Conservation of biodiversity of subtropical crops (Citrus L., Diospyros kaki L., and Feijoa sellowiana B.) in the collections of the Federal Research Center SSC of RAS

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

^* Corresponding author: raisa.kulyan22@gmail.com

Abstract

The article examines the biodiversity of subtropical plants in the collections of the Subtropical Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Citrus L., Diospyros kaki L. and Feijoa sellowiana B.). Citrus fruits are represented by 144 taxa, persimmon – 27 varieties, feijoa – 13 specimens. The purpose of the study is to preserve biodiversity and replenish collections with new introduction and selection varieties. Collectible specimens are preserved alive and serve as the object of comprehensive research. Sources of economically valuable traits - early ripening, dwarfism, winter hardiness, early ripening, fruit size and productivity - have been identified and included in various breeding programs for the creation and improvement of varieties. As a result of hybridization, a diverse range of hybrid forms was obtained, including 350 forms. Two forms of Feijoa sellowiana (SHW-1: 13-11), two hybrids of C. paradise (GA-1; G-A-2) and four forms of Diospyros kaki are currently being tested. In 2023, the biodiversity of the collections was replenished with four new varieties bred at the Center. Three varieties of tangerine (‘Academichesky’, ‘Solnechny’, ‘Prince Vladimir’) and a variety of eastern persimmon (‘Zukhra’) are included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation.