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The project ,,Study of genetically important forest species and taxonomic identification in Georgia’’ has been completed

The project of the Research Division of Agro-forestry Cultures of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture "Study of genetically important forest species and taxonomic identification in Georgia" has been completed. The aim of the project was to study the genetic resources of the Georgian forest, to inventory of rare woody plants, to describe populations, to identify seed sites, to conduct morphometric, molecular-genetic studies for taxonomic identification of some species and to create a seed bank for conservation. During the expeditions, the researchers found 12 locations for Imereti oak (Quercus imeretina Steven ex Woronow), 10 for fine lime (Tilia cordata Mill.), 31 for bare elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.), 6 for Georgian maple (Acer ibericum M.Bieb.) and 5 locations of Georgian almond (Amygdalus georgica Desf.) explored in the natural area. The sample areas taken within each species were described in detail, taking into account location, target species code, forest category, geographical coordinates, slope, location above sea level, soil type, seed area and other data.

The project included the conservation of endangered woody plants, the preservation of genetic diversity, the separation of high-yielding areas into permanent and temporary seed plots. Seed Bank Active Collection (1-3 years) and Basic Collection (4-10 years) were created. Molecular-genetic studies have also shown that the Georgian maple (Acer ibericum M.Bieb.) Is a species and not a subspecies (Acer monspessulanum subsp. Ibericum (M.Bieb. Ex Willd.) Yalt.), as it was previously considered.

The 3-year project of the Research Division of Agro-forestry Cultures "Study of Genetically Important Forest Species and Taxonomic Identification in Georgia" was funded by the Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation.