Central Siberian Botanical Garden (CSBG)
Central Siberian Botanical Garden (CSBG) |
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Central Siberian Botanical Garden (CSBG) of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the largest botanical Institution in the Asi part of Russia, was founded in the West Siberian Division of the USSR Academy of Sciences on academician V. L. Komarov's initiative in 1946. Rapid development of the Botanical Garden began after establishment of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1957. It became the leading Institution in the field of botany of Siberia and the Russian Far East. A status of the Research Institute of the first category was conferred on the Botanical Garden in 1961. Until 1964 CSBG was located in Zaeltsovsky district, Novosibirsk, where in the area of 232 ha there were experimental plots and collections of herbaceous plants and arboretum. For the purpose of further development of botanical researches focused on study and enrichment of plant resources of Siberia and for improvement of the status of forests and green stands of the Novosibirsk Science Center as well, the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences resolved to move CSBG to Academgorodok. An area of more than 1000 ha was allotted to the Botanical Garden. The main building, technical facilities, hot houses, and storehouses were built. Arboretum and forest-park, systcmaticum, experimental plots of forage, medicinal, spicy-aromatic, and rare and endangered plants have been created which to date contain 500, 900, 480, 291 186, and 92 species, respectively. The collection of ornamental plants includes 2529 species and cultivars. More than 2200 species of tropical and subtropical plants are presented in the hot houses. A herbarium contains specimens collected by the scientists of the Botanical Garden and the M. G. Popov herbarium (transported from Irkutsk in 1976). The total number of dried specimens is 550.000. Seed collection comprises seeds of 1220 species. There is also a big collection of lichens and fungi. Over a period of 50 years different scientific lines have been developed in CSBG and several schools of scientific thought have been created. The founders were prominent scientists: Prof. Kira Arkadycvna Sobolevskaya, Prof. Tatyana Grigoryevna Popova, Prof. Vladimir Fyodorovich Altergot, Prof. Alexandra Vladimirovna Kuminova, Prof. Mik-hail Nikolaevich Salamatov, Dr. Valentina Nesterovna Vasilycva, Academician Igor Yuryevich Koropachinskiy, Prof. Leonid Iva novich Malyshev, Prof. Ivan Moiseevich Krasnoborov, Dr. Valentina Semyonovna Fyodorova, Prof. Valentina Gavrilovna Minacva, Dr. Lyutsiya Pavlovna Zubkus, Prof. Albert Rcingoldovich Verner, Prof. Antonina Alexandrovna Gorshkova, Prof. Nikolai Nikolacvich Lashchinskiy, Prof. Ivan Varfolomccvich Taran, Prof. Elena Vikentyevna Tyurina, Prof. Rosita Yakov-levna Plennik, Prof. Lidia Lvovna Eryotnenko, and others. At present CSBG has 138 research workers on staff, among them — 1 academician, 15 doctors of sciences, and 62 candidates of sciences. There are 13 research laboratories, 5 scientific groups, groups of plant protection and garden keeping, library with 61.600 published units, and a group of information processing and publishing. Graduate and post-graduate studies are accessible, and Dissertation Committee works. Central Siberian Botanical Garden conducts basic researches in the following main lines: study of the diversity of plant life of Siberia: composition, structure, plant resources, and dynamics of vegetation cover; development of a scientific basis for rational use of biological resources;
In the last decade the Botanical Garden has been developing as a center of integration of botanical researches in Siberia. Council of Botanical Gardens of Siberia and the Russian Far East, Committee on botanical problems, Novosibirsk Department of the Russian Botanical Society, and Council on protected plant objects, rare and endangered species, nature reserves and refuges work at the Institute. In 50 years the scientists of CSBG have prepared and published more than 150 big monographs, including 9 volumes of "Flora of Siberia" (in all 14 volumes), over 4.000 scientific articles hi journals and collections; have obtained 46 certificates and patents on new plant cultivars, drugs, and inventions. Moreover, scores of practical proposals are used in different branches of industry. The Botanical Garden has close ties with all the Botanical Gardens of Russia and CIS and 250 Gardens of different countries of five continents. LABORATORY OF SYSTEMATICS OF HIGHER VASCULARPLANTS AND OF FLORISTI GENETICSSince the establishment of the laboratory (1951), have been researched floras of the coast of The Baikal, high-mountains of the Eastern Sayan, Stanovoye Highland, Putoran Plateau, steppes of Baikal Siberia, Lake Khubsugul region (Mongolia), some regions of Yakutia, and south of West Siberia; has been determined zonality of the flora of Middle Siberian Plateau; has been explored the flora of the western part of the regions of BAM construction; and have been studied mosses of Pribaikaliyc, Altai-Sayan mountain system, and the Russian Far Mast (L. V. Bardunov). The results of the researches have been published in the monographs: "Flora of Middle Siberia" in two volumes, M. G. Popov (957-1959); "High-mountain Flora of the Eastern Sayan", L. I. Malyshev (1965); "Leafy Mosses of the Altai and Sayan", L. V. Bardunov (1974); "Flora of Central Siberia" in two volumes (1979); and "Flora of Siberia" in 14 volumes, 9 published (1987-1994). Much attention is given to the problem of evolution of the Siberian flora which includes: dependence of floristic richness on habitats and historical factors; minimal area of floristic representation in comparative studies; floristic subdivision on the basis of quantitative indices; spatial diversity of the flora and species abundance level. The work on profound development of systematics and phylogeny of some families (Boraginaccac, Euphorbiaceae, Gcntianaccae, Primulaceae, and Caryophyllaceae) of the North Asian flora has begun. A search for creation of the key to interactive identifications of the families of the Siberian flora by means of the Delta system is being conducted. HERBARIUM LABORATORYIn 1964 the Academic Council of CSBG made a decision to establish a Herbarium laboratory on the basis of reference herbarium of the laboratory of geobotany. It became an independent laboratory in 1968. At that time herbarium collections numbered about 40 thousand dried specimens. Two tasks were proposed:
At present 23 persons work in the laboratory, among them 14 research workers. The collections of the main resources have about 300 thousand dried specimens. They are classified into the sections: herbarium of Siberia (including herbarium of Tyva), herbarium of Europe, herbarium of Asia (of the Caucasus, of Middle Asia, and of foreign Asia separately), and herbarium of North America. There are small collections from Australia and Africa. The herbarium is replenished due to annual collections during field works in different regions of Siberia and clue to an active exchange with various herbaria of Russia and of foreign countries. There are over 100 standard type dried specimens in the herbarium. Among them, about 40 species have been described by the scientists of the laboratory and authors of the "Flora of Siberia". Over the course of about 30 years the floras of Tyva, south of Krasnoyarsk Krai, and Altai have been studied in most detail. At present the flora of Novosibirsk Oblast is being studied. The database containing a comprehensive information on the flora of Siberia is created in the laboratory. There is a karyological group and that of specialists working in the field of experimental systematics. To date chromosome numbers of 500 plant species of Siberia have been studied. In the process of study of pasqueflowers (Ranunculaceae) and dendranthema (chrysanthema), new data on the structure of Pulsatilla nutans have been obtained, and over 50 forms of Siberian hybrid chrisanthema have been developed (4 of them have been registered as cultivars). A scries of monographs have been published, the most important being " High-mountain flora of the Western Sayan" and "Flora of the East Tannu-Ola Ridge". The specialists of the laboratory take an active part in the work over "Flora of Siberia" in 14 volumes. "Handbook of plants of the Tyva Republic" and "Rare and endangered plants of the Tyva Republic" have been published on the results of researches in Tyva. "Handbook of Novosibirsk Oblast plants" and "Handbook of Kemerovo Oblast. plants" have been written together with the botanists of Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk. The scientists of the laboratory are coauthors of Red Data Books of the USSR, Russia, Siberia, and Altai Republic, and are in the process of preparing Red Data Books of Tyva and Novosibirsk Oblast. LABOKATORY OF ECOLOGY AND GEOBOTANYThe laboratory, founded in 1944, is the largest in the Asian part of Russia scientific subdivision on study of vegetation in the Asian part of Russia. The objects of study arc plant communities (phytococnoses) of various natural zones and regions of Siberia. The main lines of basic research are study of the diversity of plant communities, their structure and spatial temporal features, ecology, and response to anthropogenic effects; history of formation of the vegetation cover and a forecast of its development; rational use and conservation. The scientists of the laboratory have studied structure, dynamics, and ways of use of the vegetation cover of West and Middle Siberia; structure of the plant cover of middle taiga of the Ob-Irtysh interstrcam; structure of the vegetation cover of bogs within the forest and forest-steppe zones; high-mountain vegetation of the Altai-Sayan mountain area, and anthropogenic transformation of the plant cover of West Siberia. The specialists of the laboratory took an active part and participate in the development of big International programs, including "Man and Biosphere", "Biodiversity of the Planet", and "Global Climatic and Environmental Changes", as well as of federal projects — "Ecological Security of Russia", "Biodiversity of Russia", and others. Special attention is dedicated to mapping within the framework of the program "Development of Principles and Methods of Airborne and Satellite Imagery Use for Special Mapping". Large scale geobotanical maps of the main testing sites, middle scale maps of the Altai, Tyva, Khakasiya, Novosibirsk and Kemerovo Oblasts, and small scale maps of West Siberia have been made. Along with basic researches, much attention is paid to applied ones. Study of the plant cover as a forage base for animal husbandry was carried out in the territories of the Altai, Khakasiya, and Tyva Republics and in Kemerovo and Novosibirsk Oblasts, and Krasnoyarsk Krai. Many sovkozes and kolkhozes were given maps and