WAYS TO PRESERVE THE BIODIVERSITY OF APPLE TREES IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS ROLE IN IMPROVING THE ECOSYSTEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/naturaljournal.17.2026.13Keywords:
varieties, wild forms, gene pool, adaptability, genetic diversityAbstract
The article highlights the issues of formation and ways of preserving the genetic biodiversity of apple trees and its significant role in improving the ecosystem as a whole. Using the example of the collection plantings of the L.P. Simirenko Pomology Research Station of the IS NAASU, where 1,272 apple tree specimens are kept alive, it was found that the largest percentage of specimens in the collection are of Ukrainian origin. The collection includes: selected varieties, folk selection varieties, hybrid forms, spontaneous clones, various types of crops, and wild forms. In addition to varieties and hybrids of the domestic apple tree Malus domesticа Borkh., the collection includes more than 30 species and subspecies of the crop. Ancient, so-called “local” varieties and forms are characterized by diverse fruit quality, high bioplasticity to different growing conditions, resistance or tolerance to diseases and pests; they are also a source of valuable genetic traits are various species and wild forms. Each sample of the collection is a separate unit of the gene pool; a passport database has been created for the entire volume of the collection. The electronic version of the database contains information about the value, origin of the sample, originator, data on the author (authors), availability of material, biological status, place of collection and other information about the species, variety or hybrid form. Effective use of genetic species and varietal diversity of apple trees, its preservation in a viable state and genetic authenticity is especially relevant for future generations, therefore effective ways to solve the problems of preserving the apple gene pool are: 1) development of methods for storing and restoring the viability of vegetative parts, meristems of fruit crops, cryopreservation of vegetative organs; 2) popularization of old, local, collection varieties, their thorough study and introduction into production; 3) creation in horticultural farms of any form of ownership of micro-reserves, which are centers of ecosystem reproduction and biodiversity conservation with mandatory plantings of apple varieties.
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