CHAP’s isolate collection joins global database

The National Reference Collection (NRC) was launched by CHAP in partnership with CABI and FERA, offering access to and storage of plant and insect material, as well as fungi and bacteria.

Now, the NRC is registered with the World Data Centre for Microorganisms (WDCM), within the Global Catalogue of Microorganisms (GCM) – an information repository for 147 culture collections from 51 different countries.

CHAP’s National Reference Collection Technician, Sophie Lane, said: “Being part of the GCM means CHAP can contribute towards knowledge and information sharing across culture collections worldwide.

“This is important to ensure the long-term success of such biobanks, which safeguard valuable biological samples for future research.”

The NRC is ever evolving, having recently welcomed new samples to the database.

Miss Lane added: “The NRC provides both safe storage of and access to samples, offering an important resource to commercial organisations and academic researchers alike.

“Applications include screening cultures for use as novel biopesticides, or providing target species for the development of plant protection products. We’re delighted to be able to spread the word further on a global scale.”

Find out more about CHAP’s National Reference Collection, or search the NRC’s online catalogue, by visiting the NRC Portal.

To view the NRC isolates on the GCM, visit here.