recommendations for rational use of natural grasslands. The scientific developments of the research workers of the laboratory were published in scores of monographs and collections and in hundreds of articles. The work of the laboratory is currently focused on the analysis of diversity, structure, natural dynamics and anthropogenic transformation of the vegetation cover of Siberia, on development of a theory of sustainablc development of such a great part of biosphere as the vegetation cover of Siberia LABORATORY OF PLANT POPULATION ECOLOGYThe goal of this laboratory, organized in 1981, is researches, including the field ones, of vegetation cover directed to profound study of the structure and dynamics of plant communities and of behavior of various species in natural populations. Tyva steppes, Baraba forest-steppe landscapes, as well as forest and meadow communities of the Salair Range were the objects of study of the scientists of the laboratory. The methods of detail mapping and vertical profiles and mathematical methods of the analysis of polymodal distributions are widely used in studies of vertical and horizontal structures of communities. Behavior and population structure of different plant species are investigated on the basis of the population-ontogenctic method of the Rabotnov-Uranov School. A comprehensive landscape-ecological approach and principles of ecological-floristic classification of vegetation are used to estimate a degree of vegetation reaction to anthropogenic disturbances. Many researches have been conducted in cooperation with the specialists of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, soil zoologists of the Tomsk State University, and research workers of CSBG. At present the collaboration with the Institute of Ecology of the Berlin Technical University is being developed. The results of the work of the laboratory arc applied in recultivation of anthropogenic landscapes after gold extraction, for establishment of protected areas and taking measures of conservation of rare plant species and communities in the nature reserves "Barguzinsky" and "Kuznetsky Alatau", and for a forecast of environmental changes in response to oil and gas exploration and development in the north of Tyumen Oblast (Noyabrsknef tegaz). LABORATORY OF LOWER PLANTSThis is the only scientific subdivision in Siberia which has been engaged in study of 1 ower plants for almost 40 years. The main lines of researches are floristic and phytococnotic: study of specific composition, biology, ecology, phylocoenology, and geography of algae, fungi, and lichens of Siberia. Algological researches involve floristic and hydro-botanical studies of the rivers (Karasnk, Kargat, Chulym, Ob, Yenisei, and their tributaries), water storage basins (Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk), lakes (Chani, Ubinskoye, and Sartlan), bogs, fish ponds, and small reservoirs of taiga, forest-tundra, and tundra. At present the alga biodiversity of investigated reservoirs makes up over 2000 species, among which 7 species and 14 subspecies are new to the science. Mycological researches are carried out in the forest-steppe, southern taiga, and cherncvaya taiga of the Salair and of the north-western part of the Mountain Altai. Basically pileate fungi are studied. The scientists determine their specific composition, verify ecology, terms of cartoforc formation, distribution, and association with definite plant species and phy-tocoenoses, clarify the importance of fungi in community productivity, and estimate reserves of edible mushrooms. Over 1500 species of pileate fungi have been found, among them 600 species are micorhiza formers. Lichenological researches are mainly conducted in the Altai-Sayan mountainous area (Sangilen Highland, Eastern and Western Sayan, Tannu-Ola Ridge, and etc.), as well as in Mountainous Pribaikaliye and Zabaikaliyc. The research workers specify the composition of lichens, their ecological attachment to definite habitats and substrate types, and distribution in phytocoenoses; study occurrence of lichens in ccotopes and mountain belts and substantiate the significance of lichens in the vegetation structure. Over 1500 lichen species (5 — new to the science) have been registered in the Altai-Sayan mountainous area, about 500 (4 — new to the science) have been found in Mountainous Pribaikaliye and Zabaikaliyc. Along with the theoretical importance, the results of study of lower plants have an applied implication: making up a forecast of the development of phytoplankton when constructing a hydroelectric station, establishment of the reasons for death of fish in the reservoirs, estimation of the quality of water in them, study of edible, poisonous, and suspicious fungi, and use of some lichen species in medicine. A large herbarium of fungi and lichens has been collected which is systematically expanded. Work is in progress on creation of the database of algae, fungi, and lichens of Siberia. LABORATORY OF DENDROLOGYIt was founded by Dr. A. V. Skvortsova in 1955. Since 1963 the laboratory has been headed by professor I. Yu. Koropachinskiy. After the relocation of CSBG from Novosibirsk to Academgorodok, the arboretum already in place was transmitted to the Novosibirsk experimental forest service. In 1965 the laying of the plain introduction nursery and arboretum started in demgorodok. Researches in the laboratory arc conducted in two lines:
Many poorly known regions have been investigated, and a review of all species has been made up. The ranges of the species have been verified, peculiarities of distribution of woody plants by range types, ecological groups, and life forms have been identified, and a list of species suitable for introduction, first of all, in the regions with cold, sharply continental climate has been compiled. Special attention is given to natural hybridization of plants. For the first time in Siberia, a start on detailed study of intraspecific variation of woody plants at the population level has been made. In the new arboretum (25 ha) and in two plant introduction nurseries (5 ha), is conducted the test of woody plant species of different botanical-geographical areas with the aim of selection of resistant and ornamental forms suitable for use in landscaping, protective forestation, and forest management. About 500 species, forms, and hybrids belonging to 99 genera and 39 families grow in the arboretum. The collection contains representatives of Siberia — 43%, Russian Far East (18%), Europe — 11%, North America — 17%, and Asia — 11%.Seasonal development rhythm of the introduced plants, their winter hardiness, growth intensity, ornamental qual ities, phytopa-thogene resistance, and ways of propagation have been studied. It has been established that introduction of plants into West Siberia from Central and Siberia, Far East, and North America (Canada, Alaska), is the most perspective. Breeding of some species of body plants for growth intensity and for ornamental qualities is carried out. In particular, the interspecific hy bridization of Siberian poplars with species and varieties of different regions has been performed. The developed hybrids are of landscape interest. The ornamental forms of coniferous plants have been selected in natural populations of the Mountain Altai. A technique of their vegetative propagation is being devised. On the basis of generalization of longstanding studies, an assortment of the species of woody plants for settlement gardening in Novosibirsk and in the regions of West Siberia with similar climate has been compiled (I. Yu. Koropachinskiy, T. N. Vstovskaya). The results of the researches have been published in a range of monographs. The most significant among them are: "Dendroflora of the Altai-Sayan mountain area", I. Yu. Koropachinskiy (1975); "Woody plants of Siberia", I. Yu. Koropachinskiy (1983); "Trees and shrubs of the southeastern part of West Siberia", Yu. P. Khlonov (1979); "Introduction of woody plants in the forest-steppe circum Ob area", a group of authors (1982); "Woody plants introduced in Siberia", T. N. Vstovskaya (1985-1987); "Dendroflora of Saur-Tarbagatai mountain area", N. ?. Bolshakov (1987); "Effect of sulfuryl on plant photosynthesis", L. A. Barakhtenova, V. S. Nokolaevskiy (1988); "Introduction and breeding of the poplar in Siberia", ?. ?. Bakulin (1990); and others. The scientific and applied developments of the laboratory were often demonstrated at the Exhibition of the Achievements of National Economy of the USSR. In 1987 the exhibits of the laboratory were awarded the golden medal of the EANE, and in 1995 the chief of the laboratory academician I. Yu. Koropachinskiy was awarded the V. N. Sukachev Price of the Russian Academy of Sciences for a series of works on the arboriflora of Siberia. A great many of seedlings of the most valuable and promising species and forms of woody plants introduced in CSBG have been given to landscape specialists in Novosibirsk, as well as to different Botanical Gardens and arboreta in Siberia (Krasnoyarsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Irkutsk, Chita, and others). LABORATORY OF INTRODUCTION OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTSResearches on introduction of ornamental plants have been conducted in the Botanical Garden by the laboratory since 1951. The goals of the laboratory are development of the biological basis for introduction of ornamental plants and enrichment of the assortment promising for Siberia. The main task is study of ecological and biological peculiarities of the introduced plants, their productivity, and resistance to a complex of damaging factors. The current tasks are:
The final stage of researches is introduction of the promising plants and methods of their cultivation in town gardening and industrial floriculture. More than 30.000 annual and perennial flower plants, as well as seeds of lawn grasses are given annually for this purpose. The collection stock of the laboratory encompasses over 2000 species, varieties, and cultivars. Most completely are presented the following generic complexes: Agrostis L., Aster L., Astilbe Hamilt., Chrysanthemum L., Crocus L., Festuca L., Gladiolus L., Hemerocalis L., Hosta Tratt., Iris L., Lalium L., Muscari Mill., Narcissus L., Paeonia L., Phlox L., Poa L., Rosa L., Salvia L., Scilla L., and Tagctes L., including cultivars and hybrids. Over the course of half a century the results of the researches arc as follows: 3500 specimens of ornamental plants have been initially introduced; 640 species, varieties, and cultivars with a high adaptive potential and of ornamental qualities have been identified; study of biological peculiarities of the introduced plants with the use of morphogenetic, ontogcnetic, anatomical, histo chemical, cytological, and genetic breeding methods has been carried out; complex plant assortments for settlement and industrial site gardening, greening of kindergartens and hospitals with regard to the