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Comparative study of phenolic compound composition was performed by HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS techniques using raw materials of Hedysarum alpinum L. plants introduced into the dendrological ecosystem of the Siberian Botanical Garden of Tomsk State University as well as the callus culture of the same species. The callus culture of Hedysarum alpinum was obtained on Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium with the addition of 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and was subsequently cultivated on the medium containing α-NAA (2.0 mg/L) and 6-BAP (0.5 mg/L). The culture was characterized by activated phenylpropanoid pathway, which gave rise to the formation of flavonoids, isoflavones, xanthones, and other substances. The total content of flavonoids (calculated on a per quercetin basis) and formononetin in the extracts of callus culture was lower than in the extracts from introduced plants by 35 and 11%, respectively, whereas the content of mangiferin in callus extracts was more than 50% higher than in the extracts of aerial plant parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical living collections within botanical gardens are a crucial global asset for plant diversity. Special attention should be directed towards dendrological collections due to their significant contribution to biodiversity conservation, support for scientific inquiry, enhancement of educational initiatives, and engagement of the public. Introducing plants, particularly woody species, poses a significant challenge in botanical science, one that is addressed through botanical gardens and arboretums. The establishment and development of dendrological collections in botanical gardens provide a means to comprehensively represent diverse plant species from various biogeographical regions and continents. The current paper presents, for the first time, the establishment, development, status, and future perspective of dendrological collections at the Yerevan Botanical Garden, particularly in relation to the introduction of woody plants in Armenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University began an ambitious plant acquisition program: The Campaign for the Living Collections. Prior to the initiative's launch, the Arboretum underwent several years of strategic planning to assess the values, strengths, and gaps within its renowned living collection of temperate woody plants and then set goals that would profoundly shape the collection and its research and conservation potential for decades if not for centuries. Core genera, conservation value, phylogenetic breadth, biogeography, and climate change responses were among the priority themes used to generate a targeted list of 395 desiderata to acquire from wild populations. In only a few years, the Campaign's 26 formal expeditions and other acquisition efforts have yielded 631 accessions of 263 highest-priority desiderata, representing 66.6% of the overall goal. This venture represents one of the most transformative and deliberate collection development activities at the Arnold Arboretum and among botanical gardens in the current era. These successes are due to a combination of factors that include visionary yet realistic strategic planning and goal setting, adherence to high standards of documentation and reporting, and authentic relationship building among collaborators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical living collections within botanical gardens are a crucial global asset for plant diversity. Special attention should be directed towards dendrological collections due to their significant contribution to biodiversity conservation, support for scientific inquiry, enhancement of educational initiatives, and engagement of the public. Introducing plants, particularly woody species, poses a significant challenge in botanical science, one that is addressed through botanical gardens and arboretums. The establishment and development of dendrological collections in botanical gardens provide a means to comprehensively represent diverse plant species from various biogeographical regions and continents. The current paper presents, for the first time, the establishment, development, status, and future perspective of dendrological collections at the Yerevan Botanical Garden, particularly in relation to the introduction of woody plants in Armenia.

At the beginning of the 21st century in St. Petersburg, the number of species of trees and shrubs that have entered a reproductive state has noticeably increased. A number of them produced seed offspring for the first time over a long period of introduction. In such conditions, when the levels of adaptation change so noticeably and the biological characteristics of different plant species manifest themselves differently, the role and importance of conducting and processing long-term series of continuous phenological observations undoubtedly increases. During the period of continuous phenological monitoring (1980–2022) in the Botanical Garden of Peter the Great Komarov Botanical Institute Russian Academy of Sciences established that against the backdrop of climate warming in St. Petersburg, which began in the late 1980s, biological cyclicity, according to N. E. Bulygin, manifests itself in the alternation of early warm periods (1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022) and late cold years (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013), which is reflected on the reproductive activity of woody plants and their ability to survive winter conditions. For the period 2001–2022 238 species entered the reproductive state, many of which had previously been in a vegetative state for decades. The improvement in the reproductive sphere of plants is especially noticeable after the abnormally warm winter of 2006/07; it intensified in 2015. This year and 2020 became the warmest during the period of instrumental meteorological observations in St. Petersburg. 50.8 % of cases of the first flowering and fruiting occur in early warm years; and only 16.4 % of cases – in late cold years. When summing up the results of introduction and assessing the prospects for breeding woody plants for urban floristics, it is necessary to take into account the cyclical climate of the region, the seasonal rhythm of plant development and their rhythm-adaptive connections.

In 2015, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University began an ambitious plant acquisition program: The Campaign for the Living Collections. Prior to the initiative’s launch, the Arboretum underwent several years of strategic planning to assess the values, strengths, and gaps within its renowned living collection of temperate woody plants and then set goals that would profoundly shape the collection and its research and conservation potential for decades if not for centuries. Core genera, conservation value, phylogenetic breadth, biogeography, and climate change responses were among the priority themes used to generate a targeted list of 395 desiderata to acquire from wild populations. In only a few years, the Campaign’s 26 formal expeditions and other acquisition efforts have yielded 631 accessions of 263 highest-priority desiderata, representing 66.6% of the overall goal. This venture represents one of the most transformative and deliberate collection development activities at the Arnold Arboretum and among botanical gardens in the current era. These successes are due to a combination of factors that include visionary yet realistic strategic planning and goal setting, adherence to high standards of documentation and reporting, and authentic relationship building among collaborators.

Based on the analysis of introduction and survival records, this paper reports the status of introduction, survival, and ex-situ conservation of plant species in the South China National Botanical Garden (SCNBG). The results are as follows: (1) A total of 19 154 species, 99 subspecies and 136 varieties (80 597 accession numbers) of vascular plants belonging to 325 families and 3 952 genera have been introduced since 1956, of which 11 581 species, 52 subspecies and 80 varieties (24 352 accession number) belonging to 290 families and 2 777 genera are surviving currently; the introduction records include 565 species of National Key Protected Wild Plants (421 species survived), covering 94.7% (36/38) of the first-class National Key Protected Wild Plants (29 species survived), 76.4%（269/352）of the second-class National Key Protected Wild Plants (229 species survived), and 54.3%（547/1 008）threatened species (414 species survived) in South China. (2) The most species are introduced from Guangdong Province (7 193 accession numbers, 2 523 species), followed by Hainan Province (3 658 accession numbers, 1 593 species), Guangxi Province (4 744 accession numbers, 1 559 species) and other surrounding provinces (regions); the SCNBG has obtained some precious plant resources from the same latitude regions by introducing and exchanging species with 61 countries around the world. (3) 17 specialized gardens for ex-situ conservation based on plant taxa (e. g. Magnolia Garden) show a high level in terms of introduction quantity and survival rate. (4) The correlation between the number of surviving species and the frequency of introduction is extremely significant (r = 0.85***). (5) The survival rate of introduced species distributed naturally in South China is higher than that in other provinces. In the future, the SCNBG needs to strengthen the ex-situ conservation of plants through following points: (1) On the basis of investigation, cataloguing, evaluation and research, strengthening the introduction and collection of rare and endangered plants, native plants and economically important plants in tropical and subtropical regions, further improving the quantity and quality of ex-situ conservation; (2) Establishing an ex-situ conservation network system for plants in South China to effectively protect plant diversity in this region; (3) Improving the infrastructure construction and information management level of ex-situ conservation for higher efficiency; (4) Enhancing international scientific research cooperation and species exchange.

Based on the analysis of introduction and survival records, this paper reports the status of introduction, survival, and ex-situ conservation of plant species in the South China National Botanical Garden (SCNBG) . The results are as follows: (1) A total of 19 154 species, 99 subspecies and 136 varieties (80 597 accession numbers) of vascular plants belonging to 325 families and 3 952 genera have been introduced since 1956, of which 11 581 species, 52 subspecies and 80 varieties (24 352 accession number) belonging to 290 families and 2 777 genera are surviving currently; the introduction records include 565 species of National Key Protected Wild Plants (421 species survived), covering 94.7% (36/38) of the first-class National Key Protected Wild Plants (29 species survived), 76.4% (269/352) of the second-class National Key Protected Wild Plants (229 species survived), and 54.3% (547/1 008) threatened species (414 species survived) in South China. (2) The most species are introduced from Guangdong Province (7 193 accession numbers, 2 523 species), followed by Hainan Province (3 658 accession numbers, 1 593 species), Guangxi Province (4 744 accession numbers, 1 559 species) and other surrounding provinces; the SCNBG has obtained some precious plant resources from the same latitude regions by introducing and exchanging species with 61 countries around the world. (3) 17 specialized gardens for ex-situ conservation based on plant taxa (e. g. Magnolia Garden) show a high level in terms of introduction quantity and survival rate. (4) The correlation between the number of surviving species and the frequency of introduction is extremely significant (r = 0.85***) . (5) The survival rate of introduced species distributed naturally in South China is higher than that in other provinces. In the future, the SCNBG needs to strengthen the ex-situ conservation of plants through following points: (1) On the basis of investigation, cataloguing, evaluation and research, strengthening the introduction and collection of rare and endangered plants, native plants and economically important plants in tropical and subtropical regions, further improving the quantity and quality of ex-situ conservation; (2) Establishing an ex-situ conservation network system for plants in South China to effectively protect plant diversity in this region; (3) Improving the infrastructure construction and information management level of ex-situ conservation for higher efficiency; (4) Enhancing international scientific research cooperation and species exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of Leningrad Quarantine Laboratory, a subdivision of the Soviet and Russian phytosanitary services, is discussed. Its interaction and cooperation with the All-Union Research Institute of Plant Industry (later: N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, VIR) are reviewed. The background of the need to organize such laboratory, its main activities, and the changes that followed are also explained.Leningrad Quarantine Laboratory has always closely collaborated with VIR. It has been accommodated within the Institute’s premises for 75 years. Such proximity has facilitated and accelerated the access to the plant germplasm received by VIR for plant protection and quarantine experts. Thus, a unique combination of phytosanitary safety and research activities was achieved. At the same time, the laboratory turned out to be an important research institution, publishing scientific works and methodological guidelines in the field of plant protection.In the course of its activities, the laboratory staff improved the existing methods and developed new ones for phytosanitary control of plant germplasm and its protection against pests, weeds, and pathogenic microorganisms. Manuals, directories, and identification guides written by the laboratory staff still remain the reference books for quarantine and plant protection experts. The laboratory was also very important as a qualification improvement facility for such experts. All these functions have become possible because of the work with plant germplasm that arrived to the VIR collection.

California has a long history of planting water-loving trees ill adapted to our arid mediterranean climate. With droughts increasing in duration and intensity since the 1970s, California cities have experienced substantial tree losses, raising the question of what trees are sustainable in these locations. Realizing this need for new trees, a few individuals and organizations began experimenting with new drought-adapted tree species, while other horticulturists noted the unusual survivor trees scattered randomly throughout the state. These trends came to fruition over the last decade, as climate change awareness grew and tree losses continued. At the same time, the massive and radical tree initiative for the Apple Park megacampus has introduced dozens of new tree types, particularly oaks, increasing awareness in the landscape industry about available alternatives. Although the landscape industry is rather conservative, this difficult moment in history that is ours requires creativity. Consequently, a few enterprising nurseries are taking risky bets and seeing them pay off. Clients are demanding more choice, more native trees, and more drought tolerance. Oaks, particularly Mexican species, are proving to be popular and excellent performers in a wide range of urban settings. Quercus rugosa, Q. hypoleucoides, and Q. oblongifolia from the American Southwest and Mexico are leading new species. The rare California native oak Q. tomentella is being planted intensively, and soon there will be more urban-planted Q. tomentella than wild trees. Learning the details of tree testing and introductions in California may prove useful to others facing similar transitions throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is a legume crop important for global food security due to supplying high-quality vegetable protein and oil. China is the origin and rich center of soybean genetic diversity represented by numerous landraces and other genetic resources. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, world-wide dissemination of plant introductions laid the foundation of modern soybean production. Due to selection for regional adaptation, present-day elite soybean cultivars do have a comparatively narrow genetic base. However, as genetic variation is the major component of future breeding progress, diversity of early maturity Chinese and European elite soybeans was comparatively analyzed using a high-throughput functional SNP array and an SSR marker set. Results revealed a clear differentiation between Chinese and European elite cultivars, and the level of genetic diversity was similar between the two populations. Both in Chinese and European cultivars, unique SSR alleles were found which indicates that selection for specific adaptation can preserve genetic variation. The European population was markedly structured by maturity groups which was less clear in the Chinese population. Structure analysis indicated that European cultivars are based on two major ancestral lines, whereas Chinese elite soybean cultivars trace back to more ancestral lines pointing to the rich natural soybean diversity of China. The results confirm that long-term selection under divergent environmental and agronomic conditions can produce specific diversity which could potentially be utilized for future enhancing both Chinese and European soybean breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on phenological features of amaranth varieties grown in open fields as a reaction to variability of weather conditions in the Moscow region. Amaranthine is one of the promising compounds found in red-colored amaranths. It refers to a class of betalain pigments. The study revealed growth stages defined by the highest content of amarantine per plant and analyzed accumulation of the pigment in amaranth leaves and inflorescences. Phenological observations of introduced plant species under new conditions are important and determine their resistance to adverse environmental factors, ability to produce high quality fruits and seeds, and potential for cultivation. During the introduction of new amaranth varieties, the most adapted forms were selected for the conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation in 2013-2016. The studied Russian and Ecuador varieties were divided into 4 groups depending on the growth period (from germination to seed maturity). Analysis of phenological traits of plants confirmed that period of amaranth development did not depend on the variety, except the fourth stage of late-ripening cultivars - Don Pedro and Eku 17020, dependent on weather conditions. Being dependent on weather conditions, the vegetative growth period turned to be the most stable. Late cv. Eku 17020 did not form mature seeds in open ground conditions, which is explained by its origin (Ecuador). In the present study we identified growth stages when plant raw materials had the highest dye content in red-leaved amaranth varieties (Valentina, Don Pedro and Fakel). We also considered the perspective of cultivation of green-leaved varieties with red inflorescences - Pamyati Kovasa and Eku-17020 - as sources of biologically valuable compounds in the Moscow region.

A central question in invasion biology is whether adaptive trait evolution following species introduction promotes invasiveness. A growing number of common‐garden experiments document phenotypic differences between native‐ and introduced‐range plants, suggesting that adaptive evolution in the new range may indeed contribute to the success of invasive plants. However, these studies are often subject to methodological pitfalls, resulting in weak evidence for post‐introduction adaptive trait evolution and leaving its role in the invasion process uncertain. In a common‐garden glasshouse study, we compared the growth, life‐history, and reproductive traits of 35 native‐ and introduced‐range Polygonum cespitosum populations. We used complementary approaches including climate‐matching, standardizing parental conditions, selection analysis, and testing for trait–environment relationships to determine whether traits that increase invasiveness adaptively evolved in the species' new range. We found that the majority of introduced‐range populations exhibited a novel trait syndrome consisting of a fast‐paced life history and concomitant sparse, reduced growth form. Selection analysis confirmed that this trait syndrome led to markedly higher fitness (propagule production) over a limited growing season that was characteristic of regions within the introduced range. Additionally, several growth and reproductive traits showed temperature‐based clines consistent with adaptive evolution in the new range. Combined, these results indicate that, subsequent to its introduction to North America over 100 generations ago, P. cespitosum has evolved key traits that maximize propagule production. These changes may in part explain the species' recent transition to invasiveness, illustrating how post‐introduction evolution may contribute to the invasion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020–2022, the complete taxonomic composition of the flora for the botanical-geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine (NBG) was studied and analyzed. This plot was established at the NBG in 1949 to demonstrate the floristic diversity of the Ukrainian Steppes ex situ. According to the inventory results, 347 species and infraspecific taxa from 196 genera and 53 families of higher vascular plants were recorded in the flora of the plot. The steppic component of this plot joins 213 species and infraspecific taxa (61.38 % of the total number of inventoried taxa) belonging to the collection fund and representing the flora of the Steppes of Ukraine, 126 species and infraspecific taxa (36.31 %) of which are introduced plants and 87 species and infraspecific taxa (25.07 %) are native plants. During the inventory, spontaneously growing plants that are not a part of the collection fund were precisely studied. Among inventoried plants, native non-steppic plants are represented by 46 species and infraspecific taxa (13.26 %); alien plants – by 88 taxa (25.36 %), including ergasiophygophytes (45 taxa, 12.97 %) and xenophytes (43 taxa, 12.39 %). The plants of the collection fund predominate on the plot and form the main vegetation cover. Currently, the taxonomic composition of the plot is similar to the characteristics of regional meadow-steppes. The perennials dominate in the biomorphological structure of the plot’s flora (63.69 %), which is typical for the steppic phytocoenoses. In general, a significant number of trees is present here (5.48 %), which is explained by the forest communities surrounding the plot and, as a result, their active self-sowing. Hemicryptophytes prevail in the plot’s flora (60.52 %). Nevertheless, the collection fund of the plot is distinguished by the absence of trees, a greater number of perennials (79.34 %), and hemicryptophytes (72.77 %). The steppic (33.33 %) and marginal (33.33 %) plants prevail in the collection fund, while the amount of meadow plants (18.78 %) is still significant. In the plot “Steppes of Ukraine”, most of the rare introduced plants formed stable homeostatic introduction coenopopulations. Among them, 15 species and rare infraspecific taxa are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

In 2020-2022, the complete taxonomic composition of the flora for the botanical-geographical plot "Steppes of Ukraine" at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine (NBG) was studied and analyzed. This plot was established at the NBG in 1949 to demonstrate the floristic diversity of the Ukrainian Steppes ex situ. According to the inventory results, 347 species and infraspecific taxa from 196 genera and 53 families of higher vascular plants were recorded in the flora of the plot. The steppic component of this plot joins 213 species and infraspecific taxa (61.38 % of the total number of inventoried taxa) belonging to the collection fund and representing the flora of the Steppes of Ukraine, 126 species and infraspecific taxa (36.31 %) of which are introduced plants and 87 species and infraspecific taxa (25.07 %) are native plants. During the inventory, spontaneously growing plants that are not a part of the collection fund were precisely studied. Among inventoried plants, native non-steppic plants are represented by 46 species and infraspecific taxa (13.26 %); alien plants - by 88 taxa (25.36 %), including ergasiophygophytes (45 taxa, 12.97 %) and xenophytes (43 taxa, 12.39 %). The plants of the collection fund predominate on the plot and form the main vegetation cover. Currently, the taxonomic composition of the plot is similar to the characteristics of regional meadowsteppes. The perennials dominate in the biomorphological structure of the plot's flora (63.69 %), which is typical for the steppic phytocoenoses. In general, a significant number of trees is present here (5.48 %), which is explained by the forest communities surrounding the plot and, as a result, their active selfsowing. Hemicryptophytes prevail in the plot's flora (60.52 %). Nevertheless, the collection fund of the plot is distinguished by the absence of trees, a greater number of perennials (79.34 %), and hemicryptophytes (72.77 %). The steppic (33.33 %) and marginal (33.33 %) plants prevail in the collection fund, while the amount of meadow plants (18.78 %) is still significant. In the plot "Steppes of Ukraine", most of the rare introduced plants formed stable homeostatic introduction coenopopulations. Among them, 15 species and rare infraspecific taxa are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change and increased land use lead to the loss of biodiversity at all levels of the organization of living organisms – ecosystems, species, landscape population, genetic, molecular biological levels, etc. The reaction of plants to anthropogenic impact, according to experts, may be even stronger than postglacial changes. A shift in the thermal isotherm will cause the plants to either move and adapt, or disappear. Endemic species that make up “biodiversity hotspots” require special attention. Cornus sessilis Torr. ex Durand, the object of our research, is part of one of these points – the California Floristic Province. Researchers are now focusing their efforts on developing a climate change – related biodiversity management strategy. In the case of the threat of extinction of the species in nature, there is a important method of preserving it in culture (ex situ). M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (the NBG) pays great attention to the introduction of rare endemic species from the different geographical and floristic regions of the world. The gene pool of Cornus L. s. l. in the NBG consists of more than 30 species and 40 cultivars including the insufficiently researched and little-known Californian endemic C. sessilis. In Europe, it has been grown since 2017 only in Chateau Perouse Botanic Gardens (Saint-Gilles, France) and in Ukraine only the NBG has it. In this article we evaluate the life cycle of the development C. sessilis under conditions of introduction different from the conditions of its natural area. To do this, we used the classic traditional methods of the research on the process of introduction, in particular, botanical plant identification, visual observation, phenology, comparative morphology and biometrics. Morphological descriptors (life form, colour and texture of bark, leaf shape, pubescence character, structure of generative and vegetative buds, inflorescences, flowers, fruits and endocarp) of C. sessilis genotypes introduced to the NBG are identical to those of plants from their natural habitats. The weight of fruits and endocarps were determined by us for the first time. The results of biometric analysis of the size of leaves and fruits showed that the plants of C. sessilis grown in the NBG had the larger leaf blades, but the smaller fruits as compared to those in the wild. In the NBG the plants underwent a full cycle of seasonal development (from the deployment of buds to the leaf fall, inclusive) for 229 days. In general, the phenological strategy of C. sessilis genotypes introduced in the NBG corresponds to that of other species of Cornus s. str., including C. mas L. Our results indicate that C. sessilis, California’s rare endemic species new to Ukraine, has adapted to the new conditions – the plants bear fruits and produce seeds. The experience of successful introduction makes it possible to cultivate a new species to expand the diversity of food, medicinal and reclamation plants of the family Cornaceae as well as the use in synthetic breeding to obtain new cultivars with valuable biological and economic properties. Cornus sessilis compatibility test as rootstocks for other species is important for clarifying the theoretical issues of family ties of species Cornaceae and practical – for widespread reproduction of the required cultivars C. mas breeding in the NBG on a potentially compatible rootstock C. sessilis.

Pozdnyakov’s mountain ash Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii Pojark. is a hybrid genus with a single species that arose from spontaneous hybridization of Cotoneaster melanocarpa Lodd. × rowan Sorbus sibirica Hedl. (Rosaceae), endemic to the flora of Russia. In the Peter the Great Botanical Garden Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences it is known since 1953, from locus classicus of the natural provenance. The seed reproduction of the second generation was obtained for the first time in 2010. The germination ability was low 4–14 %. In natural conditions the species grows in sharply continental climate. There are cases of the rotting of plants soaking and destruction of plants from Phytophthora in the Saint-Petersburg’s the Peter the Great Botanical Garden at the end of the 1980’s. Under conditions of noticeable climate warming, it is necessary to do uninterrupted phenological observations, monitor the disease resistance, to develop agrotechnical cultivation maps.

Moringa oleifera Lam. (synonym: M. ptreygosperma Gaertn.) is an economically important multi-purpose tree. It is indigenous to the sub-Himalayan tracts and has been widely introduced around the world. However, after a long history of cultivation, the genetic diversity/pool of some germplasms are unclear, which leads to uncertainty in designing breeding strategies. In order to explore the genetic backgrounds of M. oleifera introduced to Yunnan, southwest China, twenty previously developed species-specific SSR loci were used to investigate a total of 211 individuals of eleven germplasms introduced from India, Myanmar, Taiwan (southeast China), Kenya, Mali, the United States of America, and Cuba. The results showed that the germplasms introduced to Yunnan had different levels of genetic admixture. Four genetic groups were observed for which the genetic backgrounds of CU (Cuba), ND (New Delhi, northern India), PO (Pakokku, western Myanmar), US (the USA) and BL1 (Bangalore 1, southern India) were closely related and represented a genotype which was introduced to southern India and other areas of the world (i.e., Cuba, Myanmar, and the USA). Five germplasms have highly hybrid backgrounds. Which a genetic distance between germplasms from KE (Kenya, East Africa) and ML (Mali, West Africa) was very short, which were formerly introduced from Tanzania and South Africa, respectively, suggesting that the same genotype might have been widely introduced in Africa. We also found a different M. oleifera genotype from Sagaing (central Myanmar) that has not yet been studied genetically. In order to avoid homogenization and since the majority of these introduced germplasms have been spread worldwide and genetically admixed, we suggest that future studies should be conducted to incorporate correctly the newly confirmed genotype from Sagaing and avoid exogamic depression. Additionally, wild genotypes from the area of origin of this plant species should receive more attention in regards to preservation, breeding and cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The study and mobilization of natural flora species in botanical gardens allow the curators to save biological resources of useful plant species, and recommend them for urban landscaping. In the flora of Russia, one species of a woody vine from the genus Aristolochia L. is A. manshuriensis Kom.; it is included in the Red Data Book of Russia.Methods The material for the study was A. macrophylla Lam. and A. manshuriensis from the collection of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden maintained by the Komarov Botanical Institute of the RAS. Winter hardiness was assessed; plant height, stem diameter, and crown diameter were measured. The sizes and age are given according to the state of the plants in the fall of 2017. Seed quality was assessed with due regard to the approved guidelines. X-ray analysis of fruits and seeds was carried out using the methods developed for the use of microfocus radiography for seeds and fruits.Results. A. manshuriensis has been grown in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden since 1909. The first flowering was observed in 1918 and 1919, the first fruiting in 1924. Currently, plants of the third or fourth generation are present in the collection. A. macrophylla has been known in St. Petersburg since 1816. Over a 200-year period of introduction, only flowering was observed. For the first time, fruiting in this species was registered in 2007; since 2014, second-generation plants have been grown. Analysis of the seeds collected in 2016 and 2017 showed that they are viable and of high quality in both species of Aristolochia. These species are winter-hardy, demonstrate rapid growth, and may somewhat vary in the timeframe of the passage of main phenological phases in their seasonal rhythm of development.Conclusion. For laying out plantations, it is better to use seeds. A. macrophylla and A. manshuriensis are promising for wider cultivation and use in vertical landscaping.

