Formation of a reserve gene pool of endangered plant species based on an assessment of the genetic diversity of populations

The article describes the collection of protected plant species of the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. 113 species kept in ex situ conditions represent the reserve gene pool of endangered native plants. The need for its formation is substantiated, taking into account the genetic diversity of natural populations, which will be the key to successful restoration measures. Using the example of some representatives of the Orchidaceae family, the main stages of this work are shown, including the search for populations and sampling in nature, laboratory molecular genetic studies and analysis of the data obtained.