Potential of the VIR forage crop collection in fodder production development in Russia’s north

The paper analyzes the tasks to be solved for the development of the fodder base in the Far North and the role of the collection of the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) in solving these tasks. We present data on the status of VIR collections of perennial leguminous fodder crops (alfalfa, clover, sainfoin, sainfoin, turfgrass, eastern goatgrass) and perennial forage cereals (meadow foxtail, meadow fescue, meadow timothy, meadow bluegrass, and red fescue). We have identified the regions from which are the specimens of interest as source material for breeding varieties, adapted to cultivation in the northern regions of Russia. We have noted taxa characterized by increased winter hardiness and ability to grow on frozen soils. For fodder production and creation of pasture agrophytocenoses in the Far North conditions the varieties of fodder crops, maintained in the VIR collection, are recommended. For perennial forage legumes, we have indicated the main directions of breeding - for tolerance to soil acidity and conjugate selection ofvarieties and symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The article highlights the results of long-term work of the VIR Polar Experimental Station and its role in expanding the range of cultivated crops in Russia’s northern regions. Over 100 years of the station’s existence, its staff has developed 11 currently released varieties of nine crops (clover, meadow foxtail, meadow fescue, red fescue, meadow timothy, giant fescue, meadow bluegrass, etc.). Already in the 21st century, the station has studied collections of high and short grasses and perennial leguminous crops, resulting in the development of a variety of Zapolyarny oriental goatgrass, a new crop for the subarctic regions.