Biological resources of the Hyssopus l on the south of European Russia and prospects of its introduction

Abstract

Background and Objective: The south of European Russia (geographically - the southern part of the Central Russian Upland) has large biological and plant genetic resources. There is a concept considering the region as the second anthropogenic microgen center of formation of economically valuable plants. In the south of the Central Russian Upland, the genus Hyssopus L. is represented by two species: Hyssopus cretaceus Dubjan. and Hyssopus officinalis L. We accomplished the study of biological resources of species of the genus Hyssopus L. in vivo and in vitro. Several geobotanical expeditions were carried out to identify local, stable in space and time, self-renewal cenopopulations of the species Hyssopus L. which have a number of economically useful traits. Methods: There were revealed vast populations of the species H. Cretaceous Dubjan in Belgorod region, particularly in Alexeyevsky disrtict. The frequency of occurrence of the species amounts 26.7%, and on the, especially, protected natural territory of the tract Varvarovka it can reach 75.0%. The species H. cretaceous Dubjan. is also distributed on chalky slopes of the river basins Quiet Pine (Tichaya Sosna), Black Kalitva (Chernaya Kalitva), Aidar, and Demina. With the aim of introducing, and reintroducing, as well as the industrial production of raw materials there was created a collection of valuable ecotypes of H. cretaceous Dubjan. in vitro. Results: The vast population of H. officinalis L. was found on the slopes of the Oskol River near the villages Lower and Upper Lubyanka of Volokonovsky district of Belgorod region. The starting material of the wild population formed the basis for the creation of a new hybrid of H. officinalis L. – Volokonovsky. The hybrid is suitable for commercial seed growing. Seed productivity of the hybrid Volokonovsky is more than 350 kg/ha. Conclusion: As a result of the completed research, there was created a new hybrid of H. officinalis L. - Volokonovsky. The hybrid has high-seed productivity, potential melliferous capacity, and good decorative properties. It is suitable for using as a plant for the green building, as well as for commercial seed growing.