The Vavilov Institute’s (VIR) contribution to the survey and study of <em>Vavilovia formosa</em> (Fabaceae)

Abstract

In the 1960s–1980s, the Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry, known worldwide as VIR, organized a substantial series of studies dedicated to a Caucasian endemic, the Pliocene relic Vavilovia formosa (Fabeae: Fabaceae). Those investigations are little known to the scientific community, although, in fact, the priority right for integrated research into this plant belongs to VIR. As a result of the cycle of studies, the first ideas about the biology and ecology of the species, the manner of its reproduction, its intraspecific diversity, the degree of crossability with other members of the tribe, its karyotype and anatomy were developed. The plants of V. formosa are not reproduced ex situ and their germplasm is absent in the world’s gene banks. Therefore, collecting V. formosa plants in their hard-to-reach habitats in the mountains is always crucial for research purposes, so a number of collecting expeditions were launched to the Greater Caucasus. The data thus obtained are discussed in the context of modern achievements in world science regarding this species.

High mountain perennial pea <i>Vavilovia formosa</i> (Steven) Fed. – a review of its study in Armenia

“…southeast of Aknalich. Based on the studies of the material collected by the expeditions in the Stavropol Territory and in Armenia, the taxonomic status of V. formosa has been revised (Makasheva et al, 1973;Vishnyakova, 2020). ), and on volcanic cones surrounding the lake (Kazaryan, 1939;Fedorov, 1939;Makasheva et al, 1973;Baloyan, 2004;Akopian et al, 2008Akopian et al, , 2010Akopian et al, , 2018; data on the ERE and ERСВ Herbarium materials).…”

Discordant evolution of organellar genomes in peas (Pisum L.)

“…More likely Vavilovia is not too appropriate outgroup for phylogenetic reconstruction based on the mitochondrial genome. Vavilovia is traditionally considered a genus most close to Pisum, yet it differs from peas by perennial life cycle and a non-climbing habitus, being a low plant specialised to highland screes in the Caucasus and Anterior Asia (Vishnyakova, 2020). It looked the most fit outgroup for phylogenetic reconstruction in peas; for this purpose we obtained the sequences of plastid and mitochondrial genomes of Vavilovia formosa (Shatskaya et al, 2019).…”