Botanical gardens perform active introductory work, carry out educational and academic activities, preserve the gene pool of the red book species, and serve as a source of enrichment plant resources. The leading role in solving these problems is played by dendrological collections, on the basis of which botanical research is carried out. The main part of the woody collections is located in the Stavropol Botanical Garden (SBG) arboretum. Work on the construction of the SBG arboretum began in 1959. Initially, it was planned to collect various species, natural and cultural forms of woody and shrubby plants from the temperate, and partly northern and subtropical zones. In addition, four models of forest vegetation formations of the Stavropol Krai and Karachay-Cherkessia were created on the territory of the SBG. The article presents the main stages of the introduction work on the creation of dendrological collections, the methods used. Most of the collections were formed in a short time due to the preliminary selection and mobilization of planting material. The long period of introduction made it possible to judge the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen method of genus complexes. The modem composition of the collections is analyzed, the role of the introduction process in the conservation of biodiversity is noted. The species that are promising for use in the landscaping of the region are listed. In the future, work with dendrological collections implies the attraction of new species, the introduction of information technologies, continuation of study and monitoring of plants listed in the Red Books of the Stavropol Krai, Russia and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological processes often exhibit time lags. For plant invasions, lags of decades to centuries between species' introduction and establishment in the wild (naturalisation) are common, leading to the idea of an invasion debt: accelerating rates of introduction result in an expanding pool of introduced species that will naturalise in the future. Here, I show how a concept from survival analysis, the hazard function, provides an intuitive way to understand and forecast time lags. For plant naturalisation, theoretical arguments predict that lags between introduction and naturalisation will have a unimodal distribution, and that increasing horticultural activity will cause the mean and variance of lag times to decline over time. These predictions were supported by data on introduction and naturalisation dates for plant species introduced to Britain. While increasing trade and horticultural activity can generate an invasion debt by accelerating introductions, the same processes could lower that debt by reducing lag times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.—Saururaceae) was introduced across all continents from Asia for ornamental and medicinal purposes at least two centuries ago. H. cordata is deemed a strong invader thanks to its great ability for rapid vegetative propagation by means of rhizomes and stolons (and their fragments) coupled with a high resistance to herbicides. Moreover, it has been suggested that H. cordata has the potential to displace native plants in wet forests and, in general, in wetland ecosystems. In New Zealand and North America, this species has been included in the black list of invasive alien species and it is included in a special control program for monitoring and eradication. In this study, we record the first established naturalized population of Houttuynia cordata in Italy. It was found in July 2019 in a riverine Salix woodland. After revisiting the location, a significant expansion of the initial population was observed in June 2020, suggesting its naturalization with great invasive potential. Criteria and procedures defined by the regional intervention priorities on alien species were applied to further monitor and eradicate the species, as an example of good practice for the management of alien species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetable production is one of the main factors for food security, as vegetables play an important role in the structure of nutrition. The Federal Scientific Vegetable Center creates competitive varieties and hybrids of vegetable crops that meet market requirements to meet the needs of domestic producers and thereby contributes to food security. As a result of national breeding program, the varieties and hybrids adapted to different growing conditions, with resistance to local races of pathogens, temperature stresses, and ground frosts were developed to provide the sustainable production of vegetables with high nutritional and medicinal qualities. The varieties and hybrids F1 of white head cabbage that have been created for the last 5 years are distinguished from foreign ones by taste qualities, appropriate pickling characteristics with increased sugar, and decreased cellulose contents. The local onion varieties combine long shelf life, early maturing, well bulb formation, high dry matter content (18-20%) and ability to form the bulb for one year. Breeders have developed bee-pollinated and parthenocarpic hybrids of cucumber well adapted to local growing conditions and suitable for open field cultivation in different regions of Russia. Parthenocarpic heterotic hybrids of the multi-propose use, corresponding to the modern variety model with high productivity, early-ripening, bunch ovary disposition, resistance to abiotic stresses, and most harmful diseases. The carrot and red beet varieties with high nutritional qualities, long shelf-life, ecological plasticity that are widely used for seed production have been created. The varieties of Solanaceae crops have been developed to cultivate in Non Chernozem zone, Far East, Western Siberia, the Middle Belt of Russia and the south of Russia, are also suitable for different greenhouse complexes located in different light zones of the Russia. Wide application of varieties produced through national vegetable breeding programs can provide the population with our own products of high quality.

In previous decades, some species of the Orchidaceae family have been found growing in man-made habitats. Neottia ovata is one of the most widespread orchids in Europe, however it is quite rare in Russia and is included in several regional Red Data Books. The purpose of this study was to compare the chemical composition and morphophysiological parameters of N. ovata from two forest communities of the Middle Urals, Russia: natural and transformed (fly ash dump of Verkhnetagil’skaya Thermal Power Station) for determining orchid adaptive features. The content of most of the studied metals in the underground parts (rhizome + roots) of N. ovata was considerably higher than in the leaves, which diminished the harmful effect of toxic metals on the aboveground organs. The adaptive changes in the leaf mesostructure of N. ovata such as an increase in epidermis thickness, the number of chloroplasts in the cell, and the internal assimilating surface were found for the first time. The orchids from the fly ash deposits were characterized by a higher content of chlorophyll b and carotenoids than plants from the natural forest community that evidenced the compensatory response on the decrease in chlorophyll a. The ability of N. ovata from the transformed habitat to maintain a relatively favorable water balance and stable assimilation indexes further contribute to its high viability. The study of orchid adaptive responses to unfavorable factors is necessary for their successful naturalization and introduction into a new environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article represents the scientific achievements and work of a Ukrainian botanist, candidate of agricultural sciences, director of the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden (1987–2006, 2008–2012), Vasyl Kapustyan, who died on August 19, 2020, after a long illness. Vasyl Kapustyan was born on July 24, 1942. In 1965 he graduated from the Ukrainian Agricultural Academy, and in 1972 received the degree of candidate of agricultural sciences. Since 1974, the work of Vasyl Kapustyan was associated with the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden, where he served in 1975–1987 as deputy director and head of the sector of tropical and subtropical plants, in 1987–1997 – as director and head of the sector of tropical and subtropical plants, and from 1997 – exclusively as director of the Botanical Garden. The scientific work of Vasyl Kapustyan was related to the introduction of tropical and subtropical plants, their conservation, and rational use. He was the author of over 80 scientific articles and monographs, the last of which was dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the botanical garden. Since the founding of the series “Introduction and Conservation of Plant Diversity” of the “Bulletin of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv”, Vasyl Kapustyan was its editor-in-chief. He was also a member of the Academic Councils of Kyiv University and Faculty of Biology, chairman of the Academic Council of the Botanical Garden, a member of the Bureau of the Council of Botanical Gardens of Ukraine, and a member of the editorial board of the international scientific journal “Plant Introduction”. He was the founder and scientific director of the Museum of the Botanical Garden History, which opened in 2004.

The role and place of scientific forecasting in plant introduction and landscape construction have been considered in the historical sequence. Developed by our predecessors of the principle of “General prognosis” and its basic provisions, we put in the formation of prognostic apparatus of plant introduction. The forecast is considered as a theoretical basis and a necessary and initial stage of the introduction process. Scientific direction for anticipating the effects of plant relocation has not yet been fully formed, but there is no doubt that the introduction of prognostic technologies in botanical gardens and arboretums to identify the adaptive capacity of foreign plants to decorate the landscapes of new regions for them. The historical aspect considers the importance of predicting the adaptive capacity of plants in the study of the natural and cultural heritage of the peoples. The world history of ethnobotany has been briefly analyzed, which has given impetus to the dissemination of this field of research in the botanical institutions of Ukraine, M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine has become a leading exposition agency on this principle. Particular attention is paid to the selection of forecasting methods for the creation of ethnobotanical exposures. Since there are dozens of such diverse methods, the principles and system of their classification are outlined. According to the adopted scheme are analyzed: classical methods of plant introduction, which have prognostic value; non-common extrapolation forecasting methods; physiological, biochemical and genetic prerequisites for introduction; features of introductory forecasting for plants of protected soil; interpolation methods; methods of mathematical modeling. The need to create a database of forecasting methods is explained. Their algorithms and basic requirements for the database are presented. The use of the Electronic Expert System of Forecasting Methods gives information about the existing methods of forecasting and helps to choose the optimal introduction of the experiment in the specific conditions. The practical implementation of the aforementioned methods we have tried and their modifications for the creation of World Gardens will be discussed in the second part of the article.

