The role of V.I. Lenin All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its leading institutes in development of scientific selection of agricultural crops

The history of V.I. Lenin All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VASKHNIL) as leading body and scientific center in charge of the state and the development of science in country is presented. The organizational and scientific role of VASKHNIL in the making and developing of plant selection and seed-growing in USSR was illustrated. The contribution of members of Academy to elaboration of theoretical footing of breeding and selectional-genetic investigation was estimated. The scientific achievements of institutes, breeding centers and stations of genetics, selection and seed-farming of different agricultural crops were described. The economically important determinants of the varieties created by scientists-selectionists at the time of VASKHNIL activity were characterized. The special attention was devoted to personal contribution and leading role in selection development as science of N.I. Vavilov.