Preserving the biodiversity of Iridaceae family representatives in the Subtropical Scientific Centre of RAS

Abstract This paper considers the issue of preserving biological diversity of Iridaceae family representatives in the FRC SSC of RAS. The research was carried out in the humid subtropical climate on the Black Sea coast of Krasnodar Territory. The objects of research were the following Iridaceae family representatives: Iris L., Crocus L., Gladiolus L., Freesia Eckl. ex Klatt, including cultivar samples from Russian and foreign breeding, as well as species of natural flora. Collectible samples are preserved and maintained in a living form, used both in scientific research, including introduction, breeding, technology, physiology and biochemistry, and for solving import substitution issues in such fields as floriculture and ornamental gardening. The paper presents data on grouping 358 Iris cultivar samples, including 35 cultivars bred by FRC SSC of RAS, as well as 139 promising hybrid forms, selected by the type of modified shoots (corms, bulbs, rhizomes). Iridaceae family representatives bloom from February to November in natural conditions and during the year when forced, they vary in plant height (from miniature to giant), can be used in landscaping (306 cultivar samples), as potted plants (74) and cut (259). In the course of the work carried out, it has been found that the climatic conditions of the research area are well suited for cultivation and scientific research on bulbotuberiferous, rhizomatous and bulbous plants from Iridaceae family, regardless of their origin and distribution area.