packet; (iii) There are a maximum of 50 seed packets per shipment; (iv) The seeds are free from pesticides; (v) The seeds are securely packaged in packets or envelopes and sealed to prevent spillage [Note: we recommend that seeds are packed in resealable, clear plastic envelopes to facilitate inspection];