Genetic resources from other countries or regions play an important role in broadening the genetic background of local breeding varieties. Here we describe observations on the adaptability of mung bean germplasm obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture and their genetic diversity assessment using SSR markers. Several accessions were shown to be mixtures, based on their phenotypes for some characters. Most accessions were able to complete their lifecycles when grown in Beijing, China, making them ideal for crossbreeding without day length control. High diversity was revealed by the SSR markers, with an average of 4.2 alleles per locus and a PIC value of 0.650 per locus. STRUCTURE analysis divided the accessions into six groups. There was no obvious trend of accessions forming groups according to their geographical origin, owing mainly to germplasm exchange and an uneven distribution of accessions. The present results indicate that this germplasm would enrich the local gene pool, and provide information for the further use of germplasm in breeding programs.

Drought is the most prolific form of abiotic stress that legumes and cereal plants alike can endure, and the planting of an improper cultivar at the beginning of a season can cause unexpected losses up to fifty percent under water deficient conditions. Herein, a plant introduction (PI) of an exotic cultivar of soybean (Glycine max), PI 567731, which demonstrates a slow wilting (SW) canopy phenotype in maturity group III, was profiled under drought conditions in field trials in Missouri against a drought susceptible check cultivar, Pana. Metabolomic profiling was carried out on samples of leaves from each of these cultivars at V5 and R2 growth stages both while irrigated and while under drought stress for three weeks. PI 567731 was observed to have differential phytochemical content, and enhanced levels of chlorophyll (Chl) a/b and pheophytin (Pheo) were profiled by direct infusion electrospray Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). Indicating drought induced changes of the photosystem and photosynthetic capabilities alongside water preservation strategies are important within the SW phenotype drought response. Subsequent multivariate analysis was able to form predictive models, encompassing the variance of growth and drought stress of the cultivar. Moreover, the existence of unique Chl-related metabolites (CRM) (m/z > 900) were confirmed through tandem mass spectrometry. The resultant coordination of fatty acids to the core of the porphyrin ring was observed and played an unknown role in the proliferation of the photosynthesis. However, the relative ratio of the most abundant CRM is undisturbed by drought stress in PI 567731, in contrast to the drought susceptible cultivar. These results provide key insights into drought related metabolic mechanisms.

The anthropocentric process of introducing new, economically useful plants showcases the interdependence of plants and civilization. Arboreta, botanical gardens, and like institutions can build on this interdependence to introduce plants that benefit humanity. An ever-increasing interest in the work of ornamental plant breeding and selection, and an increasing demand for wild plant genetics to ameliorate those already in cultivation, is opening new venues for legitimate plant introduction activities. The goal of plant introduction is to develop a marketable cultivar with characteristics that are either new or superior to those already in the trade. Utah State University formalized the Sego Supreme plant breeding and introduction program in 2012 to promote and monetize plant-breeding efforts by Utah State University researchers. Here we introduce the Pathway to Cultivation framework--Discovery, Curation, Research and Development, Production, and Promotion-- to bring new plants to the marketplace. To date, 4 perennial selections have been commercially released under the Sego Supreme brand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the research on the increasing in the floristic diversity of abandoned Arrhenatherion elatioris meadows through the introduction of three dicotyledonous species: Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota and Leucanthemum vulgare and the re-management. They were carried out in the meadows of the landscape reserve "The Ursynów Escarpment" ("Skarpa Ursynowska") in 2016-2018. The studies were aimed at restoring natural values of these meadows, especially their landscape and aesthetic functions. The experiment was designed in the community of Arrhenatherum elatius + Bromus inermis, as a randomised complete block, with eight replications, on the plots of 2 m2. In each plot the diaspores (collected in The Lower Pilica Valley) were sown close to the centre of the plot, within an area of 0.5×0.5 m. In the sowing year two top-cuttings and one productive one were made. In the following years the meadows were mowed once or twice. The following features were estimated: the abundance of sown species populations, the seedling density, the heights of the sown species, the height of the resident vegetation, the total ground cover, the species composition of the sward and the species richness. The improvement of the landscape and aesthetic functions of the reserve due to increasing in the species richness from 10 to 38 species and significant decreasing in Urtica dioica share was achieved. The species diversity, described with the Shannon-Wiener index, enlarged of 53% in the first year after oversowing. The introduced species decided also about the improvement of the total ground cover. Fast and lasting effect was obtained especially on the area over-sown with L. vulgare. The good effects in the first two years were obtained also in the plots with D. carota (biennial species). A. millefolium was characterised by significantly fewer number of seedlings but its population abundance was increasing gradually during the following years. The impact of high grasses (A. elatius, B. inermis) on the soil coverage by the plants of sown species and their heights was shown. The studies also proved that in the conditions of summer drought the resident vegetation may protect the seedlings against the temperature and evapotranspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the absence of real strategic interest in her Micronesian possessions, Imperial Germany set out to administer the Islands Territory of Micronesia with as little financial effort as possible. To maximize returns from the colonies, the German administrators assessed the agricultural potential of the islands and set about introducing plant varieties for trial and future commercial planting. This paper traces the history of the animal and plant introductions to Micronesia and compiles the available evidence. The administrators were caught in an economic mindset circumscribed by copra production as well as by the need to grow crops of strategic potential, such as rubber-producing plants. While initially reliant on the interest and initiative of the local administrators, agricultural experimentation became increasingly centralized. The absence of fully trained agricultural advisors, especially in the later years of the German colonial administration, meant that plants of great commercial potential, such as sugarcane in the Marianas, were never trialled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetable production is one of the economic sectors that provides the population with foodstuff products with high biological values. To achieve independence in production of the agricultural foodstuffs, the part of imported products should not be beyond 25 % from total volume of foodstuffs fabricated. As a result of national breeding program, the varieties and hybrids adapted to different growing conditions, with resistance to local races of pathogens, temperature stresses, and ground frosts were developed to provide the sustainable production of vegetables with high nutritional and medicinal qualities. The varieties and hybrids F1 of white head cabbage that have been created for the last 5 years are distinguished from foreign ones by taste qualities, appropriate pickling characteristics with increased sugar, and decreased cellulose contents. The local onion varieties combine long shelf life, early maturing, well bulb formation, high dry matter content (18-20%) and ability to form the bulb for one year. The cucumber is the traditional vegetable crop in Russia and very profitable for greenhouse enterprises. Breeders have developed bee-pollinated and parthenocarpic hybrids well adapted to local growing conditions and suitable for open field cultivation in different regions of Russia. Parthenocarpic heterotic hybrids of the multi-propose use, corresponding to the modern variety model with high productivity, early-ripening, bunch ovary disposition, resistance to abiotic stresses, and most harmful diseases. The carrot and red beet varieties with high nutritional qualities, long shelf-life, ecological plasticity that are widely used for seed production have been created. The varieties of nightshade crops have been developed to cultivate in NonChernozem zone, Far East, Western Siberia, the Middle Belt of Russia and the south of Russia, are also suitable for different greenhouse complexes located in different light zones of the Russia. Wide application of varieties produced through national vegetable breeding programs can provide the population with our own products of high quality.

