Collection of plant-genetic resources in the Georgian SSR 1986

Abstract

After having finished in 1985 the collection of plant-genetic resources in Western Georgia (the results have been summarized in some tables) joint activities for the collection of indigenous taxa of cultivated plants began for Eastern regions of the Georgian SSR in 1986. The mission took place within the rayon Duseti, which is highly differentiated in geographical respect and stretches beyond the main ridge of the Great Caucasus. Althogether 265 samples could be collected, grain legumes and vegetables represent the most numerous groups but the amount of cereal accessions is not much less; this contrasts sharply with the results from the missions in Western Georgia. The gene-erosion is very advanced in Duseti too, especially for cereals.Triticum carthlicum, T. dicoccon and naked barleys have disappeared within the last decades from the fields. However in isolated settlements the cultivation of old local races ofT. aestivum as well as of barley and rye had been maintained up till now. For breeding purposes and botanically interesting material could be collected also from vegetables, spice plants and grain legumes. Some examples have been shortly characterized.