Nikita Botanical Gardens Research Articles

Using of tea-hybrid roses from the Nikita Botanical Gardens’ collection in the floriculture of the Southern Coast of the Crimea

The article presents the results of a long-term research on the introduction study and evaluation of cultivars of tea-hybrid roses introduced and selected by the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens to determine the possibilities of their use in floriculture of the Southern Coast of the Crimea. The research was conducted in the period from 1955 to 2014. The material for the study was 679 cultivars of garden roses from the tea-hybrid garden group of the collection of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens. As a result of a comprehensive study, 400 cultivars are recommended for use in the floriculture of the Crimea. The main options for this use becomes the growing of tea-hybrid roses in the open ground for gardening purposes in bush and tree-shaped forms, as well as the growing cultivars for cutting in both open and protected ground. The biological features of the cultivars, which determine the possibility of different types of the use and the cultivars, that have these features were identified: 400 cultivars were recommended for use in landscaping in bush form, 45 cultivars - also in tree-shaped form, 226 cultivars are promising for cutting in the open ground and 107 cultivars - for forcing and cutting in greenhouses. The main methods of propagation of cultivars of tea-hybrid roses under the conditions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea are budding and rooting of green and hardwood cuttings. The optimal timing for propagation by each of these methods is indicated. The best rootstocks for budding were identified, depending on the type of their use in floriculture.

Comparative analysis of the DNA isolated from thyme leaves using different methods

Background. The base for a molecular analysis is DNA of high quality. For DNA isolation, different kits or classical methods are used. For mass analysis, isolation with kits is a very expensive process. So, the objective of our investigation was to find a cheap method for high-quality DNA isolation from leaves of various thyme cultivars.Materials and methods. Leaves cut from thyme accessions (Thymus mastichina L. cv. ‘Svetliachok’, T. striatus Vahl. cv. ‘Jubileiniy’, T. vulgaris L. cv. ‘Fantasia’, and T. vulgaris cv. ‘Jalos’.) maintained ex situ in the collection of the Nikita Botanical Gardens were used as the material for the analysis. Light microscopy was used to study leaf anatomy and localize essential oil on leaf cross sections. Essential oil was extracted on Ginsberg devices, and phenolic content was measured with The Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent (FCR). Commercial kits (DiamondDNATM, PureLink® Plant Total DNA Purification Kit) and classical methods (CTAB, CTAB with 2% polyvinylpyrrolidone) were used for DNA isolation. DNA quality was evaluated spectrophotometrically, with electrophoresis (horizontal, automated system Agilent 4200 TapeStation) and PCR.Results. The analysis showed that the leaf blade mesophyll of four thyme cultivars had inclusions with essential oil. The content of essential oil and phenolic compounds was measured biochemically. Since the plants were characterized by the presence of secondary metabolites, DNA was isolated by different methods. Spectrophotometry demonstrated that the classical CTAB method and CTAB with 2% PVP provided the best results. Using an automated electrophoresis system, the presence of high-molecularweight DNA (more than 52000 bp) in significant amounts was detected in the samples isolated with DiamondDNATM kit and CTAB + 2% PVP.Conclusion. Among the tested kits and methods, CTAB + 2% PVP provided thyme DNA suitable for PCR and, presumably, for genome library preparation. The low cost of reagents for this technique makes it applicable for future mass analysis of plant material.

Some morphological and biological features of apricot cultivars from field collection of the Nikita botanical gardens

Some morphological and biological features of apricot cultivars from field collection of the Nikita botanical gardens

Evaluation of protective and adaptive responses of fruit crops to temperature stress during winter-spring period (on the example of the varieties peach in the Krasnodar Territory)

Work was carried out to evaluate the protective and adaptive reactions of fruit crops to the temperature stresses of the winter-spring period (using peach varieties as an example in the Krasnodar Territory). Peach is one of the most demanding crops for temperature stresses of the winter-spring period. The levels of destructive air temperatures (ºС) for fl owering buds of 3 peach varieties were elaborated: Collins, a medium frost resistance; Favourite Morretini, an Italian variety of low frost resistance; Sochny, a variety of breeding Nikita Botanical Gardens with high frost resistance in phases of winter-spring development. The study covers two long periods (1985-2000 and 2001-2019) in three horticultural zones of the Krasnodar Territory – the Kuban horticultural zone (Krasnodar weather station), Piedmont zone (Goryachy Klyuch weather station), Steppe zone (Tikhoretsk weather station). The manifestations of destructive low temperatures were revealed for each analyzed variety for each period in each studied horticultural zone. The reactions of varieties to destructive temperature stresses of the winterspring period in time and space of the Krasnodar Territory are shown. It has been established that against the background of exposure to environmental limiting factors (low temperatures in the winter-spring period) in the development of fl ower buds of peach varieties under conditions of climate fl uctuations, there’s a change going on in the spectra (sets) of gene products that determine the one and the same quantitative trait – frost resistance, which leads to change the ranks of varieties on this basis. It was determined that in the present time, Sochny variety should be placed in the Kuban, Piedmont and Steppe zones. Favourite Morretini and Collins can be successfully grown in Kuban zone. The results of the research allowed us to make recommendations on the rational placement of peach varieties, taking into account their protective and adaptive reactions to the stresses of the winter-spring period.