Objective – analyze the history of plant introductions and scientific activities in the botanical and geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” in M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine for 70 years (1949–2019); highlight certain periods, establish their features. Material and methods. The studies were conducted in 2015–2019. Processed and analyzed literary sources, reports and manuscripts that are relevant to the botanical and geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine”. Results. In 1949–1969 in the botanical and geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine”, for the first time, most species of steppe plants were introduced. In 1970–1990 investigated the biology, morphology, ornamental and medicinal qualities, ontogenesis of the introduced plants. Since 1991 the study of introduced populations of rare and endangered plant species has begun. In 2001–2019 introduction included the enrichment of the collection with new species, the replenishment of the number of individuals and the restoration of the lost rare species. Scientific activity has become intense. Various comprehensive studies were carried out – vegetation cover of the plot, introduction coenopopulations and the results of the introduction of plants, phytodiversity and other aspects. Conclusions. In the history of plant introductions and scientific activities in the botanical and geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” for 70 years, four periods are distinguished: I (1949–1969) – large-scale, intensive primary introduction of most steppe plant species, II (1970–1990) – research of the biology, morphology, ontogenesis of the introduced plants, III (1991–2000) – the study of introduction populations of rare and endangered plant species, IV (2001–2019) – enrichment and replenishment of the collection of introduced plants, restoration of lost rare species; intensive scientific activity, various comprehensive researches.

Objective – to elucidate of life way, contribution to foundation and development of phytogeography, plant introduction and conservation of phytodiversity eminent German geographer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. Material and methods. Analysis of Humboldt’s scientific works and publications about his life and scientific works and publications about his life and scientific activities is made. Results. Achievements of Alexander von Humboldt in development of natural sciences are regarded. The scientific activities as founder of physical geography, comparable climatology and phytogeography are characterized. Importance of Humboldt’s phytogeographical concepts for plant introduction and conservation of plant diversity are underlined. Conclusion. Written in first half of XIX century scientific works of Alexander von Humboldt are actual in our time. These works are modern in interpretation of many phytogeographical problems.

A number of eco-physiological characters of some species of the meadowsweet (Spiraea L.) introduced into Armenia has been studied. Depending on the degree of adaptation to various new dendro-climatic conditions the species Spiraea x vanhouttei, S. japonica and S. chamaedryfolia differed from each other by such characters as the intensity of photosynthesis and transpiration, water deficiency, and the content of various forms of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While interest in the potential of tropical and subtropical forage (TSTF) germplasm for improved livestock production commenced earlier, it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that plant collecting and research on diversity and utilization of grasses and legumes reached significant global momentum. The subsequent engagement in pasture and forage research by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centres, such as the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA; 1974–1995)/International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI; since 1995) from the 1970s onwards, built on the advances made by national centres in Australia, the United States of America, Kenya and elsewhere. By 1990–2000, TSTFs were recognized for contributing to a range of commercial and smallholder livestock production systems in Latin America, Australia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa. However, their use, the value of further research and the need to maintain the very large and diverse collections held in international and national genebanks were challenged by this time because of perceived environmental risks, questions about whether or not past achievements could be bettered and the high costs of maintaining genebanks. Since then, the decline in investment and the quality of conservation and curation has been a relatively rapid process and reached the crisis point of today in just 20–25 years. This article traces 70 years of expansion and then decline of plant collecting, conservation, research and commercialization of TSTFs as a new commodity and examines the reasons for the sharp changes that have taken place. In a second article (this issue), the argument is made for swift and drastic action to prevent critical germplasm from being lost, to enable genebanks to play their crucial and unique role in underpinning improving production and productivity in livestock systems and to provide key germplasm tools to achieve environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]