The conservation of plant gene resources in the „zapovedniks" of the USSR

Abstract

The conservation of plant gene resources means the maintenance of all diversity of flora and vegetation. Rare species are the first to be threatened with extinction. They have got limited areas and a rather scarce abundance. Their rare occurence has both historical and contemporary causes resulting from direct and indirect influence of the man. The best way of protecting flora and vegetation is the formation of a network of „zapovedniks". The zapovedniks are extensive territories with natural ecosystems which are excluded from utilization for good and due to this they can assert the permanent maintenance of genetic material in natural conditions.