Replenishment and rationalization of seed collections of pumpkin, vegetable marrow and summer squash for ex situ conservation and use for breeding in Armenia

Alvina Avagyan,Gayane Sargsyan,Laura Tadevosyan,Raya Balayan

doi:10.46265/genresj.2020.1.49-52

Alvina Avagyan, Gayane Sargsyan + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.46265/genresj.2020.1.49-52

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Abstract

The conservation and sustainable use of crop genetic resources are crucial for food security and economic development, and diverse genetic resources are a critical input in the agricultural production process. To conserve the gene pool of vegetable crops of Armenia, the Scientiﬁc Centre of Vegetable and Industrial Crops of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia carried out activities to upgrade storage facilities and optimize the existing seed collections. Newly created long-term and medium-term seed collections of pumpkin, vegetable marrow and summer squash reliably conserve genetic resources of these crops and create a base for undertaking genetic enhancement and base-broadening efforts. A database and application of barcodes and QR-code labels facilitate the search of required accessions, making the stored genetic materials more accessible for users and promoting their wider use in breeding.

Highlights

Vegetable production is one of the leading sectors in Armenian agriculture
All Armenian varieties of pumpkin, vegetable marrow and summer squash released in the country since 1991 are included in the active collection regardless of their present cultivation area and market demand
The base collection serves as safety material for the active collection and mainly includes varieties bred in Armenia, traditional farmers’ varieties, as well as the most valuable breeding/research material of both local and foreign origin

Summary

Introduction

Vegetable production is one of the leading sectors in Armenian agriculture. Variation in agro-ecological conditions, climate and altitude in Armenia, as well as longtime traditions in multipurpose use of vegetables have led to a large diversity of vegetables grown by farmers. Dietary benefits of pumpkin and vegetable marrow are associated with a high content of vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, PP, E and carotenoids (α- and β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin), a favorable ratio of potassium and sodium, and low calorie content. These crops are given a great importance in the production of baby food (Piskunova and Muteva, 2016). The nutritional value of pumpkin, vegetable marrow and summer squash makes these crops attractive both for large farms providing vegetables for canneries and for small landholders producing these crops in response to market demand. Ongoing state programmes on subsidizing agriculture and providing preferential loans and investments that are being put into the modernization of Armenia’s greenhouse sector

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