Analysis of genetic relationships of genotypes of the genus Rosa L. from the collection of Nikita Botanical Gardens using ISSR and IRAP DNA markers

In connection with the development of breeding and the creation of new plant varieties, the problem of their genotyping and identification is becoming increasingly important, therefore the use of molecular methods to identify genetic originality and assess plant genetic diversity appears to be relevant. As part of the work performed, informative ISSR and IRAP DNA markers promising for the study of genetic diversity of the Rosa L. genus were sought and applied to analysis of genetic relationships among 26 accessions of the genus Rosa L. from the gene pool collection of Nikita Botanical Gardens. They included 18 cultivated varieties and 8 accessions of wild species. The species sample included representatives of two subgenera, Rosa and Platyrhodon. The subgenus Platyrhodon was represented by one accession of the species R. roxburghii Tratt. Cultivated roses were represented by varieties of garden groups hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora. The tested markers included 32 ISSRs and 13 IRAPs. Five ISSR markers (UBC 824, ASSR29, 3A21, UBC 864, and UBC 843) and three IRAPs (TDK 2R, Сass1, and Сass2) were chosen as the most promising. They were used for genotyping the studied sample of genotypes. In general, they appeared to be suitable for further use in studying the genetic diversity of the genus Rosa L. The numbers of polymorphic fragments ranged from 12 to 31, averaging 19.25 fragments per marker. For markers UBC 864 and UBC 843, unique fingerprints were identified in each accession studied. The genetic relationships of the studied species and varieties of roses analyzed by the UPGMA, PCoA, and Bayesian methods performed on the basis of IRAP and ISSR genotyping are consistent with their taxonomic positions. The genotype of the species R. roxburghii of the subgenus Platyrhodon was determined genetically as the most distant. According to clustering methods, the representative of the species R. bengalensis did not stand out from the group of cultivated varieties. When assessing the level of genetic similarity among the cultivated varieties of garden roses, the most genetically isolated varieties were ‘Flamingo’, ‘Queen Elizabeth’, and ‘Kordes Sondermeldung’; for most of the other varieties, groups of the greatest genetic similarity were identified. This assessment reflects general trends in phylogenetic relationships, both among the studied species of the genus and among cultivated varieties.

Apricot breeding for late flowering in Nikita Botanical Gardens

Apricot breeding for late flowering in Nikita Botanical Gardens

Fruit quality of processing peach cultivars in the collection of Nikita Botanical Gardens

Fruit quality of processing peach cultivars in the collection of Nikita Botanical Gardens

Apricot breeding for tolerance to Plum pox potyvirus in Nikita Botanical Gardens

For the fi rst time, the results of studying of varieties and breeding forms of apricot in the gene pool collection of the Nikita Botanical Garden – the National Scientifi c Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (NBS – NSC) (Yalta, Crimea) on the tolerance to the plum Sharka disease – Plum pox potyvirus (PPV), are presented in the article. The collection includes varieties from diff erent ecological and geographical groups that give us the possibility to present an objective comparative assessment of their susceptibility to phytopathogens. Based on long-term monitoring of the apricot orchards on PPV susceptibility in the collection of NBG-NSC, single aff ected plants were discovered and exterminated. Molecular genetic approaches to apricot breeding for tolerance were demonstrated and PPV tolerant genotypes were selected. According to the results of the research, hybridization was carried out. During the entire period of the research, in order to create genotypes tolerant to PPV, 28 738 fl owers were pollinated and 2 908 hybrid seeds were obtained from which plants were grown. Under in situ and in vitro conditions, new breeding forms tolerant to PPV were obtained. The prospect of biotechnological methods usage for inducing the development of hybrid apricot embryos was shown. The conditions for their culture (trophic, hormonal, and physical) were determined, viable seedlings and plants were obtained in vitro and planted for further adaptation ex vitro and to the open ground. New created plants were evaluated and breeding forms were selected, characterized by tolerance to PPV, good fruit quality and high stable yield. Based on the comprehensive studies, two breeding forms of apricot (‘97 -11 ’and ’97-17’) tolerant to PPV and promising for breeding and commercial cultivation were identifi ed.

