The Genetic Resources Institute

The Genetic Resources Institute of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established in early 2003 by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, based on the Institute of Genetics and Selection, with the aim of conducting consistent and purposeful research on the collection, conservation, and efficient use of genetic resources of biodiversity, creating and managing the relevant national network.
The main scientific directions of the institute include the inventorying and passporting of cultivated plants and their wild relatives, valuable, rare, endangered, and extinct species, varieties, and forms, as well as local breeds of agricultural animals. This involves their collection, introduction, restoration, propagation, evaluation based on international descriptors, and the study of scientific problems related to the conservation of these resources both in ex situ and in situ conditions. Additionally, the institute focuses on organizing conservation work, identifying sustainable, high-yielding, high-quality samples for breeding purposes, and coordinating the activities of national institutions in the relevant fields.

In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Conservation and Efficient Use of Genetic Resources of Cultivated Plants” (2011) and the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to the implementation of this law (No. 259, 2012), the Genetic Resources Institute (GRI) of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan was designated as the National Coordinating Institute in the relevant field. The plant genebank under the Institute was declared the National Genebank and granted the status of a protected area. Additionally, based on the aforementioned law, the Central Database of Azerbaijan's Plant Genetic Resources operates within the Institute.

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Aegean Agricultural Research Institute

Established in 1963 as an Agricultural Research Institute, the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute operates under the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. We make significant contributions to the agriculture of the Aegean and Southern Marmara regions, as well as to our country's agriculture. Through breeding studies conducted in the field crops and horticultural crops departments, 275 varieties have been developed and made available to our producers through cultivation technique research. In addition, breeding programs are also carried out to develop varieties that meet the needs of the private sector. Biotechnological studies are conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture Center to accelerate research on the elite-original graded seeds of developed varieties and seedling research.

One of our most important tasks at Aegean Agricultural Research Institute is the identification, characterization, utilization, conservation, and continuous renewal of plant genetic resources of Turkish origin. The country's first "National Seed Gene Bank" was established within our institute and successfully carries out the function of conserving plant genetic resources. Samples/vegetative materials that cannot be conserved as seeds are stored in the Field Gene Bank.

In terms of livestock research, our institute has been involved in beekeeping activities since 1965, focusing on research, education, and production. With the acquisition of the breeding queen bee production permit in 2013, qualified breeding queen bees are produced for queen bee farms and beekeepers. The Beekeeping Research Center contributes to both regional and national apiculture.

In addition to the agricultural research conducted at our institute, we continue to serve as an important resource for our country's producers and researchers through knowledge exchange meetings, demonstration studies, in-service training, and the regular publication of our ANADOLU magazine, as well as the preparation of brochures.