specific microecological conditions have been developed; and base for supply of leading gardening organizations of the city and oblast with planting material has been created. Over 500 scientific works and practical recommendations, including 12 monographs and collections, have been published. The most significant monographs are "Roses in the open ground of West Siberia", V. I. Korobov (1981); "Sweet pea", L. I. Pyatitskaya (1976); "Gladioli in West Siberia", L. L. Sedelnikova, L. P. Zubkus (1987); and "Morphogenesis of Kentucky bluegrass and use of it as a lawn culture", G. I. Senatorova (1981). The scientists of the laboratory often took part in the Exhibitions of National Economy Achievements and were awarded silver and bronze medals and certificates. LABORATORY OF INTRODUCTION OF MEDICINAL, SPICY, AND AROMATIC PLANTSResearches on introduction of medicinal, spicy, and aromatic plants have been carried out in CSBG throughout 40 years, first by the laboratory of plant resources and since 1984 — by the special laboratory. The goals of the researches are development of theoretical basics for introduction of medicinal, spicy, and aromatic plants in Siberia and selection of species, populations, and cultivars promising by productivity, content of biologically active substances, and resistance. Considerable attention is given to the study of the gene pool of perspective species in the wild. Selected populations, ecotypes, and forms are compared experimentally. The comprehensive study of useful plants of Tyva, Khakasiya, Western Sayan, Altai, and Novosibirsk Oblast has been conducted, as a result of which more than 350 promising species of medicinal, spicy, and aromatic plants have been selected. Under conditions of the introduction experiment the ecological-biological potential and capacity for adaptation are estimated, age and genetic population structures, peculiarities of growth and ontogenesis, inter- and in-trapopulation variations in morphological characteristics and productivity are studied. Types of resistance and adaptability of natural and cultivated populations of different life forms have been determined. On the basis of the established peculiarities of growth and propagation biology, the original elements of intensive technology of cultivation of 27 promising species of medicinal, spicy, and aromatic plants have been developed. The cultivar-standard "Zolotodolinsky" of Hypericum perforatum L., the first in the country, cultivars "Solnechniy" of Helichrysum arcnarium (L.) Moench, and "Limonniy" of Thymus serpyllum L. have been developed and allowed by the State Commission to be used in industry. When developing them, the methods of evolutionary breeding, of individual and mass selection were used. In the experimental plot of medicinal plants there are 260 species united in 17 groups accordingly the use in medicine. In that of spicy and aromatic plants about 100 species of the flora of Siberia and different regions are growing. The study of inter- and intraspecifie diversity of the species in the genera Potentilla, Hypericum, Artemisia, Mcntha, Sanguisobra, Erysimum, Allium, Glycyrrhiza, and others is proceeding vigorously. For the first time, a medicinal-prophylactic drink "Siberian tea" having high antioxidant, radioprotective, and antidisbactcrial properties has been developed in cooperation with the joint-stock company "Zolotaya Dolina". It was highly evaluated at the Leipzig Fair. Over 240 papers have been published. Included in them are monographs; "Useful plants of Khakasiya and introduction of them", R. Ya. Plennik, E. M. Gontar, E. V. Tyurina, ct al. (1989); "Plant resources of South Siberia and ways of their cultivation", collection of papers, edited by K. A. Sobolevskaya (1977); "Useful plants of the western site of the BAM zone" K. A. Sobolevskaya, E. M. Gontar, G. I. Gorokhova, ct al. (1985); "Useful plants of West Siberia and prospects of their introduction", K. A. Sobolevskaya, A. I. Yakubova, R. Ya. Plennik, et al. (1972); "Introduction of umbelliferae in Siberia", E. V. Tyurina (1978); "Umbelliferae of South Siberia as a material for introduction", E. V. Tyurina, I. N. Gus'kova, N. K. Shokhina (1977); "Experiment of Hypericum perforatum cultivation in Novosibirsk Oblast", E. V. Tyurina, I. N. Guskova, N. K. Shokhina (1983); and "Growing of medicinal plants in the garden", E. V. Tyurina, V. F. Izrailson, I. N. Gus'kova, V. M.Tril(1992). LABORATORY OF INTRODUCTION OF FOOD PLANTSResearches on introduction of food plants have been conducted by a special group since 1946 and by the laboratory since 1961. The purpose of the researches is enrichment of the cultivated flora of Siberia with new species, varieties, cultivars., and hybrids of food plants. The tasks of the researches include search for new food plants, creation of the collection stock and gene bank of introduced plants, study of plant variation in the wild and under cultivation, as well as in remote and intraspecifie hybridization, and elaboration of the methods of development and propagation of new cultivars. At present the main objects of study are apple tree, pear, mountain ash, cherry, bird cherry, cranberry, blueberry, and tomato. Over the course of 50 years the theoretical basics and practical recommendations for introduction and practical recommendations for introduction and breeding of the food plants valuable in the conditions of Siberia have been developed. The collection stocks of fruit, berry, and vegetable plants numbering