Dendrological collections of the Stavropol Botanical Garden: introduction and development prospects

Received: April 15th, 2021 ; Accepted: July 21st, 2021 ; Published: August 2nd, 2021 ; Correspondence: sbsconifers@mail.ruBotanical gardens perform active introductory work, carry out educational and academic activities, preserve the gene pool of the red book species, and serve as a source of enrichment plant resources. The leading role in solving these problems is played by dendrological collections, on the basis of which botanical research is carried out. The main part of the woody collections is located in the Stavropol Botanical Garden (SBG) arboretum. Work on the construction of the SBG arboretum began in 1959. Initially, it was planned to collect various species, natural and cultural forms of woody and shrubby plants from the temperate, and partly northern and subtropical zones. In addition, four models of forest vegetation formations of the Stavropol Krai and Karachay-Cherkessia were created on the territory of the SBG. The article presents the main stages of the introduction work on the creation of dendrological collections, the methods used. Most of the collections were formed in a short time due to the preliminary selection and mobilization of planting material. The long period of introduction made it possible to judge the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen method of genus complexes. The modern composition of the collections is analyzed, the role of the introduction process in the conservation of biodiversity is noted. The species that are promising for use in the landscaping of the region are listed. In the future, work with dendrological collections implies the attraction of new species, the introduction of information technologies, continuation of study and monitoring of plants listed in the Red Books of the Stavropol Krai, Russia and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature