Introduction and selection studies at the Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yana Fabritsiusa str. 2/28, Sochi, 354002, Russia

^* Corresponding author: slepchenko@vniisubtrop.ru

Abstract

The paper deals with topical issues of biologization of introduced and selective studies, which represent new approaches to conservation and rational use of plant resources. An extensive gene pool of subtropical, flower and southern fruit crops has been mobilized at FRC SSC of RAS (Sochi). Bioresource collections include 2,650 cultivar samples, of which 20% are perennial herbaceous plants, 12% are bulbous and bulbotuberiferous, 11% are tree and shrub crops, 10 % are irises, 8 % are pelargoniums, 5 % are citrus crops and others. Based on the collections studies, adaptive assortments have been developed for the humid subtropics of the Russian Federation, research is continuing for a number of cultures. A special place in the Centre’s research is occupied by the study of the collected species of natural flora, most of which have unique, including decorative, medicinal and other properties. The collections are the basis for conducting breeding research in various areas. Over the past 10 years, 85 cultivars of flower crops have been created (including 36 pelargoniums, 13 fruit crops, 4 hazels and 1 tea plant).