Comprehensive evaluation of hybrid forms of peach selections of the Nikita Botanical Gardens

Comprehensive evaluation of hybrid forms of peach selections of the Nikita Botanical Gardens

COMPONENT COMPOSITION OF FLAVONOID PIGMENTS AND FLOWER COLOR IN PRUNUS MIRA AND HYBRID CULTIVARS OF ORNAMENTAL PEACH

Background. Ornamental peaches are flowering trees with petals ranging in color from white and pale pink to purplered. Because peach suffers from fungal infections, Prunus mira Koehne is often used in breeding programs as a donor of resistance. It also impacts on other traits, including flower color. The aim of this work was to study the composition of flavonoid pigments in the flowers of parent plants and new ornamental peach cultivars originated from P. mira.Objects and methods. Four new cultivars developed at the Nikita Botanical Gardens and their parental forms – P. mira and 4 cultivars with the P. persica morphotype – were included in the study. Pigments were extracted with acidified ethyl alcohol from fresh petals and identified by HPLC analysis.Results. Twelve glycosides of cyanidin and peonidin in different combinations and 8 glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin were found in the petal samples. Among colored plants, the highest amount of flavonols (114 mg g-1) and the lowest amount of anthocyanins (0.46 mg g-1) were found in P. mira petals. Anthocyanins predominate in cultivars with purple-red petals (16 mg g-1). Much more flavonols (55– 88 mg g-1) and little anthocyanins (1.2–3.4 mg g-1) were accumulated in the purple-pink flowers of hybrid cultivars. This trend persisted in the cultivars from crosses with a white-flowered parent. Conclusion. The ratio of anthocyanins and flavonols in the peach flowers depends on the plant species and determines the petals’ intermediate colors and half-tones. Using P. mira in breeding programs provides opportunities for the development of cultivars with new shades of flower color.

ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ СОРТОВ ПЕРСИКА СЕЛЕКЦИИ И ИНТРОДУКЦИИ НИКИТСКОГО БОТАНИЧЕСКОГО САДА

ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ СОРТОВ ПЕРСИКА СЕЛЕКЦИИ И ИНТРОДУКЦИИ НИКИТСКОГО БОТАНИЧЕСКОГО САДА

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ КОЛЛЕКЦИОННОГО ИЗУЧЕНИЯ МОЛДАВСКИХ СОРТОВ И ФОРМ ГРУШИ В НИКИТСКОМ БОТАНИЧЕСКОМ САДУ

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ КОЛЛЕКЦИОННОГО ИЗУЧЕНИЯ МОЛДАВСКИХ СОРТОВ И ФОРМ ГРУШИ В НИКИТСКОМ БОТАНИЧЕСКОМ САДУ

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ СТРУКТУРНОЙ ЦЕЛОСТНОСТИ СЕМЯН ОРЕХА ГРЕЦКОГО (JUGLANS REGIA L.) СЕЛЕКЦИИ НИКИТСКОГО БОТАНИЧЕСКОГО САДА МЕТОДОМ МИКРОФОКУСНОЙ РЕНТГЕНОГРАФИИ И КОМПЬЮТЕРНОГО АНАЛИЗА ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ СТРУКТУРНОЙ ЦЕЛОСТНОСТИ СЕМЯН ОРЕХА ГРЕЦКОГО (JUGLANS REGIA L.) СЕЛЕКЦИИ НИКИТСКОГО БОТАНИЧЕСКОГО САДА МЕТОДОМ МИКРОФОКУСНОЙ РЕНТГЕНОГРАФИИ И КОМПЬЮТЕРНОГО АНАЛИЗА ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ

Syntaxonomy of segetal vegetation of the Crimea on the using cluster analysis

Aims. To make adjustments to the higher classification units of segetal vegetation of the Crimean peninsula based on the application of cluster analysis and modern conceps of syntaxonomy. Materials and methods. The analysis is based on 2876 own descriptions made in 1993-2011, 748 descriptions from the phyto-coenotic base of Flora and Vegetation Department of the Nikita Botanical Gardens, compiled in the 1960-1970s, and the descriptions from other literature sources. Results.The results of segetal vegetation studies of annual (cereal and tilled crops) and perennial (vineyards, orchards, plantations of essential-oil rose and lavender) of arable lands of the Crimean peninsula are presented. On the basis of the analysis the differentiation of communities on agrocoenotific gradient has been performed. Changes have been made to the classification scheme at the level of classes and orders. Crimean weedy communities are united in 51 associations, 15 alliances, 7 orders and 4 classes (Stellarietea mediae, Artemisietea vulgaris, Sisymbrietea, Oryzetea sativae).

