The role of scientific seed exchange in the formation of collections of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

Abstract

The paper deals with the role of the Seed Laboratory in developing and maintaining the plant collections of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The paper summarizes the results of 80 years of work related to the scientific exchange of seeds and planting material. The contributions made by different departments of the Botanical Garden to this process are analyzed. As a result of continuous documentation activities, the register of incoming plant material currently comprises 98 accession journals. Over the entire period of its activity, the Seed Laboratory has maintained scientific contacts with more than 600 botanical institutions in Ukraine and abroad. At present, active exchange of plant material is carried out with 165 botanical gardens and research centers that regularly submit seed requests. Most collaborations involve European institutions. While exchanges with botanical organizations in Asia, North America, and Africa occur less frequently. The Index Seminum issued by the Botanical Garden is published electronically every two years. Nearly all departments of the Botanical Garden participate in the seed exchange network. Since 2004, within the framework of the research program of the Department of Natural Flora, work has been conducted on establishing a specialized seed collection of rare and endangered plant species of the flora of Ukraine. This collection includes seeds gathered during field expeditions as well as seeds obtained from ex situ cultivations maintained by various departments, including Natural Flora, Dendrology and Park Science, Cultural Flora, Flowering-Ornamental Plants, Tropical and Subtropical Plants, and the Laboratory of Medical Botany. Currently, the collection comprises 472 species belonging to 82 families. The paper also presents photographs of plants cultivated from seeds obtained through scientific exchange. It demonstrates the practical outcomes of the Seed Laboratory’s activities. Information is also provided about the carpological collection developed within the laboratory. Today, the carpological collection contains 17827 samples belonging to 1630 genera, 7266 species, and 218 families. Possible directions for further expansion and improvement of the carpological collection are proposed.