BEAN AND PUMPKIN GERMPLASMS ON THE WAY TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Professor of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Doctor of Biological Sciences. Aitasheva Zaure Gainetdinovna conducted a seminar for undergraduates on the topic “Gene pool of legumes and pumpkin crops on the path to achieving sustainable development.” During the seminar, the key reasons for the need for selection and maintenance of these crops were discussed:

1) It assists in food supply and maintaining the nutritional value intrinsic for these vegetable crops.

2) Such collections reflect a long historical way and cultural values of a nation, ethnic minority, or sometimes an unknown-before hidden tribe.

3) Bean collections enrich the soil with nitrogen due to their cooperation with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.

4) Beans are referred to as significant export item for a dozen of the most prosperous countries.

5) Liana beans and heirloom pumpkins are of a great ornamental significance. They garnish (decorate) famous botanical gardens, public parks, and open performance areas worldwide.

6) Public and private universities and colleges use their bean and pumpkin collections for teaching biology, genetics, agriculture, plant protection, seed research, and etc., use these collections for commercial, agricultural skills-forming, decorative, and the school- or the specialty-advertising purposes.