Formation and present-day of the National gene-bank of plants in wartime conditions

Abstract

Goal. To highlight the prerequisites for the creation and management of the National Bank of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine. Methods. Historicism, objectivity, systematic, problem-chronological, comparative-historical, historical-geographical, analysis, and synthesis, which provide a deep and comprehensive study of published documents, scientific works, and archival materials. Results. Targeted and systematic mobilization of plant genetic resources is an important factor in the formation, use and preservation of the plant gene pool. Institutions of the System of Genetic Resources of Plants of Ukraine (GRPU) under the coordination and leadership of the National Center of GRPU (NCGRPU) created the National gene-bank of plants in 1992. It is currently (since 2023) supported by 26 institutions and contains 154.3 thousand samples of 544 cultures of 1,802 plant species, of which 59,000 (36.9%) are of domestic origin. A variety of seed-reproducible specimens are stored in National and Doublet Repositories. For the first time in Ukraine, the Information System “Plant Gene Fund” is developed at the National Research Center for the Development of Natural Resources and Environment, and active cooperation with the international community is carried out. The NCGRPU registers collections and samples of the gene pool of plants valuable to Ukraine. Since 2004, the professional journal “Plant Genetic Resources” has been published twice a year. Conclusions. Agriculture, in particular, plant growing, is one of the most vital branches of the Ukrainian economy. The key to the productivity and stability of this industry is the genetic diversity of plants, concentrated in the National Genebank of Plants. Its preservation in a living state and effective use in selection work, fundamental and applied science, and educational programs are of great national importance. Many collections of the Ukrainian gene bank are of world importance in terms of volume and genetic diversity (wheat, triticale, soybeans, peas, lentils, millet, buckwheat, flax, hemp, potatoes, apples, grapes, and other crops). Every year, on the genetic basis of gene-bank samples, more than 100 varieties of crops are created and submitted for state registration. The mobilized global gene pool of plants is a real factor in the recovery and further development of agriculture in Ukraine.