PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES: TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF PUSHKIN LABORATORIES OF VIR

Abstract

The program and abstracts of the All-Russian Conference Plant Genetic Resources for Genetic Technologies: To the 100th Anniversary of Pushkin Laboratories of VIR are presented. The conference was held at VIR on June 22–23, 2022, under Agreement No 075-15-2021-1050 of Sept. 28, 2021 (hereinafter: Event/Conference). The new technological setup aimed at the development of bioeconomy increases the demand for bioresource collections (BRC), including collections of plant genetic resources. Currently, new approaches to collection management and studying are being actively introduced. The foundations for the work with collections of plant genetic resources were laid 100 years ago by Nikolai Vavilov. On May 20, 1922, the Central Breeding and Genetic Station (since 1939: Pushkin Laboratories of VIR) was organized in Detskoye Selo (Pushkin) as one of the sites for environmental and geographical testing of the collection accessions. At the same time, this experimental site became the core element for the development of VIR's methodological divisions whose aim was comprehensive studying of accessions using the methods of genetics, physiology, anatomy, cytology, biochemistry, and technological assessment. The objective of the Conference was to highlight the full scope of modern trends in the work with collections of plant genetic resources and their application in fundamental science and applied sectors of economy. The issues of conservation, integrated studying (including comprehensive characterization and genetic certification) and utilization of crop genetic resources and their wild relatives were discussed. Aspects of inventorying and development of uniform principles for BRC management were also considered. The thematic areas of the Conference included: Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources Collections, Study of Plant Genetic Resources, and Applied Research on Plant Genetic Resources. This edition also contains the abstracts of presentations prepared by heads of departments, employees and veterans of VIR, showing the activities of the Institute's departments and laboratories for 100 years – up to the present time. Addressed to a wide range of experts in the field of the work with bioresource collections, including students, postgraduate students and young scientists under the age of 39. Abstracts are published in the authors' initial versions. The authors (co-authors) of the published abstracts are responsible for the impartiality and reliability of the data presented. The Conference's website: https://www.vir.nw.ru/blog/2021/10/29/brk2021/