All-Russian research institute of forest genetics, breeding and biotechnology development of genetics and selection methods to increase forest productivity

The article presents the history of the All-Russian Research Institute of Forest Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, the principal directions of its activity through over 50 years of scientific and production work. It focuses on innovations and the development perspective of the Institute. The Institute's priority research areas are forest genetics and biotechnology. The Institute scientists were among the first in Russia to conduct research on the tissue culture methods for the plants genetic diversity and their future genetic improvement. The Institute has developed clonal micropropagation techniques for valuable tree biotypes, they have been put into forestry practice and are now 18 - 26 years old. Also, the Institute has developed the long-term in vitro storage method with the use of hormone-free nutrient solutions for valuable deciduous tree species. Based on this method, in 1991 our scientists began to create the collection of deciduous tree plants, which currently includes more than 70 clones of valuable, resistant, and fast-growing birch, poplar, aspen and willow genotypes. Throughout its existence the Institute has established a large experimental facility which includes seed plantations of Scots pine, pedunculate oak and other species. All experimental units are being closely monitored. Through over 50 years of scientific work we have developed the multi-year breeding program, selected the economically valuable clones and forms, obtained and patented new varieties of tree species. Our scientists are now focused on obtaining new genotypes of forest trees, increasing productivity and selective value of the main forest-forming species, studying their ecological and genetic parameters, creating new breeding facilities, conserving the plant genetic resources, etc.