The contribution of the step department of the Nikitsky botanical gardens to the development of the almond culture in the southern regions of the Russian Federation

Abstract

The article briefly outlines the history and main results of research on the introduction, selection of Prunus duclis (Mill.) D.A. Webb and the creation of industrial plantations of this crop in the Steppe Department of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens, in the Crimea and the south of Russia for more than 50 years. During this time, about 10 thousand cultivars of almonds have been studied. Valuable information was obtained on a group of foreign and domestic cultivars, which makes it possible to use them more effectively in the breeding process. The main attention was paid to a comprehensive study of new forms and hybrid seedlings. Of these, the most promising forms have been identified that have the desired properties (late flowering period, sufficient winter hardiness, resistance to diseases and pests with high productivity and good kernel quality). As a result of the breeding programs, 48 cultivars of almonds have been created. In the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation, 8 cultivars are registered, three of which are based on information obtained from the Steppe Department. These cultivars are characterized by high yields, fruits of high commercial, technological and consumer qualities, relative winter hardiness, adaptability to the arid conditions of the Crimean steppe and tolerance to major fungal diseases. They are superior to existing counterparts in a number of economically valuable features and are quite competitive.