In the lush, biodiverse landscapes of the south of Primorsky Territory and the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, China, a treasure trove of plant genetic resources has been uncovered, with significant implications for agriculture and food security. A team of researchers, led by M. O. Burlyaeva from the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), has been diligently exploring this region, known for its rich natural flora and high number of endemic and rare species. Their findings, published in the journal ‘Труды по прикладной ботанике, генетике и селекции’ (translated as ‘Transactions on Applied Botany, Genetics, and Breeding’), offer a glimpse into the potential of crop wild relatives (CWR) to enhance crop resilience and productivity.
The south of Primorsky Territory, part of the Khasan-Korean botanical-geographical subregion, is a hotspot for plant diversity. “This area is home to many species used as ornamental, food, and medicinal plants,” Burlyaeva explains. “Among crop wild relatives, 63 species were found exclusively in the south of Primorsky Territory, highlighting the region’s unique genetic wealth.”
Since 1926, 58 VIR collecting missions have ventured into this region, with 17 focusing on the southernmost Khasansky District, which borders both China and North Korea. These missions have enriched the VIR collection with approximately 1,432 accessions of 154 wild plant species, belonging to families such as Fabaceae, Rosaceae, and Poaceae. The largest numbers were collected in areas with the greatest CWR diversity: Vladivostoksky Urban, Khasansky, and Lazovsky Districts.
The collected samples include a high proportion of fruit plants, legumes, and forages. Notably, many of these wild relatives have shown resistance to diseases, pests, and unfavorable environmental factors, with high values of various agronomic characters. “These plant forms have served as sources for the development of new cultivars successfully grown in the Far East and other regions of Russia,” Burlyaeva adds.
The implications of this research for the energy sector, particularly bioenergy, are substantial. As the world seeks sustainable and renewable energy sources, the development of high-yielding, resilient crops for bioenergy production becomes crucial. The genetic resources uncovered in this study could play a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of bioenergy crops.
Moreover, the exploration and mobilization of CWR can contribute to climate-smart agriculture, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food and energy security. By identifying and utilizing these genetic resources, researchers and breeders can develop crops that are better adapted to changing environmental conditions, ensuring food security and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems.
This research not only underscores the importance of plant explorations and the conservation of plant genetic resources but also highlights the potential of CWR to drive innovation in agriculture and bioenergy. As Burlyaeva and her team continue their work, the discoveries made in the south of Primorsky Territory are set to shape the future of crop improvement and sustainable agriculture, offering a beacon of hope for a more resilient and food-secure world.