Contribution of researchers of Kazakh Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry in selection and gene pool conservation of woody plants (brief historical overview)

The article shows the contribution of the Kazakh Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry (KazRIFA) to selection, seed-growing and gene pool conservation of tree species, the most detailed for Scots pine Рinus sylvestris L. and silver birch Betula pendula Roth, i. e. the main forest-forming and economically valuable species in Kazakhstan. The main scientific developments of a number of leading scientists of the Institute, starting from the moment of its organization. I.e.. for a 60-year period, are given. Systematic comprehensive researches on selection and seed production have been carried out in KazRIFA since 1961 after the establishment of the Laboratory of Selection, Seed production and Introduction. The results and stages of labor activity in KazRIFA of the following scientists are more fully reflected: Stanislav Aleksandrovich Petrov, Viktor Aleksandrovich Dragavtsev, Vladimir Ivanovich Mosin, Vladimir Vasil’evich Shul’ga, Alla Ivanovna Breusova, Anatoliy Matveevich Danchenko. The results of scientific research in the field of selection, seed production and gene pool conservation of forest species in the Republic of Kazakhstan have a scientific novelty, as evidenced by the received protection documents (author’s certificates for inventions, patents for selection achievements). A great scientific achievement is the varieties of Scots pine, selected both on the basis of decorativeness, and productivity and resistance to pests and diseases. Unique scientific objects for the regions of Kazakhstan (geographical cultures, test cultures, clone archives of plus trees, etc.) were laid, which served as the basis for creation a constant forest seed base and they are used for further scientific researches. Thus, a scientific and methodological base has been created for the further development of selection, seed production, variety production and gene pool conservation of woody plants in the Republic of Kazakhstan