about 3000 species, subspecies, varieties, cultivars, and hybrids have been created. Twelve experimental plots of the living plants: "Apple tree", "Pear", "Cherry", "Plum", "Bird cherry", "Forest-garden", "Food berry plants of Siberia and the Russian Far East", "Blueberry", "Cranberry", "Strawberry", "Perennial rhizomatous onions", and "Rhubarb" have been built. Bird cherry, bog blueberry, and, first in Siberia, mountain ash have been introduced. Forty cultivars of fruit, berry, and vegetable plants of the breeding of the Botanical Garden: apple tree — 12, bird cherry 10, bog blueberry — 8, cherry — 7, mountain ash, gooseberry, and tomato are under testing. In Novosibirsk Oblast and in different regions, 17 cultivars, among which 5 of apple tree, 3 of bird cherry, 3 of bog blueberry, as welt as mountain ash, gooseberry, black current, sweet pepper, rhubarb, and onion singly, have been released for cultivation. A resolution to release for cultivation 2 cultivars of bog blueberry and 1 cultivate of cherry has been made in 1996. The scientists of the laboratory have obtained 16 authors certificates. More than 500 scientific works, including 11 monographs and 4 collections, have been published. The most significant monographs are: "Cherry in West Siberia", M. N. Salamatov (1959); "Apple tree in Siberia", V. N. Vasilyeva (1991); and "Wild-growing and cultivated in Siberia berry and fruit plants", a group of authors (1980). LABORATORY OF INTRODUCTION OF FORAGE, PLANTS OF NATURAL FLORAResearches on introduction of forage plants of the natural flora were first conducted by a small group of scientists since 1948, then by the department of flora and plant resources, founded in 1955. A special laboratory of introduction of forage plants of natural flora was established in 1981. Over the course of half a century the aims of the scientific work have been the following: Study of the most valuable Siberian forage plants of the families Fabaccae and Poaccae by generic complexes in the wild and under cultivation. Adaptive biomorphologieal and anatomical structures of a leaf and seed were determined at inter-population and intrapopulation levels; phenorhythms, seed productivity, and length of preservation of seed viability in long-term storage were investigated. Study of the genetic potential of grasses of the tribe Triticeae in the wild and in introduction conditions by the methods of the electrophoresis of seed endosperm proteins and of sexual hybridization. Study of salt resistance of separate populations of the alfalfa. Since 1973 the research on introduction of rare and endangered plant species of the Siberian flora has been carried out. Their biological peculiarities have been studied, and scientific bases for their conservation have been developed. In the past 10 years the main objects of investigation have been the forage plants of the genera Astragalus, Oxytropis, and Hedysarum; polymorphic species — Onobrychis sibirica, Medicago falcata, and Trifolium pannonicum; species of the genera Elymus and Elytrigia; rare species — Tridactylina kirilowii, Chosenia argutifolia, Astragalus ol-chonensis, and others and the rare genus Viola. The scientists of the laboratory have developed the method of the ecological range of a species in introduction of plants of natural flora, method of propagation by seeds of rare plants with consecutive growing in the laboratory, hothouse, and ground, accelerated method of development of forage legume cultivars with higher salt resistance, productivity, protein content, and improved fodder qualities, and method of identification of the gene types of perennial grasses of the tribe Triticeae. The laboratory gene pool of the plants of natural flora collected by the research workers includes: forage plants more than 200 species and 600 introduced populations belonging to 57 genera and 6 families; collections of initial genetic material of the species of the tribe Triticeae — 60 species, 850 ccotypcs, and 120 hybrids; collections of rare and endangered plants — 46 families, 137 genera, 228 species, and 295 ecotypes. BOTANICAL-GEOGRAPHICAL ZONESThe models of the most typical forest formations of Russia have been created in the territory of the Botanical Garden. Chernevaya taiga of Kuznetsky Alatau (Mountain Shoriya) was first described by P. N. Krylov (1891) as a relict formation "Lime island" being preserved, by his opinion, from the broad-leaved forests of the Pliocene. In the herbaceous cover there are more than 30 plant species of the tertiary nemoral floristic complex. The cultivated cocnose with an arboreus canopy of Tilia sibirica Bayer, Pinus sibirica Du Tour, and Abies sibirica Ledcb. includes the herbaceous tertiary relicts: Asarum europaeum, Myosotic krylovii, Asperula adorata, Sanicula europaea, Cardamine impatiens, Actaea spicata, Osmoriza amurensis, Stachys syltica, Geranium robertianum, Alfredia cernua, Epilobium montanum, Festuca sylvatica, Campanula trachelium, and Bromopsis bcnekenii. The area of the experimental plot is 2,6 ha. Park larch forest of the Altai. In the cultivated coenose, the herbaceous cover is formed of 53 species of herbs, 8 of which are subject to State protection and 5 — to local one. The area of the experimental plot is 1.9 ha. Mixed conifer-broad-leaved forests of Primorye This experimental plot has been built up since 1964. The cultivated coenose contains both species widespread in the Russian Far East and those only growing in the Primorye area. There have been