AN ECOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF RARE FRUIT PLANTS OF THE ROSACEAE JUSS. FAMILY

Abstract

Climate change, urbanization, urban population growth and the globalization of unhealthy diets can lead to serious food security challenges. Rare fruit plants have a number of valuable consumer qualities and are resistant to abiotic and biotic environmental factors, high decorative qualities, versatile and wide potential for use in fruit growing, breeding and gardening. These species can serve as sources of biologically active substances. The aim of our research was to study the ecological and biological characteristics of rare fruit plants of the Rosaceae family of the gene pool of the VNIISPK arboretum for the effective use of the potential of species biodiversity in breeding. The objects of study were 14 species. The studies were carried out over three years (2018 - 2020). Based on the results of a comprehensive ecological and biological assessment of 14 species of rare fruit plants of the Rosaceae family of the gene pool of the VNIISPK arboretum, 8 promising adaptive genotypes were identified, which are recommended to be used as genetic sources for breeding for obtaining varieties with a complex of economically valuable characteristics. These are Chaenomeles Maulei, Crataegus submollis, Amelanchier Canadensis, Amelanchier ovalis, Mespilus germanica, Padus virginiana, Padus Maackii and Malus prunifolia. Malus niedzwetzkyana and Sorbus aria are recommended as sources of pest resistance.