Alien terrestrial mollusks <i>Parmacella</i><i>ibera</i> and <i>Eobania</i><i/><i>vermiculata</i> (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in the Nikita Botanical Gardens

Information about some aspects of biology and ecology of alien species Parmacella ibera (Eichwald, 1841), which has not been previously noticed on the territory of the Nikita Botanical Gardens, is presented. A brief analysis of Eobania vermiculata (Müller, 1774) habitat expansion for this area is given, and possible causes and factors contributing to the distribution of these species are specified.

CRITERIA OF THE CULTIVAR MODEL AND INTERRELATIONS AMONG ECONOMICALLY USEFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHAENOMELES IN CONNECTION WITH BREEDING

Background. Chaenomeles Lindl. is a popular ornamental and relatively young fruit crop. Genetic diversity of the genus favors breeding not only in these two areas, but also aiming at the development of cultivars of a universal type. To improve the efficiency of the breeding process, a cultivar model with the maximum combination of useful qualities in one genotype is vitally needed. The goal of this work was to identify the criteria for the model of a universal Chaenomeles cultivar, select cultivars that come closest to the model in their main economic traits, and find relationships among such characteristics. Materials and methods. The study engaged 21 Chaenomeles cultivars and forms selected for their valuable qualities from the Nikita Botanical Gardens collection. They were compared with the cultivar model using cluster analysis, while correlation analysis was employed to assess interrelations between traits. Results and conclusion. Criteria were identified for the universal cultivar model of Chaenomeles (ornamental and fruit purposes) according to 27 characteristics. Seven genotypes turned out to be closest to the universal model in a set of traits (4.44 units of the Euclidean distance): PХ4/9 (4.25 units), ‘Samurai’ (4.15 units), ‘Araks’ (4.01 units), ‘Afrikanych’, ‘Shatenka’ (3.9 units), ‘Krasavitsa Madlen’ and ‘Rosemary’ (3.7 units). Different degrees of correlation between the main 17 characteristics were observed. The strongest relationships was found between the beginning of flowering and its duration (r = –0.9), between the beginning of flowering and the duration of the dormancy period (r = 0.91), between the durations of flowering and dormancy periods (r = –0.82), between the corolla diameter, the flower’s originality (r = 0.83) and the overall ornamentality of the bush (r = 0.86). A tendency to dependence was observed in 12 pairs of traits (r = 0.46 to 0.61).

БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И ХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ИНТРОДУЦИРОВАННЫХ В КРЫМ СОРТОВ ЧЕРЕШНИ

As a result of a long-term comprehensive study of the Nikita Botanical garden cherry gene pool, an trait collection was formed. Among the introducents it included 54 varieties as sources and donors of valuable traits. Of these, sources of high winter hardiness identified ten varieties, high drought resistance — seven, resistance to cracking of fruits — five, high resistance to moniliosis — one, for coccomycosis — five, late flowering period — five, large fruit — eight, early ripening — eight, high taste — ten, high density flesh — nine, high stable yield — eighteen. The acceleration and intensification of the breeding process depends on the correct selection of parent pairs.

Invasive organisms in the persimmon collection at Nikita Botanical Gardens

Invasive organisms in the persimmon collection at Nikita Botanical Gardens

Evaluating peach cultivars bred by Nikita Botanical Gardens by resistance to leaf curl and powdery mildew

Evaluating peach cultivars bred by Nikita Botanical Gardens by resistance to leaf curl and powdery mildew

Studies of chlorophyll fluorescence intensity in apricot leaves during wilting processes

This work characterises the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity of apricot leaves in the process of dehydration and identification of cultivars and forms with high potential drought resistance. The experiment was performed using selected leaves of two cultivars of apricot breeding (‘Kryumskij Amur’ - control), the introduction ‘Bukuriya’, Nikita Botanical Gardens, and promising hybrid ‘84-929’. We found that leaves of studied genotypes in 24 h of wilting lose 42.7 (‘84-929’) to 48.4% (‘Bukuriya’) of water. Recovery of leaves’ turgor was also significantly varied. In ‘Kryumskij Amur’ full water content in leaves led to decrease of the photosynthetic apparatus efficiency During this period of wilting efficiency of primary photosynthesis reactions (Fv/Fo) decreased in 15% and the rate of photosynthesis systems photosynthetic ((Fm- Fst)/Fm) and photochemical (Fm/Fst) activity was 1.3-1.5-fold inhibited. The hybrid form ‘84-929’ noted the most stable rate of photosynthetic processes during the long period of wilting (up to 12 h). The lowest curve points were recorded in ‘Bukuriya’, indicating a weak drought resistance of this cultivar. Higher drought tolerance is a characteristic of ‘Kryumskij Amur’ due to its water-holding capacity of leaves.