introduced 20 species of the representatives of the flora of conifer-broad-leaved forests of Primorye belonging to 13 families and 15 genera which are represented by three life forms: trees — 12 species, shrubs — 5 species, and lianas — 3 species. These arc Aralia mandsliurica, Acanthopanax sessiliflorum, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acer barbinerve, Acer mandshuricus, Acer mono, Acer pseudosicboldianum, Acer tegmcntosum, Acer ukurunduensis, Actinidia colomikta, Bcr-bcris amurensis, Corylus heterophylla, Maakia amurcnsis, Qucrcus mongolica, Philadelphus tenuifolius, Juglans mandshurica, Fraxinus mand-shurica, Phellodendron amurense, Schisandra chinensis, and Vitis amurensis. The area of the experimental plot is 2 ha. European broad-leaved forests - "Dubrava". The arborcus canopy consists of Quercus robur and Tilia sibirica. The base of the herbaceous cover is Aegopodium podagraria. Among the typical oakery herbaceous species are Geranium robcrtianum, Sanicula europaea, Campanula trachelium, and others. The area of the experimental plot is 1.3 ha. The cultivated coenoses also represent a reserve for preservation of rare and endemic species and a seed source for works on reinlrodaction. Three laboratories of biothechnology, phytochemistry, and physiology of plants conduct researches in the field of experimental botany. The common task of these researches is study of various aspects of plant activity with the aim of increase of introduction efficiency. The scientists of the laboratories have developed a range of new methods for estimation of the plant status in the wild and under experiment and have determined new peculiarities of the change in behavior of plants when they are transferred to cultivated coenoses. LABORATORY OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGYThe goal of the laboratory, founded by Prof. V. F. Altergot in 1959, is study of the relation between intensity of the main exchange (metabolism providing status quo) and productivity and resistance. The intensity of the main exchange is determined quantitatively, through energy expenditure connected with it, which is estimated by breathing intensity with the help of the volumeter made in the Institute according to the draft developed in the laboratory. (The volumeter makes it possible to measure breathing intensity by oxygen absorption in ?2 objects at a time at different temperatures). The scientists of the laboratory have developed a procedure permitting to define expenditure of the main exchange, the other components of expenditure — those of growth and functional activity being separated from it. It has been found that the components of energy expenditure respond variously to a change of external factors. Differences increase in the stress state which inhibits growth, decreases functional activity, but intensifies the main exchange. The existence of the reverse relation between functional activity and resistance has been demonstrated. Therefore, to obtain comparable data on potential resistance of different objects, their metabolism should be standardized before testing. The level of metabolic activity appropriate to the main exchange is taken as a standard. The intrapopulation differences in the main exchange intensity have been determined, and the importance of the genetic component in the formation of these differences is being established. LABORATORY OF PHYTOCHEMISTRYThe purpose of the researches is investigation of substances of the second synthesis in medicinal, forage, spicy, and aromatic plants of Siberian flora. Main attention is given to phenolic compounds for which the original methods of isolation, identification, and quantitative determination have been developed or those in existence have been modified. On the basis of qualitative and quantitative estimations of the phenolic complex of plants, are conducted chemotaxonomic researches and are specified the prospects of use of introduced plants in agriculture, medical and food industries. Metabolism of phenolic compounds is studied. In particular, specific enzymes catalyzing reactions of flavonol glycosidc hydrolysis and of further destroying of flavonol structure have been isolated from the plants of Bupleurum aureum and Fagopyrum esculentum. Some products, formed by these reactions, have been isolated and identified. On the basis of a long term research of the capacity of cell-free extracts of many plant species (about 500) to split quercetin in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, it has been concluded that it is a natural substrate of peroxidasc, that has permitted to develop a simple and sensitive method of its activity estimation. Screening of biologically active substances in Siberian plants resulted in identification of promising sources of remedies. Hence, Siberian species of thorough waxes turned out to be a good raw material for isolation of flavonols possessing capillary strength activity and saponins responsible for the antiphlogistic and antihcpatotoxic activities. Medicaments from the underground organs of Sanguisorba officinalis and Alchemilla vulgaris are recommended for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and a preparation from Pentaphylloides fruticosa has immunogenic and antiviral effects. Ten authors certificates on production techniques of drugs have been obtained. The function of flavonoids in biochemical adaptation to environmental conditions has been clarified. A range of regularities of their accumulation at interpopuiation and intrapopulation levels has been established, that makes it possible to forecast the content of flavonoids in accordance with ecological conditions. LABORATORY OF BIOTECHNOLOGYThe scientists of the laboratory study plant-microorganism relationships (symbioses and pathogcnescs) and develop a technology of micro-clonal propagation of introduced plants on the basis of tissue culture. Much attention is given to anatomical, morphological, and physiological problems of the Rhizobium-legumc symbiosis. The research is carried out within the framework of the program "Interbionitrogen -2000". It has been shown that a host, plant plays an active part even at the initial stage of infection by symbionts and pathogenes. The structure of infection threads and change of the character of the cell wall relationships in the process of a root nodule development have been first studied. During the development of symbiosis, the formation of a complex system of nitrogenous nutrition is taking place in which nodule ability to both appropriate molecular nitrogen and nitrate restoration is used. Exogenous, physiologically active substances can stimulate symbiosis that, as demonstrated in field tests, increases legumes productivity. Authors' certificates on the methods of symbiosis stimulators use have been obtained, a patent on utilization of the nodule bacteria strain for production of the restriction enzyme is available. Further study of the nodule structure, including the ultrastructure of infection threads, in the specialists' opinion, will make possible a classification of nodules of the family Leguminosae based on phylogeny. Developed by the research workers of the laboratory, the technology of microclonal propagation of introduced plants provides preservation of unique properties of gene types, hastens the breeding process, and saves plants from viruses and infectious microflora. The living collection of cultures in vitro includes species, varieties, and cultivars of cranberry, dtmdrantema, orchids, Kuril tea, thyme, actinidia, and other plants. GROUP OF FOREST RECREATIONResearches on forest recreation have been conducted in CSBG since 1966, first by the group for development of the General scheme of creation of forest-parks in the Novosibirsk Science Center, then (since 1972) — by the laboratory of forest recreation. The main lines of the researches:
Within the span of 30 years, the forests of the Novosibirsk Science Center (a testing site), urban and suburban forests of Novosibrsk agglomeration, green zones of the towns and settlements of the Ob-Tom interstrcam, and recreational forests of West Siberia have been studied. These studies have allowed to identify the main regularities of the use of forests for recreation in urbanized areas of the region; to investigate zonal and typological resistance of recreational forests, digression of stands, and to establish permissible recreational loads; to define principles of formation and development of recreational forest systems, of a forecast of the increase of demands for recreational activity, and of preservation of forests for recreation in future; to develop theoretical and practical basics for recreational forest use, principles of recreational subdivision of forest areas; to suggest a complex of forestry measures in recreational forests aimed at the rise of their resistance, ornamental qualities, longevity, and recreational capacity; and to recommend the methods for improving the system of protected forest objects in West Siberia. The results of the researches are published in over 250 scientific works, including 14 monographs, and 8 collections, 6 All-Siberian scientific conferences have been held, a school of thought of forest recreational studies in Siberia has been founded, and a range of practical projects, recommendations, and handouts have been developed. From among the monographs it is worth noting the following: "Pine forests of West Siberia" (1973); "Resistance of recreational forests" (1977); "Landscape groups for recreational construction" (1981); "Forests and forest management of Novosibirs Oblast' (1979); and "Recreational forests of West Siberia" (1985). GROUP OF TROPICAL PLANTSCollections of tropical plants were first built up in the hot houses of the laboratory of introduction of ornamental plants in 1970s. An independent group of tropical plants was detached from the laboratory in 1984. The goal of the research, carried out on the basis of the available collection, is study of biological peculiarities of the plants introduced from tropical and subtropical areas and of the assortment of ornamental plants for greening interiors. In 25 years the following tasks have been solved:
The results of the researches have been published in over 20 scientific works, including a book "House floriculture". At present the collections of tropical plants number more than 2500 species, varieties, and forms. Six expositions of the hot houses. Plants of Africa — 126 species, of America - 290 species, of Asia — 117 species, of Australia - 65 species, of the Mediterranean area — 45 species, and Bonsai culture — 70 specimens are continuously replenished. Annually planting material of tropical plants is grown and given for greening interiors and for creation of winter gardens. To propagate botanical and ecological knowledge, excursions to the hot houses with tropical and subtropical plants are organized. Annual attendance surpasses 5000 excursionists. |