Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Maia Akhalkatsi

Main idea of the proposed project was to conduct inventory and develop recommendations and management principles of conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives (CWR) in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. This work was done by GSNE “Orchis” in the framework of the project “Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in Samtskhe- Javakheti”, which is part of the ELKANA agrobiodiversity program funded by GEF/UNDP. The importance of this project is determined by ability of CWR to exchange genes with the crops. CWR germplasm is used to improve production and food quality of cultivars originated previously due to domestication of crop ancestor species. CWRs have already made substantial contributions to improving food production through the useful genes that they contribute to new crop varieties. They have provided resistance to pests and diseases in a wide range of crops. The genes that come from CWR and other wild plants make a direct contribution to increased human wellbeing through improving agricultural production and maintaining sustainable agroecosystems. Therefore, the effective conservation and sustainable use of CWRs are essential elements for increasing food security, eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment.

“Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in Samtskhe-Javakheti Georgian Society of Nature Explorers “Orchis” Biological Farming Association "Elkana" Lead Author: M. Akhalkatsi Contributions: N. Maxted (The University of Birmingham, UK) M. Mosulishvili (Georgian National Museum; GSNE "Orchis") M. Kimeridze (GTZ, GSNE "Orchis") I. Maisaia (TBG&IB) Prehistoric megalithic construction in Saro, Samtskhe-Javakheti Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 1 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Table of Contents I. Executive Summary 1. Introduction 1.1. Necessity for a guide to CWR of Georgia 1.2. CWR as resource for the new millennium 1.3. Preliminary studies 1.4. Goals and Outcomes 2. Environmental Data 2.1. Area of field surveys 2.2. Geomorphology and geology 2.3. Climate 2.4. Hydrology and major water bodies 2.5. Soils 3. Crops Traditionally Cultivated in Samtskhe-Javakheti 4. Flora and Vegetation 4.1. Main Biomes of Samtskhe-Javakheti 4.1.1. Mountain xerophyte shrublands and arid vegetation 4.1.2. Forests 4.1.2.1. Riparian forests 4.1.2.2. Oak and Hornbeam Forests 4.1.2.3 Beech-coniferous forests 4.1.2.4. Pine forests 4.1.3. Mountain Steppes 4.1.4. Subalpine vegetation 4.1.5. Alpine vegetation 4.1.6. Subnival vegetation 4.1.7. Rock – scree vegetation 4.1.8. Wetlands 4.1.9. Halophyte vegetation 4.2. Rural vegetation 4.3 Pastures 4.4. Endemic, rare and relict species 5. Protected Area Networks in Georgia 5.1. Policy-Based Action 5.2. Habitat and Site-Based Actions 5.2.1. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park 5.2.2. Expansion of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park 5.2.3. Tetrobi Managed Reserve 5.2.4. Other protected areas 5.3. Georgian National Gene Bank 6. Methodology 6.1. Definition of CWR 6.2. Prioritizing CWR taxa / diversity 6.2.1 List of top 30 priority CWR species 6.3. Ecogeographic survey of top 30 priority CWR in Samtskhe-Javakheti 6.3.1. Data collection 6.3.2. Data analyses 6.3.3. Mapping Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 6 9 9 9 10 12 15 15 15 16 17 18 20 26 27 27 28 28 28 29 29 29 30 30 31 31 31 35 36 36 37 41 41 43 43 44 44 44 44 47 47 48 50 54 55 58 58 2 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7. Inventory of CWRs in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region 7.1. Cereals 7.1.1. Aegilops 7.1.2. Avena 7.1.3. Hordeum 7.1.4. Secale 7.2. Legumes 7.2.1. Lathyrus 7.2.2. Vicia 7.3. Fiber 7.3.1. Linum 7.4. Vegetables 7.4.1. Allium 7.4.2. Asparagus 7.4.3. Brassica 7.4.4. Coriandrum 7.4.5. Lepidium 7.4.6. Satureja 7.5. Berries 7.5.1. Ribes 7.5.2. Rubus 7.6. Fruits 7.6.1. Cerasus 7.6.2. Cornus 7.6.3. Corylus 7.6.4. Malus 7.6.5. Mespilus 7.6.6.Prunus 7.6.7. Pyrus 7.6.8. Vitis 7.7. Fodders 7.7.1. Medicago 7.7.2. Onobrychis 8. Conservation and threat status 8.1. Diversity of CWR of Samtskhe-Javakheti region 62 62 62 71 75 80 83 83 85 87 87 90 90 92 94 96 99 102 107 107 112 115 115 117 120 123 125 128 133 136 141 141 143 146 146 8.2.Ecogeographical diversity assessment 146 8.3. Threat assessment 147 8.4. Conserved Diversity 148 8.4.1. In Situ Review 148 8.2.2. Ex Situ Review 149 8.5. Genetic Erosion / Factors of Degradation in Georgia 149 9. Conclusions and Recommendations References Appendix 1 Appendix 2 151 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 152 156 165 3 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations BBG – Batumi Botanical Garden; CBD – Convention on Biological Biodiversity CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. CWR – Crop Wild Relatives; ELKANA - Biological Farming Association FAO – Food and Agricultural Organization GEF – Global Environmental Facility; GIF – Georgian Institute of Farming; GIS - Geographic Information System GP - Gene Pool GPS - Global Positioning System GSNE "Orchis" - Georgian Society of Nature Explorers "Orchis" GTZ – German Society of Technical cooperation; ICARDA – International Center of Agricultural Research for Dryland Areas; IHVO – Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Oenology; IPGRI - International Plant Genetic Resources Institute IPK – Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research ITSCTI – Institute of Tea and Subtropical Crops and Tea Industry; IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature; MEPNR – Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; PGR – Plant Genetic Resources; PGRFA – Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; RBG - Royal Botanical Garden RDB - Red Data Book TBG&IB - Tbilisi Botanical garden and Institute of Botany TBI - Herbarium of the TBG&IB TG - Taxon group TGM - Herbarium of the Georgian National Museum UNDP – United Nations Development Programme; UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme USDA – United States Department of Agriculture; VIR – Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Industry; WDPA - World Database on Protected Areas WWF – World Wildlife Fund; Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 4 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A) Interests and values Main idea of the proposed project was to conduct inventory and develop recommendations and management principles of conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives (CWR) in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. This work was done by GSNE “Orchis” in the framework of the project “Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in SamtskheJavakheti”, which is part of the ELKANA agrobiodiversity program funded by GEF/UNDP. The importance of this project is determined by ability of CWR to exchange genes with the crops. CWR germplasm is used to improve production and food quality of cultivars originated previously due to domestication of crop ancestor species. CWRs have already made substantial contributions to improving food production through the useful genes that they contribute to new crop varieties. They have provided resistance to pests and diseases in a wide range of crops. The genes that come from CWR and other wild plants make a direct contribution to increased human wellbeing through improving agricultural production and maintaining sustainable agroecosystems. Therefore, the effective conservation and sustainable use of CWRs are essential elements for increasing food security, eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment. Preliminary study was done in this region by GSNE "Orchis" during 2006-2007 and a short report was prepared on the distribution and origin of wild relatives of the field crops growing in Samtskhe-Javakheti region (Akhalkatsi et al., 2006). However, detailed evaluation of resources and threats occurred in the area needed more detailed study to be undertaken. Therefore, we have continued exploration of this region to carry out detailed inventory and population study, to evaluate existance and species status of CWR and to develope appropriate recommendations and management principles to conserve genetic resources in the region and insure their sustainable use. This work was done in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region during 20082009. The research will contribute in conservation of biodiversity and enrichment of knowledge on resources and current state of the populations of CWRs in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. New knowledge about current status of populations and impacts threatening them are gained and recommendations on sustainable utilization of resources from the wild are developed. This will ensure conservation of biodiversity in Georgia. The idea that properly conserved and wisely used biodiversity guarantees the effective functioning of ecosystems is disseminated. Local population has to realize that overuse of biodiversity will cause severe impact on their livelihoods and they will be the first to suffer when these resources are degraded or lost. On the other hand, they have to understand that the biodiversity will offer great potential for marketing unique products, such as CWR, many of which are extremely valuable as donors to improve genetic status of crops enrich them by disease resistant genes and improve adaptation status of local varieties. B) Major problems The primary causes of plant species endangerment are habitat destruction, commercial exploitation (such as overgrazing, plant collecting in undisturbed habitat, road and pipeline constructions, deforestation, land degradation, urbanization, etc.), damaged caused by non-native plants and animals introduced into an area, and pollution. The elaboration of mitigation and compensation measures is necessary to develop in situ conservation needs of plant diversity. The importance of this project is determined by ability of CWR to exchange genes with the crops. CWR germplasm is used to improve production and food quality of cultivars originated previously due to domestication of crop ancestor species. CWRs have already made Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 5 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 substantial contributions to improving food production through the useful genes that they contribute to new crop varieties. They have provided resistance to pests and diseases in a wide range of crops. The genes that come from CWR and other wild plants make a direct contribution to increased human wellbeing through improving agricultural production and maintaining sustainable agroecosystems. Therefore, the effective conservation and sustainable use of CWRs are essential elements for increasing food security, eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment. Preliminary study was done in this region by GSNE "Orchis" during 2006-2007 and a short report was prepared on the distribution and origin of wild relatives of the field crops growing in Samtskhe-Javakheti region (Akhalkatsi et al., 2006). However, detailed evaluation of resources and threats occurred in the area needed more detailed study to be undertaken. Therefore, we have continued exploration of this region to carry out detailed inventory and population study, to evaluate existance and species status of CWR and to develope appropriate recommendations and management principles to conserve genetic resources in the region and insure their sustainable use. This work was done in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region during 20082009. C) Goals and outcomes The proposed project has been addressed the following objectives: • Inventory and collection of baseline data from the literature and herbarium and compile list of CWR distributed in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Under CWR are considered taxa related to species of (1) field crops traditionally cultivated in this region; (2) fruit trees; (3) vegetables and (4) forage grasses and legumes of pastures. Distribution across the region, and density of the populations of the selected CWRs have been studied. This work gave us possibility to develop complete database information and evaluate abundance and threats of the CWRs distributed in the region and enrich existing information on localities and stand of their populations. • Mapping has been conducted using GPS/GIS applications and virtual maps in shape format were developed for rare and endangered species of CWRs. However, maps were not done for species considered as weeds and occurring in ruderal habitats, as well as, for abundant species with wide distributional area. These data are given the possibility to evaluate quantitative criteria of threat level of plants and determine IUCN categories. • Long-term in situ conservation management needs have been determined for habitats and population protection of rare CWRs. The concrete recommendations have been made and will be presented to various official bodies and societies who are responsible for nature conservation in Georgia to mitigate influence of the stress factors and increase sustainability of the populations in the wild: establishment of reserved areas on territories where population of threatened species occurs. • Recommendations on ex situ conservation measures of the rare and endangered CWRs in Samtskhe-Javakheti region were developed. • Public education on distribution, biology, economically important properties, on-farm production technology and utilization of the selected CWRs had a systematic character. To disseminate knowledge, recommendations are developed and presented to the different conferences and published in periodicals and magazines. • New knowledge, gained due to the proposed project concerning biology, ecology and conservation needs of selected CWRs will be disseminated among business development specialists to assess possibilities of on-farm production of the selected species and prepare information for farmers and processors. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 6 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Photo archive of all studied species and their habitats has been done during the field trips. Publications were prepared concerning, biology, ecology, conservation needs and sustainable use of CWRs providing necessary information to wide range of a public. • The report is presented to ELKANA and UNDP. • • D) Conclusions and Recommendations The following results are obtained during the project realization: 1. 1. Diversity of CWR species studied in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region has revealed many species of high conservation value. It was shown that 18 of 30 priority CWR species represent the same species or direct ancestor of crop plants (GP-1b/TG-1b). 11 species of 18 are the same species as crops: Coriandrum sativum, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Medicago sativa, Mespilus germanica, Onobrychis transcaucasica, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasifera, Prunus spinosa, Rubus idaeus, Satureja spicigera; 7 species are considered as synonyms or subspecies of crops by some authors: Asparagus caspius, Hordeum spontaneum, Linum humile, Malus orientalis, Pyrus caucasica, Satureja laxiflora, Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris; 5 species belonging to the same section as crops (GP2/TG2): Avena barbata, Lathyrus tuberosus, Ribes biebersteinii, Vicia johannis; 10 from target species are coenospecies (less closely related species) from which gene transfer to the crop is possible and natural hybrids might be occurred (GP2): Aegilops cylindrica, A. tauschii, A. triuncialis, Avena barbata, Brassica elongata, Hordeum bulbosum, Lathyrus tuberosus, Lepidium perfoliatum, Secale anatolicum, Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris; 2. Cultivation and propagation methodology is determined for every target species, which will help to local farmers to cultivate CWRs in own grounds. This is especially important for fodder species, such as Medicago sativa and Onobrychis transcaucasica. 3. To ensure in situ conservation of CWRs, establishment of nature reserves where CWRs of conservation value is distributed will be important in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. We support idea to establish managed reserve in Erusheti Mountain systems where Secale anatolicum has two populations. 4. In situ conservation of CWR species concentrated in rural areas, close to settlements and in agricultural fields, where soil is cultivated it is necessary to set up fenced territories with indication of conservation status of protected species. Local government and nongovernmental organizations should be involved on this process. 5. It is necessary to create data base on ex situ collections of CWRs in Georgia and abroad using standard computer software, so that the data will be incorporated in the international data bases and get accessible to wide range of specialists. 6. Education of local population should be undertaken to know which plants have special conservation value as relatives and even direct ancestors and progenitors of known and popular crops. This is possible due to publishing illustrated publications and dissemination of knowledge among local population. 7. Legislation should be developed to determine priority status of important wild CWR species found in Samtskhe-Javakhwti. The plants should be protected and declared as plants having big importance as close relatives to popular field crops and their germplasm might be used in improvement of the quality of crop varieties. 8. Monitoring is important to conduct as further investigation of CWRs in this region and create detailed data base including information on distribution, population status, ethnobotany and their use in folk traditional being. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 7 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 1. Introduction Main idea of the proposed project was to conduct inventory and develop recommendations and management principles of conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives (CWR) in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. This work was done by GSNE “Orchis” in the framework of the project “Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in SamtskheJavakheti”, which is part of the ELKANA agrobiodiversity program “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” funded by GEF/UNDP and its goal is conservation and sustainable utilization of threatened local plant genetic resources important to food and agriculture. 1.1. Necessity for a guide to CWR of Georgia The importance of this project is determined by ability of CWR to exchange genes with the crops. CWR germplasm is used to improve production and food quality of cultivars originated previously due to domestication of crop ancestor species. CWRs have already made substantial contributions to improving food production through the useful genes that they contribute to new crop varieties. They have provided resistance to pests and diseases in a wide range of crops. The genes that come from CWR and other wild plants make a direct contribution to increased human wellbeing through improving agricultural production and maintaining sustainable agroecosystems. Therefore, the effective conservation and sustainable use of CWRs are essential elements for increasing food security, eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment. Preliminary study was done in this region by GSNE "Orchis" during 2006-2007 and a short report was prepared on the distribution and origin of wild relatives of the field crops growing in Samtskhe-Javakheti region (Akhalkatsi et al., 2006). However, detailed evaluation of resources and threats occurred in the area needed more detailed study to be undertaken. Therefore, we have continued exploration of this region to carry out detailed inventory and population study, to evaluate existance and species status of CWR and to develope appropriate recommendations and management principles to conserve genetic resources in the region and insure their sustainable use. This work was done in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region during 20082009. The research will contribute in conservation of biodiversity and enrichment of knowledge on resources and current state of the populations of CWRs in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. New knowledge about current status of populations and impacts threatening them are gained and recommendations on sustainable utilization of resources from the wild are developed. This will ensure conservation of biodiversity in Georgia. The idea that properly conserved and wisely used biodiversity guarantees the effective functioning of ecosystems is disseminated. Local population has to realize that overuse of biodiversity will cause severe impact on their livelihoods and they will be the first to suffer when these resources are degraded or lost. On the other hand, they have to understand that the biodiversity will offer great potential for marketing unique products, such as CWR, many of which are extremely valuable as donors to improve genetic status of crops enrich them by disease resistant genes and improve adaptation status of local varieties. 1.2. CWR as resource for the new millennium The crop wild relatives (CWR) are taxa related to species of direct socio-economic importance, which includes the progenitors of crops. According to modern concept of wild Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 8 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 relatives, under CWR we should understand all species related to any cultivated plants, as well as to wild species of ornamental, food, fodder and forage, medicinal plants, condiments, forestry species and plants used for industrial purposes, such as oils and fibers i.e. to all plants of economic importance (Laguna, 2004). Although, “classical” definition of CWR is restricted only to species related to cultivated crops, including such important field crops as wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye (Secale cereale), oats (Avena sativa), sorghum (Sorghum halepense), proso (Panicum spp.), foxtail millet (Setaria spp.), grain legumes such as Phaseolus, Vicia, Vigna, Lens, Lathyrus, Cicer and some vegetables and industrial crops. The importance of CWR in their ability to exchange genes with the crops was first emphasized by N.I. Vavilov (1935). It is evident that natural crosses between crops and their wild relatives have occurred since the beginnings of agriculture. Human has used CWR germplasm to improve production and food quality of cultivars originated previously due to domestication of crop ancestor species. CWRs have already made substantial contributions to improving food production through the useful genes that they contribute to new crop varieties. They have provided resistance to pests and diseases in a wide range of crops. The genes that come from CWR and other wild plants make a direct contribution to increased human wellbeing through improving agricultural production and maintaining sustainable agroecosystems. Therefore, the effective conservation and sustainable use of CWR and all wild plants are essential elements for increasing food security, eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment. The natural populations of many species of CWRs are increasingly at risk. The primary causes of diversity loss of wild plant species are habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Many cereal CWRs, including wild wheat and millet species, occur in arid or semi-arid lands and are severely affected by over-grazing and desertification. Climate change is having significant impacts of species distributions and survival in a concrete habitat. One of the most important threats to the diversity of CWRs are genetic erosion and pollution. The threat of genetic pollution or introgression, either from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or from conventionally bred crops, to wild species has become an increasing risk to the in situ genetic conservation of crop wild relatives. Another problem is that many species of important CWR occur in centers of plant diversity and crop diversity located mainly in developing countries, which often lack resources to invest in the necessary conservation activities. South Caucasus and Georgia in particular is the center of origin and diversity of many of the world’s important crop plants. There are several international projects realized by the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), USDA, UNEP, etc. contributed in undertaking efforts in monitoring and conservation of plant. Although, additional resources are urgently needed in such areas of high diversity to identify priority species for conservation, determine the necessary conservation activities, monitor the status of key species, improve the use of these valuable resources. The aim of current study is to make inventory of field CWR growing in SamtskheJavakheti, the southern province of Georgia to determine species status and resources available in this region. Determination of threats and development of conservation measures is important task to be undertaken in this study. 1.3. Preliminary studies The preliminary study (Akhalkatsi et al., 2006) has collected baseline data and determined volume of this research in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The aim of preliminary Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 9 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 survey was to determine need to undertake baseline study in region and determine number of priority species to be evaluated during field trips. The CWR associated activities within the Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia’s Agrobiodiversity Project have largely been delegated to the GSNE "Orchis" and as such they have produced a report “Study of Field Crop Wild Relatives in Samtskhe-Javakheti” (Akhalkatsi et al., 2006). This report details crops grown in Samtskhe-Javakheti, the distribution of CWR in the region, an inventory of CWR in the region and then makes several recommendations. The detail provided gives a firm basis for the study of CWR in SamtskheJavakheti, but perhaps emphasizes too much the diversity of the crops themselves and when referring to CWR species provides rather generic information on occurrence – the creation of an ecogeographic data of CWR of Samtskhe-Javakheti and the production of distribution maps for each crop group would in retrospect been very helpful in planning the CWR strategy for Samtskhe-Javakheti. The report recommendations include the establishment of a genetic reserve for in situ CWR conservation at the Tetrobi Plateau, but it is also noted that in Georgia CWR are often encountered as weeds in ruderal areas and therefore, ex situ conservation of seed may prove the more effective conservation methodology. Although this point has often been made in the context of CWR conservation (Jain, 1975; Maxted et al., 1997; Maxted et al., 2008; Iriondo et al., 2008), it should not entirely negate the implementation of in situ conservation activities both inside and outside of formal protected areas as discussed above. The report also establishes a list of priority CWR in Samtskhe-Javakheti (Aegilops cylindrica, A. triuncialis, Hordeum bulbosum, H. crinitum, H. europaeum, H. fragile, H. leporinum, H. violaceum, Avena fatua, A. ludoviciana, A. barbata, Pisum elatius, P. arvense, Secale anatolicum, S. montanum, Vicia ervilia, V. narbonensis, Onobrychis transcaucasica, Medicago dzhawakhetica, M. glutinosa , Linum hypericifolium, L. tenuifolium) and according to evaluation of N. Maxted (2008), this list provides an excellent foundation for the development of the CWR strategy for SamtskheJavakheti. As the next step to develop "Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia’s Agrobiodiversity Project (00037324) crop wild relative (CWR) consultancy was undertaken by Dr. Nigel Maxted between 20th June and 31st August 2008. The consultant visited Georgia between the dates of the 5th July and 13th July 2008 and following initial discussion with ELKANA and GSNE "Orchis" staff visited the target region in Samtskhe-Javakheti to local observe field conditions as a means of formulating a CWR conservation strategy. Following completion of the field visit the consultant provided seminars both at the ELKANA Project Office in Akhaltsikhe for project staff and in the Ministry of Environment in Tbilisi for project staff and an invited audience of key stakeholders. The consultant developed recommendations to the team undertaken this project and proposed methodology and major principles, how to organize exploration and obtain successive results of the study. The main advice was to use further actions that were required by the project to ensure the successful completion and implementation of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Regional and National Strategy for CWR Conservation. Ex situ conservation measures were also recommended in order to ensure the immediately safe guard the most vulnerable CWR species. This report documents the findings and recommendations of the consultancy mission, the primary recommendations are as follows: Aide Memoire of Major Recommendations by N. Maxted (2008): • Implement Regional CWR Strategy for Samtskhe-Javakheti according to outline presented by N. Maxted (2008). • Implement Generalisation of National CWR Strategy for Georgia based on experience of implementation in Samtskhe-Javakheti as outlined above Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 10 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 • • • • • • • • • • Although it is foreseen that the major concentration of in situ CWR conservation both in Samtskhe-Javakheti and nationally will be in existing protected areas there is also a need to establish a field border / roadside verge conservation programme as outlined above The legislative basis of CWR conservation should be enhanced to promote sustainable CWR conservation, particularly for the CWR hotspots once they have been designated as PAs? Make agreement with appropriate authority to regularly monitor demographic baseline for 30-50 priority species and genetic diversity baseline for 10-15 highest priority species as part of the project exit strategy Review and monitor landscape management policy for deleterious changes in management that may negatively impact on CWR diversity, such as human (e.g. rural development, road building, terrace construction) or natural (e.g. increased or decreased levels of fires or wild grazing animals) changes Ensure seed from priority species is samples and stored ex situ in national and regional genebank Move from specific application in Samtskhe-Javakheti to write a formal Conservation Strategy for Georgian CWR Diversity that considers the potential impact of climate change, conservation of diversity (including CWR Action Plans) and promotion of its utilisation, and raises public awareness of the value of CWR to Georgian agribusiness Together with Georgian and regional plant breeders develop a CWR Utilise Strategy to promote the valuation and use of Georgia’s wealth of CWR diversity Produce a professional text on the CWR of Georgia, a suggested draft Table of Content is provided Produce a ‘glossy’ pamphlet for public consumption on the ‘Hidden Treasure’ of Georgian CWR diversity for public consumption. This could be modelled on the ‘Forgotten Crops’ pamphlet already produced by Elkana Establish and enact systematic CWR research priorities with key national collaborative stakeholders 1.4. Goals and Outcomes The following goals and objectives were determined by N. Maxted, (2008), which shuold be undertaken by GSNE "Orchis" in this project during 2008-2009: i. Ecogeographic survey of priority CWR of Samtskhe-Javakheti – It is recognised that GSNE "Orchis" have already commenced gathering much of the data on distribution of the priority CWR species but the obtain the full benefit of the survey the data requires systematic analysis that will permit clear identification of in situ and ex situ conservation priorities. A presentation on ecogeographic surveys was given during the Conservation Seminar held at the Georgian Ministry of Environment, Tbilisi and the presentation is already available to GSNE "Orchis" and project staff. ii. Identification of threats to CWR diversity – It would be futile to attempt to implement a Conservation Strategy CWR of Samtskhe-Javakheti without undertaking some form systematic assessment of the threat to CWR within the region. There is no detailed methodology for how this might be achieved, but as noted above it is likely to include a review of the threat factors such as changes in cultivation practice, civil strife, habitat Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 11 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 fragmentation, over-exploitation, over-grazing, competition from exotic invasive species and urbanization, and how these factors past, present and future are likely to impact regional CWR populations. Further it is recommended that an IUCN Red Assessment is made for the priority CWR species of Samtskhe-Javakheti. These results should impact the formulation of the Conservation Strategy. iii. Gap analysis and establishment of CWR conservation goals – Directly following on from the ecogeographic survey and threat assessment there is a need to complete a formal gap analysis assessment for the priority CWR species of Samtskhe-Javakheti. A concept of conservation gap analysis was introduced during the presentation at the Conservation Seminar held at the Georgian Ministry of Environment, Tbilisi. In addition an introduction to the gap analysis methodology is contained in Maxted et al., 2008. iv. Identification of Key In Situ CWR Priorities – The result of the ecogeographic survey and gap analysis will not only highlight the CWR ‘hotspots’ but via the matching with existing protected areas will indicate where genetic reserves should be established to conserve Georgian CWR diversity. Interestingly in the past there has been some resistance to incorporate the genetic conservation of CWR into existing protected areas but recent experience in the broader European context has shown protected area managers keener for such collaboration because of the addition to ecosystem services provided by the site. However, the in situ conservation of CWR outside of protected area will be necessary in Georgia for two reasons, first because the network of protected area is not that systematic or extensive and those that exist are predominantly based in habitats intrinsically poor in CWR representation, second because in general CWRs are commonly found in disturbed, pre-climax plant communities (see further discussion of field border and roadside verge conservation below) and as such many may be excluded from or marginalised in established protected areas, which more often aim to conserve pristine habitats, ecosystems or landscapes, or animal species that are now restricted to these environments. Therefore, in designing a National CWR Conservation Strategy for Georgia the genetic conservation of CWRs outside, as well as inside of areas conventionally considered protected to ensure comprehensive and complementary in situ CWR conservation. v. Identification of Key Ex Situ CWR Priorities – Also following on from the ecogeographic survey and gap analysis and having ensured the systematic in situ conservation of CWR diversity in Samtskhe-Javakheti it will be necessary to ensure that the conserved diversity is backed-up by standard seed collection and ex situ conservation in the National Georgian Gene Bank with a duplicate in the regional Gene Bank (at ICARDA in Syria). vi. Utilization, Education and Research – It is often pointed out that conservation is not an end in itself, there is little point expending scarce resources to systematically conserve biodiversity unless there is a strategy for its use. As detailed above use may involve traditional, general and professional user communities and in situ conserved diversity provides an ideal opportunity for education of the value and beauty of biodiversity at school, college and university levels. The Regional CWR Strategy for SamtskheJavakheti should incorporate a clear statement on how the conserve diversity is to be exploited. As in a sense CWR bridge the gap between the gulf between the ecosystem Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 12 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 and plant genetic resources communities, they are after all wild species but also have additional value because of their relationship to crops and their potential as trait donors, therefore the development of an approach to exploitation is a natural component of the overall Strategy. vii. Integration with international ecosystem, habitat and species conservation plans – Once Georgian CWR are conserved both in situ and ex situ to ensure sustainability it is important that living plants conserved in genetic reserves, field border and roadside verge conservation areas, and the seed accessions conserved in the gene bank are fully integrated into existing conservation networks. This integration is essential if the CWR conservation is continue after the end of the project lifetime and should be an essential element of the whole projects exist strategy. The proposed project has additionally been addressed the following objectives: • Inventory and collection of baseline data from the literature and herbarium and compile list of CWR distributed in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Under CWR are considered taxa related to species of (1) field crops traditionally cultivated in this region; (2) fruit trees; (3) vegetables and (4) forage grasses and legumes of pastures. Baseline data on the selected CWRs was collected and verified to species identity and localities during the filed trips in different localities of Samtskhe-Javakheti region in 2008-2009. Distribution across the region, density of the populations and vitality and fertility of the selected CWRs has been studied. This work gave us possibility to develop complete database information and evaluate abundance and threats of the CWRs distributed in the region and enrich existing information on localities and stand of their populations. • Mapping has been conducted using GPS/GIS applications and virtual maps in shape format were developed for rare and endangered species of CWR. However, maps were not done for species considered as weeds and occurring in rural habitats, as well as, for abundant species with wide distributional area. These data are given the possibility to evaluate quantitative criteria of threat level of plants and determine IUCN categories. • Photo archive of all studied species and their habitats has been done during the field trips. • Publications were prepared concerning, biology, ecology, conservation needs and sustainable use of CWR providing necessary information to wide range of a public. • The reports are presented to ELKANA and UNDP. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 13 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 2. Environmental data 2.1. Area of field surveys Samtskhe and Javakheti regions represent provinces of Southwest Georgia (Neidze, 2003). It adjoins to Turkey and Armenia in the south, Adjara (Khulo district) and Guria (Chokhatauri district) in the west-northwest, Imereti (Kharagauli and Bagdati districts) and Kartli (Borjomi district) in the north and Kmevo Kartli (Tsalka and Dmanisi districts) in the east. The territory of Samtskhe-Javakheti region is 5 200 km2 (Neidze, 2003), which represents 7,5 % of the entire territory of Georgia - 69 700 km2. Administratively Samtskhe is represented by three districts – Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni and Aspindza with a total square of 2 631 km2. Javakheti contains two districts – Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda with a total territory of 2 590 km2 (Neidze, 2003). Currently Borjomi district is included in Samtskhe-Javakheti administrative region. Although, this territory belongs historically to Kartli. Geographically Samtskhe is represented by Akhaltsikhe depression with average elevation 800-1500 m a.s.l., mountain systems are Meskheti, Arsiani, Erusheti, Kasri, Gumbati and Vani ranges and south-western slopes of Trialeti range (Klopotovski, 1950, Nemanishvili, 1960, Maruashvili et al. 1971). The highest peak is Gumbati (2964 m a.s.l.). Main rivers are Mtkvari, Potskhovi, Kvabliani, Uraveli, Otskhe and Tsinubnistskali. Several lakes are in Samtskhe – Lake Satakhve or Karageli (1940 m a.s.l.) near v. Zarzma, Lake Tsunda (1340 m a.s.l.) near v. Tsunda in Aspindza district, as well, artificial three Jaji Lakes (2240 m a.s.l.) and Trialeti Lake near v. Lelovani in Adigeni district. Javakheti is located on volcanic plateau with average elevation of 1800 m a.s.l. Mountain systems are Niala range in the south, Javakheti range in the east, southern slopes of Trialeti range in the north, and Abul-Samsari range in the middle. There is Tetrobi-Chobareti range with the Tetrobi Plateau in the north-west and composed of limestone. Highest peaks are Didi Abuli (3304 m a.s.l.), Samsari (3284 m a.s.l.), Godorebi (3188 m a.s.l.), and Patara Abuli (2801 m a.s.l.). There are 56 lakes on Javakheti Plateau. The largest are Paravani (37,5 km2), Kartsakhi, Tabatskuri, Khanchali, Madatafa, Saghamo, etc. Main river is Paravani, with many minor tributaries such as Abulistskali, Murjakhetistskali, Baraletistskali, Chobaretistskali, etc. Land use of the territory of Samtskhe-Javakheti region shows following pattern: agricultural land 68,5%, forest 20,1%, shrubland 0,9%, water bodies – 1,8%, urban territory – 5,0% and arable land – 3,7% (Neidze, 2003). 2.2. Geomorphology and geology The Akhaltsikhe synclinal basin (see in: Kikodze, 2002) is composed of undulating hills and valleys and forms the geomorphologic zone between the Trialeti and Erusheti ranges. The hills are composed of Tertiary sedimentary rocks dissected by river valleys and their associated deposits. Adjara-Trialeti mountain system in the north of Samtskhe is represented by a volcanogenic suite with calc-alkaline basaltic composition, which in the lower part also contains the Albian Stage. The Western Trialeti range represents a fold of the Minor Caucasus Mountains and comprises a deeply dissected steep mountain terrain. The high peaks are composed of Tertiary igneous rocks including pyroclastic deposits (such as tuff conglomerate, tuff breccia, tuff sandstone and tuff mudstone) and shallow intrusive rocks for example andesite sheets. Tertiary sedimentary rocks (such as limestone, sandstone and mudstone) and clays are noted in the lower mountains at Tiseli and unconsolidated quaternary deposits are noted at the base of the steep mountain valleys. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 14 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 In the south of Samtskhe and Javakheti the Artvin-Bolnisi Block and Lock-Karabach Zone transgressive upper Cretaceous sediments are present, which are subdivided into three parts. A cenomanian volcanogenic-carbonate series (900-1200m) overlap directly the Khrami and Locki massifs and Jurassic rocks. In ascending section there is a basalt-andesite-daciterhyolite series (1100-3300m) of Turonian-Santonian age. The uppermost part (CampanianMaastrichtian) is represented by shallow-water limestones and marls with interlayers of acidic tuffs (300-350 m). The Javakheti Volcanic plateau forms the largest geomorphologic zone and comprises steep peaks, a volcanic plain and historic lava flows (Klopotovski, 1950, Maruashvili et al., 1971). The plateau is composed of Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary igneous rocks including lavas and shallow intrusive rocks such as andesite, basalt and dolerite. The plateau is comprised of lava flows and by an undulating volcanic plain with quaternary lake basins such as Paravani, Kartsakhi, Sagamo, Khozafini, Khanchali, Madatafa, etc. and their associated unconsolidated deposits. Steeply undulating high volcanic peaks are noted in the area of Trialeti and Samsari ranges. The lithological types are generally Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary deposits and Quaternary fluvial or terrigenous deposits (Oniani 2000, see in Kikodze, 2002). 2.3. Climate The climate in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region is determined as continental. However, more recent survey is defining it as subtropical (Oniani 2000, see in Kikodze, 2002) characterised by moderate precipitation, pronounced seasonal variations in climatic parameters, and a high level of solar radiation. According to these data region comprises two sub-climatic zones, mainly owing to the differing relief and orography. They are described as follows: • The humid-subtropical mountainous climate with cold winter (<-5°C) and cool summer (< 20°C), located in the Trialeti and Samsari Mountain ranges and Javakheti Plateau. The altitude, approximately 2,500 metres, largely explains the lower temperatures in this region. The high-mountain profile of the area accounts for its near extreme climatic conditions. The estimated mean annual temperature for the area is 9.5°C, with an estimated average of –1.4°C in January and 19.5°C in July. Generally, the region experiences cold and occasionally snowy winters and long, but mild, summers. Precipitation increases westward with proximity to the Trialeti range. • A humid subtropical mountainous climate with cool winters and mild summers is characteristically to the transient climatic zone located south-west of the Adjara-Trialeti Mountain System and west of Samsari Mountain ranges in Meskheti up to the TurkeyGeorgia border and Arsiani ranges. Mean annual precipitation in the transitional climate region is approximately 508 mm, and 654mm at the Georgian-Turkish border. The majority of the precipitation falls between April and October, with May and June being considered the months with most rainfall (82mm/month and 88mm/month, accordingly). The driest months of the year in these parts are December (32mm/month) and January (30mm/month). Precipitation data specific to the mountains and mountainous steppes near the Georgia-Turkey border are scarce. However, existing data and reports suggest that heavy and frequent rainfalls do not commonly occur in this region. Data related to snow cover in the area are poor, although the highlands can be covered with snow for as long as 90 days per year. There is a strong correlation between altitude and snow cover. Typically, air temperature decreases with rising altitude, leading to increasing amounts of snowfall and duration of snow cover. Precipitation can usually be expected in the form of snow when ground temperatures are Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 15 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 below 1-2°C, although this relationship is complicated by other meteorological influences, such as the atmospheric temperature profile. Wind speeds are reported with an estimated annual average of 5.4m/s, although still predominantly northerly and north-westerly. However, speeds in excess of 12 m/s can occur for up to 50% of the year, with maximum wind speeds reaching as high as 30m/s. The mean number of gale days (days in which wind speeds are approximately 17-20m/s) for the Javakheti region is relatively low, compared to the Meskheti, at 21 days per annum. The last climatic zone are affected by both easterly and westerly winds, becoming increasingly strong in the high mountains (greater or equal to 15m/s). Available data suggests that average wind speed recorded near the Metering and Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) at the Georgia-Turkey border is 6.7m/s. The maximum wind speed recorded in this area over 20 years of observation was 57m/s. The actual atmospheric pressure, differing to sea level pressure owing to its elevated altitude is recorded at 2,500m in the mountainous region of the Samsari range. Assuming a winter temperature of –5°C in the mountainous range of Samsari, air pressures of 750mb could be expected, compared to 970mb in Tbilisi. 2.4. Hydrology and major water bodies The hydrological system of the Samtskhe includes the upper reaches of the River Mtkvari, from the state border with Turkey to the beginning of Borjomi gorge. Within this area, the Rivers Postkhovi and Kvabliani (left tributaries) flow into the River Mtkvari. Water-bearing horizon of recent alluvial sediments of river bed and floodplain has a wide distribution on the wide valley areas of the Mtkvari, Tsinubnistskali, Otskhe, Potskhovi and Kvabliani. Waterbearing complex of Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene (lower part of Kisatibi series) lava layers is exposed over a large area, namely south of the village Arali, between the villages Skhvlisi and Tskaltbila and south of the village Varkhani. The lithology of the complex includes andesite, andesite-dacitic and dacitic tuff and tuffaceous breccia lava layers. Majority of tectonic structures in Akhaltsikhe depression and its adjacent areas are comprised of Middle Eocene volcanogenic-sedimentary strata. These strata comprise the Tsnisi and Akhaltsikhe anticlines complicated by the secondary disjunctive dislocations (see Kikodze, 2002). The River Mtkvari starts at the springs on the northern-eastern slopes of Kizil Giadik Mountain in Turkey, at an altitude of 2,720m. The total length of the river is 1,364 km; the area of the water catchment basin is 188,000km2. The river length is 360km in Georgia while the area of the catchment basin is 26,200km2. The river is recharged by snow melt, rain and groundwater; contribution of glacial runoff is negligible. Highest water levels are observed during spring when discharge is at its greatest with approximately 53% of the annual discharge occurring. Summer discharge makes up 25% of the annual figure with low-flow conditions experienced in autumn and winter when seasonal discharges constitute just 12% and 10% respectively of annual discharge. The maximum recorded flow rate of the River Mtkvari was observed in April 1968. The return period of this event ranges from 100 to 150 years, depending which observation station is used for the estimation. The solid sediment load in the River Mtkvari is closely related to the river’s discharge rate. Maximum average daily loads range from 470kg/sec to 32,000kg/sec at various observation stations. Water turbidity is also significant, with maximum levels recorded to fluctuate from 2,700g/m3 to 120,000g/m3 at various monitoring stations (see Kikodze, 2002). The River Potskhovi starts on the eastern slopes of Arsiani ridge in Turkey, at an altitude of 2,720m a.s.l. It flows into the River Mtkvari from the left bank at the village of Kotlakhevi. The river is approximately 64km long; the water catchment basin occupies 1,840km2. The river length in Georgia is approximately 35km while the catchment basin is 1,331km2. The river is Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 16 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 recharged by snow melt, rain and groundwater. It is characterised by spring floods and flash floods owing to heavy summer-autumn precipitation rains and low-flow conditions in winter. Spring discharge is 55% of the annual volume, summer discharge 25%, 13% in autumn and 7% in winter. Long term average solid sediment load is estimated to be 10kg/sec. A maximum solid sediment load of 230kg/sec was observed in May 1968 under flood conditions. Water turbidity typically fluctuates from 670g/m3 to 9,800g/m3. Average duration of ice cover is 55 days whilst the maximum, 90 days, was observed in 1956- 1957. The minor rivers, streams and gorges within the region are typically mountainous rivers, some of which are characterised by sudden flash floods of a catastrophic nature during rapid snow melt and are highly responsive to heavy precipitation events. Several lakes are in Samtskhe – Lake Satakhve or Karageli (1940 m a.s.l.) near v. Zarzma, Lake Tsunda (1340 m a.s.l.) near v. Tsunda in Aspindza district, artificial Jaji Lakes (2240 m a.s.l.) and Trialeti Lake near v. Lelovani in Adigeni district. There are 56 lakes on Javakheti Plateau. The largest are Paravani (37,5 km2), Kartsakhi, Tabatskuri, Khanchali, Madatafa, Saghamo, etc. Main River is Paravani, with many minor tributaries such as Abulistskali, Murjakhetistskali, Baraletistskali, Chobaretistskali, etc. 2.5. Soils The types of soils (Oniani 2000, see in Kikodze, 2002) present in the region are briefly described below: • Brown soils: Brown soils are mostly found on the southern slopes of the Trialeti Range and east-southern slopes of Meskheti range. Typical brown soils mainly occur in beech forests. However, they can sometimes be found in hornbeam forests or hornbeam forests with oak. Dark brown soils are developed in spruce forests while skeletal brown soils are weakly developed in pine forests. Humus content varies between 3 and 10%. The soils are characterised by an acid reaction, which decreases with depth; • Black and peat-rich mountainous-meadow soils of southern mountainous region: These soils are mostly found in sub-alpine and alpine zones at higher elevations than the brown soils. Since the soils support a good vegetation cover with a good diversity of plants, they provide valuable summer pastures and hay fields. Erosion processes are ongoing in these soils, particularly when the vegetation on these soils is grazed intensively. • Weathered carbonate black mountainous soils. The relief in the zone of mountainous black soils (Javakheti) is a volcanic plateau formed with layers of the Neocene Quaternary period consisting of andesitic-basalt. Typically, the soil thickness is 100 – 120cm. The average humus content is 3 – 15% and decreases with depth. Black soils are highly fertile. • Peat-rich and primitive mountainous-meadow soils of Trialeti range. These soils occur in the sub-alpine and alpine zone of Kodiana massif and are formed under humid and relatively cold climatic conditions. They are characterised by a solid matrix, relatively low thickness, and differentiated profile. • Brown forest soil. This soil type occurs mainly in the Akhaltsikhe depression, at altitudes of 900–1200m, on slopes of different aspect and gradient, alluvial fans and on sloping plains. Vegetation cover includes oak forests and oak forests with hornbeam. Carbonate-brown soils occupy the lower zone where there are favourable conditions for calcium carbonate accumulation. The upper horizon is characterised by granular structure. Humus content varies from 3 to 5%. Brown soils are fertile. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 17 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 1. Typical landscapes of Samtskhe-Javakheti: 1. Lake Khanchali; 2. Lake Sagamo; 3. Vulcanic hills near v. Benara; 4. Vulcanic hills near v. Arali; 5. Wetland at Lake Tabatskuri; 5. Subalpine meadow at Erusheti Mountain System - "Vaios Velebi". 1 3 5 2 4 6 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 18 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 3. Crops traditionally cultivated in Samtskhe-Javakheti Samtskhe-Javakheti region represents today part of one of the oldest historical province of Georgia named Tao-Klarjeti or Upper Kartli. Archeological data clearly show that Caucasus and namely Georgia were settled from prehistoric time and agriculture was developed from early Neolithic era in this region (Javakhishvili, 1930). Fig. 2 Development of agriculture in the Europe, Near East and in the Caucasus. Map by J. Terrier, archéologue cantonal et Pierre CORBOUD, préhistorien NEO_002) (www.memo.fr/en/article.aspx?ID =PRE Georgia and, particularly, the Samtskhe-Javakheti region are considered as part of the old world, where domestication of crops occurred. It is often considered as part of Near East where many field crops were domesticated. N. I. Vavilov in his work (Vavilov, 1987) determines 8 centers of crop origin and diversity. Among them is the 4th center, which includes South Caucasus, Asia Minor, Iran and Turkmenistan. The main crops domesticated in this center are wheat, rye, oats, seed and forage legumes, fruits, etc., some 83 species. Georgia and its part Samtskhe-Javakheti region, representing site of our study, belong to this center. The fundamental work on domestication and origin of wheat and barley in this region was done by famous Georgian botanist V. Menabde (1948). The agricultural evidences in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region are reported by different Georgian authors (Jalabadze, 1972; Beriashvili, 1973; Chikovani, 1979; Shubitidze, 2000; Berishvili et al., 2002; Bregvadze, 2004). Agriculture appears in South Caucasus in the 6th millennium (Mellaart 1975). The ancient archeological findings of cereal grains in Georgia are known from Trialeti and Samegrelo (Dikha-Gudzuba, Zugdidi distr.) from Neolith at the end of 3rd millennium and in 2nd millennium (Menabde, 1948). Very recent studies on einkorn wheat domestication using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) show that T. boeoticum was domesticated in southeast Turkey in the Karacadag Mountains close to Diyarbakir (Heun et al. 1997). The Samtskhe-Javakheti region is located between the Trialeti range and this place in Turkey and might be considered as area where cultivation of cereals occurred in very early historical time. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 19 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 High diversity of cultivated plants was characteristic feature for Samtskhe-Javakheti from ancient time. Cultivation of field crops and vegetables, as well as winemaking was main direction of agriculture. According to literature data (Jalabadze, 1972) filed crops were represented by wheat, barley, rye, millet and legumes – common vetch, pea, lentil, chickpea, alfalfa, etc. Flax was cultivated here as oil plant. From crops were cultivated bread wheat and millet in lowlands and Dika (Triticum turgidum ssp. carthlicum), emmer wheat (T. dicoccum), barley and rye. Flax was cultivated everywhere. All these crops were used for both food and forage production. Nowadays there are almost none of these traditional crops cultivated in the region. They disappeared after occupation of the Tao-Klarjeti by Turkey, when agriculture was substituted by cattle breeding, which caused abandonment of cultivated fields and their transformation into pastures. According to old administrative documents after occupation of Georgian part by Turks, in former Georgian village Sviri in Gurjistan Vilayet in Turkey, local population was paying taxes by crops, such as wheat, barley, rye, millet, chickpea, lentil, flax, alfalfa, etc. (Jalabadze, 1972). During our expedition in Gurjistan Vilayet of Turkey in 2006, we did not find any of the old traditional field crops cultivated today in the villages. The agriculture in this region is abandoned and substituted by cattle breeding. All vineyards are cut and remained grapes gone wild to make thicket at roadsides and at the edges of the forests. Some vegetables were grown in small house gardens, such as cabbage, sugar beat, carrot, cucumber, tomatoes, etc. However, seeds are bought in markets and there was no information on origin of the seed material and when they might be aboriginal varieties. The following crops are known to be cultivated in historical past in Samthkhe-Javakheti region including districts - Akhaltsikhe, Aspindza, Adigeni, Akhalkalski and Ninotsminda. Wheat- Triticum L. (Poaceae). It was one of the main crops in the past. It was grown from v. Atskuri (800 m a.s.l.) to vv. Agari and Okami (2000 m a.s.l.). Different wheat species were cultivated in these fields – white and red bread wheat, Dika (T. charthlicum), Dika-Ipkli (T. chartlicum mixed with bread wheat), Asli, emmer whaet (T. dicoccum) and barley variety called Akhaltesli (Menabde, 1948; Shubitidze, 2000). Several species of wheat were cultivated in the region until 30-es if the XX century. These are - T. aestivum L. – bread wheat, Dolis Puri in Georgian, T. carthlicum Nevski – Dika in Georgian, T. dicoccum Shuebl. - Emmer wheat, Asli in Georgian, T. durum Desf. – Durum wheat, Tavtukhi in Georgian, T. compactum Host. – Club wheat and T. turgidum L. - poulard wheat. The first 5 species of wheat were cultivated from the ancient time; the sixth, called English wheat in Georgian language was introduced later (Berishvili et al., 2002). Each species of aboriginal wheat was represented by several varieties. Most known of them are varieties of bread wheat – “Dolis Puri”. Two varieties were known – red spiked and white spiked (Beriashvili, 1973), one of them with red spikes called Red Bread Wheat of Meskheti (T. aestivum var. ferrugineum), remained until now and is grown in arid conditions, where it shows good adaptation to water shortages and is highly productive. Bread wheat (T. aestivum var. erythrospermum) was sown in Javakheti in the past. One local variety of Dika (T. carthlicum) cultivated almost in all villages of Meskheti is called Makhnia Bread, which takes onto an idea that it might be derived form T. macha (Jalabadze, 1972). Another variety of Dika was Tofbashi, which in Turkish language means “bigspiklet wheat”. The local Meskhetian variety of Dika has straight spike with awn. The spike of Tofbashi, however, is quadrate and round and has big grains from all sides i.e. is not flatted (Jalabadze, 1972). Emmer wheat (T. dicoccum) was growing in Tsalka district (Trialeti region adjoining to Javakheti from the North), Javakheti and Meskheti untill the end of XIX and early XX centuries. It was mainly cultivated in high mountain regions. It was spring corn. The emmer wheat Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 20 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 cultivated in Meskheti has double grains and local Moslem population was called it “Kabgaja”. The main varieties of emmer wheat dominated in the field were white spiked and a few amounts of red spiked varieties were mixed (Beriashvili, 1973). T. durum Desf.- durum wheat was distributed in Meskheti from ancient time. The fields of this species were distributed from 500 to 1000 m a.s.l. T. carthlicum substituted this wheat at higher elevations. The local name of durum wheat was “Shavfkha” and the local Moslem population was called it “Kara Kilchig” (Beriashvili, 1973). One of the local varieties of durum wheat is Faseni or Fasimi, which was grown in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Nowadays, there is only bread wheat to be cultivated in the region. Mainly, there are introduced varieties – local Georgian “Ufkho I”, American variety – Kopper, Turkish – Sultan, Georgian breed – “Vardzia”. The traditional variety of bread wheat, Meskhetian or Javakhian Red Bread Wheat (T. aestivum var. ferrugineum) is cultivated in Vale Breeding Station on 5,4 ha and in several villages: Upper and Lower Enteli, Adigeni distr.; Patara Smada, in private collection of local farmer, Aspidza distr. – v. Saro and Khizabavra, Akhalkalaki distr. v. Misikian on 0,25 ha (Berishvili et al., 2002). The local population often has now idea on the origin and character of variety as they are purchasing the seeds on the market without any instructions and information. Dika fields have been found in v. Rustavi, Aspindza distr. Javakhian Dika is cultivated in Javakheti till today. It represents mixture of bread wheat and Ipkli (Bregadze, 2004). Ipkli is bread wheat sown in autumn i.e. winter corn (Maisaia, 2005). Barley – Hordeum vulgare L. (Poaceae) It was the second important crop in SamtskheJavakheti after wheat (Jalabadze, 1972) and main crop in high-mountainous Javakheti. Until 1970-es, here was growing two varieties of barley – white and black, which differ by form, one has flat and another round spikes. Most frequently was cultivated flat spiked barley. Big territories were occupied by barley as well on the territory of Georgia occupied by Turkey until the beginning of the XX century. According to old administrative documents v. Ptena located on arid land was paying taxes by barley amounted in 1000 pitcher, while wheat was paying only as 500 pitchers from the same village. Barley was sown on both irrigated and non-irrigated lands (Jalabadze, 1972). It was mixed with Dika and such mixed filed was called “Kerdika field” and corn as “Kerdika”. Nowadays, foreign varieties of barley are widely cultivated in Samtskhe-Javakheti. They belong to spring corn, double row variety of barley - H. vulgare ssp. distichon. The names of these varieties are unknown for the local population. The local variety of barley – Akhaltesli is widely cultivated in the region. Another variety of barley “Kershveli” is cultivated due to efforts of society “Dika” in Akhaltsikhe distr. v. Tkemlana by several peasants. There are some winter corn barley fields, represented by four- and six-row barley - H. vulgare ssp. tetrastichon and H. vulgare ssp. hexastichon (Berishvili et al., 2002). Rye – Secale cereale L. (Poaceae) is one more grain crop distributed in SamtskheJavakheti. It was very competitive with wheat and barley in high-mountainous regions. Nowadays, its field are found in v. Chunchkha in ground of peasant Zurab Beridze (Berishvili et al., 2002). The name and origin of the variety is unknown. The naturalization of rye and its occurrence in the wheat fields as weed is normal in both Meskheti and Javakheti regions. Often, rye seeds are mixed with wheat and appear on wheat fields. In mountains, it occupied abandoned wheat fields as weed. It is supposed that weedy form might be another species of rye – S. segetale Zhuk., which is usually mixed with cultivated rye. At the same time the mountainous regions of Javakheti is known as area of distribution of two wild species S. anatolicum Boiss. and S. montanum Guss., which might be entering corn fields as weedy species. The environmental conditions in the region are very good for distribution and cultivation of rye. Oats – Avena sativa L. (Poaceae) was cultivated in both Meskheti and Javakheti regions and mainly used as forage. Nowadays, it occupies very small area among crop fields in Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 21 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Samtskhe-Javakheti. It is mainly cultivated in Javakheti and Adigeni distr. in mountain areas of cattle breeding and is used as forage plant. The origin of seed material is unknown. The local population is purchasing the seeds in the market and receive no information or instructions on its origin. Millet – Panicum miliaceum L. (Poaceae) Cultivation of millet in Samtskhe-Javakheti is confirmed by archaeological findings and ethno-botanical evidences (Beriashvili, 1973). Pea – Pisum sativum L. (Fabaceae) It is grown in house gardens in small amounts as food legume till today. More often it is mixed as weed in the fields with different grain crops – barley, rye. It is used as forage and for hay, especially in Javakheti. Chickpea – Cicer arietinum L. (Fabaceae). Tentatively, it is currently cultivated by several peasants in v. Smada, Adigeni distr. Lentil – Lens esculenta Moench (=Lens culinaris Medik.) (Fabaceae) It was sown in Meskheti till 1970-es. Nowadays, it is not cultivated more. There was small grained form of lentil in Javakheti (Lens esculenta var. microsperma Baumg.) sown in high mountainous area (Javakhishvili, 1930). Faba bean – Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae). Faba bean is one of the oldest cultivated plants. In Meskheti it has special name – Kolangari (Beriashvili, 1973). Common vetch – Vicia sativa L. (Fabaceae) It is used as forage and for hay. It was distributed in Javakheti (Javakhishvili, 1930). Bitter vetch – Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. (Fabaceae). It is distributed in Meskheti and Javakheti (Javakhishvili, 1930). There are cultivated and wild forms of this species. It is used as forage and for soil enrichment with nitrogen (Beriashvili, 1973). Sainfoin – Onobrychis spp. (Fabaceae). Forage plant. There is widely used local variety of Onobrychis called “Akhalkalskuri”. This plant is cultivated in Javakheti from ancient time (Sinskaya, 1969). Flax – Linum usitatissimum L. (Linaceae). Flax was one of the oldest and very important filed crops in Meskheti. According to literature data (Chikovani, 1971) there were three different varieties – flat, Tsitsmata and black flax. Flat flax was cultivated in bigger amount than two others. Until recently, flax was cultivated in Javakheti, where flax seeds were used to obtain pharmacologically pure oil used for medicinal purpose. Traditional vegetables are represented by sugar beat, carrot, radish, onion and garlic. Local variety of onion is aggregate onion, which has another name – Shirakula (Akhaltsikhe distr. v. Gurkeli). Another variety is Onion from Skhvilisi, cultivated so far in vv. Skhvilisi, Julga and Tskaltbila (Berishvili et al., 2002). Herbs are represented by Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Savory (Satureja hortensis), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), etc. Fruit trees and shrubs. One of the oldest cultivated plants among fruit crops is grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). The following autochthonous varieties of grapevine are still existing in Meskheti - Akhaltsikhuri Tetri, Aspindzura Shavi, Budeshuri Shavi, Budeshuri Tetri, Chitikvercxa, Kharistvala Shavi, Kharistvala Tetri, Meskhuri Mtsvane, Meskhuri Safere, Meskhuri Shavi, Safarula, Samariobo, Satsuri, Tskhenisdzudzu Shavi, Tskhenisdzua tetri, Tskhenisdzua Sahvi, Tskhenis Dzudzu Tetri, etc. Plum (Prunus domestica L.) was represented by following cultivars - Alibukhari, Chanchuri Tetri,Chanchuri Tsiteli, Chatalalugi-Tkupala, Kliavi Gaipara, Kliavi Tetri, Kliavi Tsiteli, Shavkliavi, etc. Pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars are - Botla Mskhali (Uzumarmudi), Gogramsxali (Kabakarmudi), Inzhira, Katsistava, Khechechuri, Kviristava, Meskhuri Gulabi, Mikhriki, Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 22 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Nanadziri, Nenemskhali, Sachure, Samariobo Mskhali, Santela, Sesela, Tavrezhuli, Tsitelgverda, Zhozhila, etc. Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars - Abilauri (Fashalma), Bostanalma, Iaghalma-Konavashla, Iazalma Kviteli, Iazalma Tsiteli, Joritskhvira, Kalbatonis Vashli, Karalfili, Khrustala, Machitela-Chitavashla, Makhara, Mamulovashli, Mefis Vashli, Meskhuri Turashauli, Metsiskvilis Vashli, Rakraka, Shakara, Shaqarnabada, Soba-Msukana, SudalmaRdzevashla, Tatena, Tetri Vashli, etc. From other fruits peasants have in ground Apricot, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Cherry, Melon, Nectarine, Peach, Pomegranate, Quince, Strawberry, Watermelon, etc. The introduced crops are Bean, Zea mays, Potato, Pepper, Melange, Tomato, etc. However, the existence of aboriginal crop species in the region leads into an idea to identify these aboriginal and autochthonous varieties, which will be connected genetically to local wild plant species considered as crop wild ancestors or relatives. Therefore, it is of high important to identify CWR in the region and determine priority species, which have played an important role in crop domestication processes, or may represent valuable genetic material for genetic engineering improving the economic quality of crops and disease resistant. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 23 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 3. Crops in Samtskhe-Javakheti. 1. cereals - wheat, barley and wild rye (Secale segetale) in Meskheti, v. Klde. 2. Field of Oats - Avena sativa near v. Arali; 3. Wheat with awn; 4. Wheat without awn; 5. Six rowed barley; 6. Wild rye (Secale segetale) in the mixed cereal field in Meskheti; 7. Cultivated flax in ELKANA's field station in Tsnisi; 8-10 Local varieties of pear and apple in Meskheti. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 24 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4. Flora and Vegetation Samtskhe-Javakheti region is a distinct geomorphologic formation. Its vegetation is characterised by peculiarity and, to a certain degree, contrasts (Sosnovski, 1933). It represents crossroads of geographical-genetic elements characteristic to the Mediterranean, Iran-Turkish and northern hemispheric ancient flora. This landscape-geobotanical zone comprises wetlands, unique lakes and marshes, various modifications of mountainous steppes, mountainous xerophyte shrublands, dry and mesophillous meadows and relict remnants of forests once common in Javakheti upland, etc. (Sosnovski, 1933, Ketskhoveli, 1959). There are two relief forms in the upland of southern mountainous region - plateau formed by lava flows and volcanogenic cones (peaks). Volcanogenic and orogenic process coincided with the glaciation (Pliocene-Pleistocene), which resulted in total destruction of the Tertiary vegetation (Sosnovski, 1933). Recent flora was also developed as a result of complex processes glaciation was followed by xerothermal periods, which determined formation of mesophylic, xeromesophylic and xerophytic meadows. In parallel wetland vegetation was developed. According to the historical sources, forests used to occupy large areas on Javakheti upland (Troizki, 1927). These were almost entirely destroyed due to human activities and survive only in minor fragments. There are following vegetation zones in southern mountainous region of Georgia (Dolukhanov, 1989, Khintibidze, 1990): 1. Middle montane zone (800-1500 m a.s.l.) - largely used as arable land. The natural vegetation survives as riparian forests, oak-hornbeam forests, mountain xerophytic shrublands, mountain steppes; 2. Upper montane zone with beech-coniferous mixed forests (1200-2050 m a.s.l.); 3. Subalpine zone (1900-2400(2500) m a.s.l.) represented by treeline ecotone, tall herbaceous vegetation, shrublands and polydominant subalpine grass and herb meadows. This zone is typologically diverse; 4. Alpine zone (above 2500 – 2900 m a.s.l.) – alpine meadows and snowbed communities are present. Vegetation is mostly used for grazing and is of considerably lower quality than the subalpine vegetation, both by biomass volume and typological diversity. 5. Subnival zone (2900-3300 m a.s.l.) is represented only on Abul-Samsari range. 6. Azonal vegetation type is represented by fragments of wetlands rich in boreal type flora, halophytic desert vegetation and rocky areas. It should be noted that xerophytic rock vegetation supports high number of endemic species. The region is divided into three floristic provinces – Euxine, Armeno-Iranian and Caucasian (Grossheim, Sosnovski, 1928; Takhtajian, 1986). Euxine province enters in the extreme western part of this region on Arsiani range and partly on Adjara-Imereti range. Armeno-Iranian province comprises the southern part of Meskheti and Javakheti Plateau characterized by xerophytic vegetation and mountain steppes. Caucasian province occupies the most part including almost all mountain systems. Two floristically distinct regions are distinguished for Samtskhe-Javakheti by A. Doluchanov (1989) – Adigeni-Borjomi region and Javakheti upland. The first includes northwest slopes of Trialeti range, southern slopes of Adjara-Imereti range, Akhaltsikhe depression and river Kvabliani gorge. R. Mtkvari above v. Khashuri divides Adjara-Trialeti mountain system into two ranges Trialeti and Adjara-Imereti. Elevation in this section ranges from 750800 m a.s.l. to 2700 (2900) m a.s.l. Most prominent part of Mtkvari valley represents Akhaltsikhe depression. Elevation at the base of the depression near town Akhaltsikhe is 9501000 m a.s.l. It increases considerably to the south to Turkish border. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 25 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 The following biomes are distinguished in Meskheti: Riparian forests in floodplains (800-1150 m a.s.l.), xerophytic shrublands and semi-deserts (800-1200 m a.s.l.), Oak–Oriental Hornbeam and Oak-Hornbeam forests (900-1200 m a.s.l.), Beech-coniferous forest (1100-2050 m a.s.l.), treeline ecotone (2050-2200 m a.s.l.), tall herbaceous vegetation and subalpine meadows (2100-2500 m a.s.l.) in the subalpine zone; alpine meadows (2500-2900 m a.s.l.) and snowbed communities in the alpine zone and azonal rock vegetation. The boundaries of biomes and vegetation zones vary considerably depending on precipitation and slope exposition. Javakheti volcanic upland supports the following biomes – pine forests, xerophytic shrublands, high-mountain steppes characteristics for South Georgia, subalpine and alpine meadows, rock vegetation and wetlands. Small area of subnival vegetation above 2900 m a.s.l. is characteristic of high peaks of Abul-Samsari range (Nakhutsrishvili, 1966). 4.1. Main Biomes of Samtskhe-Javakheti 4.1.1. Mountain xerophytic shrublands and arid vegetation Mountain xerophytic vegetation is widely distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti region from 900 up to 2200 m a.s.l. It mainly occurs in the R. Mtkvari gorge and other gorges of Meskheti. They are characteristics of limestone Plateau Tetrobi in Javakheti. There are tragacanthic, phryganoid, shibliak and semi-desert communities (Khintibidze, 1990). Tragacanthic community is represented by edificator species: Astracantha microcephala, Acantholimon armenum, A. glumaceum, and elements of shibliak: Paliurus spina-christi, Rhamnus pallasii, Cotinus coggygria, Berberis vulgaris, Atraphaxis caucasica, Cotoneaster integerrimus, Crataegus orientalis, Amelanchier ovalis, Lonicera iberica, etc. (Ivanishvili, 1973; Khintibidze, 1990). Middle montane and upper montane types of tragacanthic communities are distinguished (Khintibidze, 1990). The first with 199 species of vascular plants is spread along the Mtkvari River (900-1300 m a.s.l,) and in gorges of rivers Uraveli, Otskhe, Potskhovi, Kvabliani and Tsinubnistskhali. Tragacanthic vegetation enters pine forest in vicinity of v. Damala. This plant community contains rare species Astragalus arguricus, A. raddeanus, Onobrychis sosnowskyi, Vicia akhmaganica, Salvia compar, Scutellaria sosnowskyi, Psephellus meskheticus, etc. In some places tragacanths enter oak forest. The following rare species occur in this community: Dianthus calocephalus, Silene brotherana, Erysimum caucasicum, Coronilla orientalis, Satureja spicigera, S. laxiflora, Teucrium polium, T. nuchense, T. orientale, Sideritis comosa, Bupleurum exaltatum, Convolvulus lineatus, Campanula hohenackeri, etc. Upper mountain type of tragacanthic community with 157 species of vascular plants is present in Javakheti Plateau in the vicinity of v. Azavreti, Aragva, Kartsakhi and in R. Paravani gorge. As well in south-east part of Meskheti near v. Niala, Busamreti, in the gorge of Kazamretistskali and Mt. Ziareti. Edificatory species of this community is Astracantha microcephala. Phryganoid communities support species Ephedra procera and Tanacetum argyrophyllum and are spread in eastern part of Akhaltsikhe depression. Peculiar population of Ephedra procera occurs in the vicinity of v. Khertvisi. Other characteristic species of this community are Cytisus caucasicus, Caragana grandiflora, Dianthus calocephalus, Hedysarum turkewiczii, Onobrychis meskhetica, Teucrium polium, Thymus sosnowskyi, Stachys atherocalyx, S. iberica, Festuca valesiaca, Campanula hohenackeri, C. raddeana, C. alliariifolia, Artemisia sosnowskyi, Stipa capillata, S. pulcherrima, Koeleria cristata, Elytrigia elongatiformis, E. trychophora, E. caespitosa, Agropyron repens var. subulatus, Valerianella plagiostephana. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 26 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Semi-desert plant communities are present in R. Mtkvari gorge near v. Rustavi and v. Aspindza. Outstanding species in this community is RDB species Nitraria schoberi with other 39 species of the community Reaumuria kuznetzovii, Astragalus cyri, A. kozlowskyi, Caccinia rauwolfii var. meskhetica, Ceratocarpus arenarius, Ceratoides papposa, Gamanthus pilosus, Kochia prostrata, Camphorosma monspeliaca, Limonium meyeri, Picnomon acarna, Sterigmostemum torulosum, S. tomentosum, Tragopogon meskheticus, Stizolophus coronopifolius, Callicephalus nitens, Crepis pannonica, etc. (Bobrov, 1946; Kikodze, 1967; Khintibidze, 1990). Many species of the genus Artemisia are characteristics for this type of vegetation. Shibliak is widespread in middle montane zone mixed with tragacantic vegetation. Dominant species are Cotinus coggygria, Atraphaxis caucasica, Rhamnus pallasii, Cytisus caucasicus, Paliurus spina-christi, etc. Yellow blue-stem grass (Bothriochloa ischaemum) community presents mainly secondary vegetation developed in disturbed areas replacing natural vegetation. Associated species are Veronica orientalis, Galium verum, Achillea micrantha, A. millefolium, Cleistogenes bulgarica, Elytrigia repens, Festuca valesiaca, Koeleria macrantha, Poa pratensis, etc. 4.1.2. Forests 4.1.2.1. Riparian forests The habitat along the rivers Mtkvari, Potskhovi, Kvabliani, Tsinubnistskali and Otskhe is characterised by a primary riparian forest and partly by relict tugay forest (Kikodze, 2002), which is extensively fragmented and does not constitute a continuous habitat. It is significantly degraded and is not particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities given the existing level of disturbance. In addition large areas of forest have been cleared to make room for orchard or agricultural crops. Dominant species in riparian forest is Alnus barbata associated with Quercus pedunculiflora, Populus hybrida, P. nigra, Crataegus monogyna, C. pentagyna, Cornus mas, Prunus spinosa, Ligustrum vulgare, Lonicera caprifolium, etc. (Gvritishvili, Kimeridze, 2001). In the vicinity of Tkemlana and Tiseli villages there is developed riparian forest with Hippophaё rhamnoides. From other trees and shrub species there are: Acer campeste, Berberis vulgaris, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Pyrus caucasica, Rosa canina, Viburnum opulus. There is the sensitive habitat of high conservative value populated by the RDB plant, sea-buckthorn, Hippophaё rhamnoides on the east slope of foothill close to irrigation canal west of Vale in association with rare species, Ceratoides papposa as well as Berberis vulgaris, Rhamnus spathulifolia, R. cathartica, Pyrus salicifolia, Rosa canina, Ligustrum vulgare, Glycyrrhiza glabra, etc. (Gvritishvili, Kimeridze, 2001). Only one population of wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris) has been found in R. Mtkvari riparian forest near v. Atskuri. 4.1.2.2. Oak and Hornbeam Forests Oak forests, dominated by Georgian oak, Quercus iberica occupy western and northern slopes of middle montane zone (Dolukhanov, 1989; Khintibidze, 1990). It occurs in slopes of Adjara-Imereti range, in gorges of the R. Uraveli and R. Kvabliani. Oak in some areas is mixed with Hornbeam Carpinus betulus, in other mainly occurs with Oriental Hornbeam Carpinus orientalis. The other characteristic species are Acer platanoides, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Crataegus pentagyna, C. monogyna, Malus orientalis, Pinus kochiana, Pyrus caucasica, Swida australis, Ulmus glabra, etc. Outstanding peculiarity of oak forests in Samtskhe is the fact that in upper boundary of this type of forests hornbeam is substituted by European Hop hornbeam Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 27 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Ostrya carpinifolia, such forest occupies considerable territory in R. Uraveli and R. Kvabliani gorges. The components of shibliak, such as Paliurus spina-christi, Rhamnus pallasii, Spiraea hypericifolia, etc., are admixed on lower boundary of the oak forest, as a result of degradation of this natural stand. Lonicera iberica is rarely found in the oak forest. 4.1.2.3 Beech-coniferous forests Beech forests (Fagus orientalis) with the elements of Kolkhic flora are well developed in the west of Meskheti in upper areas of R. Kvabliani gorge on Arsiani range and on the eastern slopes of Adjara-Imereti range. It forms subalpine krummholz in Goderzi Pass reaching elevation 2100 m a.s.l. (Khintibidze, 1990). Small population is found on Oshora range above v. Damala (Mukbaniani, 1976) and in Chobareti range in Javakheti where it forms krummholz. Western and north-western regions of Meskheti are characterized by dark coniferous forests (Dolukhanov, 1989) in upper montane zone representing by Picea orientalis and Abies nordmanniana mixed with beech. Almost virgin dark coniferous forest occurs in Abastumani along the road to the observatory. 4.1.2.4. Pine forests Pine forests (Pinus kochiana) are usually developed on southern slopes of Meskheti, AdjaraImereti and Trialeti ranges (Khintibidze, 1990). Pine forest has more limited distribution than spruce forests. Although, pine frequently occurs in spruce forests on the northern slopes (Khintibidze, 1990). Pine forests on Erusheti and Tetrobi-Chobareti ranges (1800-2000 m a.s.l.) have little distinguished composition. This pine was before determined as separate endemic species P. kochiana, while more widely distributed one was called P. sosnowskyi. Now these two species are unified. However, Tetrobi pine forest by composition is considered as outstanding refugee, where pine is mixed with the elements of mountain steppes (Troitski, 1927). Total 48 vascular plant species are distinguished in this community. The following herbaceous species are associated with Pinus kochiana: Arenaria steveniana, Cerastium sosnowskyi, Minuartia woronowii, Silene dianthoides, Sempervivum sosnowskyi, Astragalus arguricus, A. campylosema, Medicago dzhawakhetica, Helianthemum nummularium, H. orientale, Daphne transcaucasica, Acantholimon glumaceum, Heracleum antasiaticum, Galium grusinum, Centaurea bella, Crepis pinnatifida, Muscari sosnowskyi etc. This community is very rich in endemic species occurring mainly on calcareous rocks of Tetrobi Plateau. Peculiar species are Asphodeline taurica and parasitic Diphelypaea coccinea. 4.1.3. Mountain Steppes Mountain steppes are peculiar to South Georgia. They cover Javakheti volcanic Plateau. Steppe vegetation is represented by different plant communities. Most characteristic species of polydominant grass-forb steppes are: Festuca ovina, F. sulcata, Stipa tirsa, S. pulcherrima, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Filipendula vulgaris, Falcaria vulgaris, Cruciata laevipes, Koeleria cristata, Medicago hemicycla, Phleum phleoides, Polygala anatolica, Thymus caucasicus, etc. Besides, there are secondary meadows developed mainly on sites once occupied by primary forests. Like previous communities these meadows are composed by the variants of polydominant grass-forb vegetation with participation of Agrostis planifolia, Alchemilla erythropoda, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis variegata, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Centaurea salicifolia, Dactylis glomerata, Lotus caucasicus, Trifolium ambiguum, T. canescens, etc. From monodominant meadows can be mentioned communities with such dominant species as Nardus stricta (dzigviani in Georgian), Anemone fasciculata (frintiani), Agrostis planifolia (namikrefiani), Brachypodium sylvaticum (berseliani), Bromopsis variegata (shvrieliani), etc. (Kvachakidze, 1996). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 28 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Natural herbaceous vegetation of Javakheti Plateau has been transformed and is represented by various modifications of secondary steppefied meadows and mountainous polydominants steppes. Steppefied meadows are comprised of Carex humilis, Festuca valesiaca, F. ovina, Filipendula vulgaris, Polygala anatolica, Stipa tirsa, etc. Secondary post-forest meadows are dominated by Agrostis planifolia, Alchemilla erythropoda, Bromopsis variegata, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, Geranium sylvaticum, Lotus caucasicus, Ranunculus caucasicus, Trifolium canescens, etc. The southern slopes are occupied by polydominant steppes mainly formed by grasses Festuca ovina, F. valesiaca, Stipa pulcherrima, Stipa tirsa, Koeleria macrantha, Phleum phleoides. Forbs are represented by Filipendula vulgaris, Cruciata laevipes, Medicago hemicycla, Thymus rariflorus, etc. 4.1.4. Subalpine vegetation Subalpine zone is represented by krummholz, subalpine shrublands, tall herbaceous vegetation and polydominant subalpine meadows. Subalpine krummholz is represented by Betula litwinowii and B. pendula, Acer trautvetteri, Sorbus caucasigena, Salix caprea, etc. Shrubland is composed by Caucasian Rhododendron - Rhododendron caucasicum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Empetrum caucasicum, etc. Subalpine birch and maple forests are found on the northern slopes while pine forests are developed on the southern slopes at the altitudes of 1800-1900 m a.s.l.. Javakheti upland used to be covered by forests, which were entirely destroyed due to high anthropogenic pressure in XVIII-XIX cc (Troizki, 1927). Only minor fragments of the subalpine forests survive mostly on northern slopes of the high-mountainous areas. These fragments are formed by species typical for the Caucasian subalpine forests, namely: Litvinov's birch (Betula litwinowii), mountain ash (Sorbus caucasigena), goat willow (Salix caprea), Bieberstein's rock currant (Ribes biebersteinii), alpine currant (Ribes alpinum), in some areas - European aspen (Populus tremula), etc. Litvinov's birch and mountain ash form communities over small areas in the rocky relief. Tall herbaceous vegetation is composed of 3-4 m high herbs, mainly dicots (Nakhutsrishvili, 1999). Typical species forming subalpine tall herbaceous vegeation are as follows: Anemone fasciculata, Geranium ibericum, G. platypetalum, G. psilostemon, G. ruprechtii, Scabiosa caucasica, Senecio rhombifolius, Stachys macrantha, Campunala latifolia, Cephalaria gigantea, Doronicum macrophyllum, Aconitum nasutum, Gadellia lactiflora, Delphinium flexuosum, Heracleum wilhelmsii, Grossheimia macrocephala, Lilium szovitsianum, etc. Subalpine grass and grass forb meadows are found in the subalpine forest complexes. Grass meadows are formed by Festuca ovina, F. woronowii, Bromopsis variegata, Calamagrostis arundinacea. These species form coenoses both independently and in codominance. The subalpine meadows occur above the subalpine forest zone, at the altitudes of 2100-2200 m a.s.l. 4.1.5. Alpine vegetation The vegetation of the alpine zone is comprised of Festuca valesiaca, F. ovina, F. woronowii, Alchemilla erythropoda, A. caucasica, Sibbaldia semiglabra, Cirsium arvense, sedge - Carex tristis, mat nardusgrass - Nardus stricta, and various grasses. Snowbed communities support Carex meinshauseniana, Festuca supina, F. woronowii, Minuartia circassica, Corydalis alpestris, Senecio taraxacifolius, Matricaria caucasica, etc. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 29 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4.1.6. Subnival vegetation It is well represented on Mt. Didi Abuli (3304 m. a.s.l.). Besides subnival vegetation, among graves and morens here are alpine snowbed communities dominated by Carex meinshauseniana, Festuca supina, F. woronowii, etc. (Nakhutsrishvili, 1966; Khintibidze, 1990). Among subnival plant communities should be mentioned fragments of Astragalus vavilovii and Erysimum krynitzkyi associations. Total number of species in the subnival zone of Samsari range is 62 (Khintibidze, 1990). Among them are 3 local endemics, 14 endemics of the Caucasus, and others with wider area of distribution in Minor Caucasus and in Asia Minor. 4.1.7. Rock – scree vegetation Rock-scree vegetation in Samtskhe-Javakheti reveals properties of xerophytic vegetation. It is spread in Akhaltsikhe depression (900-1500 m a.s.l.) and in Tetrobi Plateau (1800-2000 m a.s.l.). Total 80 species present in this biome. Among them are: Erysimum szowitzianum, Campanula crispa, Veronica livanensis, Centaurea bella, Minuartia micrantha, Jurinea carthaliniana, Matricaria rupestris, etc. Some local endemic species are presented in this biome: Dianthus azkurensis, D. ketzkhovelii, Draba meskhetica, Sempervivum sosnowskyi and Astragalus raddeanus. Old tertiary relic species occur on rocks in R. Mtkvari and R. Gujaretistskali gorges - Erysimum szowitsianum, Campanula crispa, Veronica livanensis, Jurinea cartaliniana, etc. 4.1.8. Wetlands Wetland vegetation is of highest significance on Javakheti volcanic upland. In general, peat bog vegetation is found in all climatic zones including tropics, deserts and the arctic zone. It is regarded as intrazonal or azonal vegetation type due to wide range of occurrence. Wetlands of lacustrine origin are found in the mountainous region of the Caucasus. According to K. Kimeridze (1966), wetlands of Tsalka basin and adjacent areas have been mostly formed as a result of tussock swamping of lakes. This swamping type is extremely rare on the main ridge of the Caucasus. It characterizes lakes with dramatic seasonal changes in water level. Tussock sedge (Cariceta) formation communities are found on silty or coarse-peat wet substrata, which are frequently waterlogged. The surface water level changes considerably by seasons and years. Peat formation process is fairly intensive in most tussock sedge formations. This process is characterized by certain peculiarities in wetlands located in Javakheti volcanic upland, namely - at the early stages of wetland formation of this type organic mass is mostly accumulated at the roots of evenly distributed main coenotype (sedge - Carex), gradually forming tussocks. Tussock height is dependent on the duration of swamping and maximum waterlogging level of the surface. Having reached this level, tussock height does not increase and organogenic material is mainly accumulated between the tussocks. Tussock sedge communities are characterized by mosaic structure due to formation of microrelief. The above demonstrates the uniqueness of the natural properties idiosyncratic to the eutrophic and oligotrophic wetlands developed on Javakheti volcanic upland. Javakheti wetlands are unique ecosystems, therefore, particular attention should be attached to this vegetation type. Tussock sedge wetlands occur from the sea level up to the subalpine zone (2000-2200 m a.s.l.). Several types of tussock sedge wetlands are located in this area. Wetland fragment located in the vicinity of Mt. Tavkvetili is fairly large. This tufted sedge wetland is dominated by Carex acuta and C. disticha. The associated species are as follows: Carex vesicaria, Alopecurus arundinaceus, Ranunculus lingua, Poa palustris, etc. Mt. Tavkvetili, Narianis Veli and adjacent areas are characterized by plant communities of scientific interest. A tufted sedge wetland fragment is developed on peat relief at the bottom of Mt. Tavkvetili. The wetland is mainly fed by atmospheric precipitation. Therefore, it frequently dries out. Relatively dry areas are Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 30 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 characterized by mesophilous meadow elements. The dominant species is Carex vesicaria. Associated species are as follows: Calamagrostis neglecta, Scilla rosenii, Comarum palustre, Carex huetiana, Polygonum carneum, Eleocharis meridionalis, Carex medwedewii, Luzula spicata, Carum carvi, Ranunculus caucasicus, Rumex acetosa, etc. Mosses Calliergonella cuspidata, Drepanocladus aduncus and Climacium dendroides form synusium. Peat moss (Sphagnum palustre) is developed among Rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum) shrubs on Tavkvetili plateau. Mosses Drepanocladus exannulatus and D. fluitans form synusium. Associated species are as follows: Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Eleocharis meridionalis, Cardamine uliginosa, Comarum palustre, Anthoxanthum alpinum, etc. Narianis Veli comprises a flat-bottomed catchment basin of the Ktsia upper reaches. Its vegetation is entirely comprised of the wetland vegetation with various communities dominated by hydrophilous plant species. According to literature sources (Zedelmaier, 1929, 1933; Kimeridze, 1975), one of the widely distributed wetland plant community on the volcanic upland of the southern Caucasus is that of Carex acuta. The most widely distributed association are pure tufted sedge communities (Caricetum acutae purum). As a rule, it is developed on lacustrine sediments and coarse-peat deposits, waterlogged almost throughout the year. Fairly frequently aquatic plant synusium is developed in pure tufted sedge communities, forming a distinct layer composed of Potamogeton gramineus, Utricularia vulgaris, Lemna minor, etc. The herbaceous cover on tufts (tussocks) is mostly formed by main coenotype (Carex acuta). Two types of herbaceous sedge wetlands Caricetum acutae comariosum palustrae and Caricetum acutae equisetosum eleocharidis - are rare associations. The former is usually found at the maturity stage of swamping. In this case tufted microrelief is slightly developed, the surface is not waterlogged or waterlogging depth is minor, which facilitates development of moss synusium comprised of Climacium dendroides, Drepanocladus vernicosus and Meesia triquetra. The herbaceous cover includes two layers with Carex acuta being a dominant species in the upper layer while Comarum palustre is dominant in the lower. The latter is associated with Carex diandra, C. limosa, etc. The peculiarity of this association is absence of mosaic structure characteristic to the tufted sedge communities. This type of sedge communities are extremely rare. They are found in the vicinity of Mt. Tavkvetili. The second association is developed on swampy south-west shores of lake Tabatskuri and is characterized by mosaic structure. Apart from the dominant and subdominant species, the following are present: Carex disticha, C. vesicaria, Ranunculus lingua, Alisma plantagoaquatica, etc. Among the tufted sedge communities of the mountainous region of Georgia Cariceta wiluicae is of high scientific interest. Information on distribution and ecocoenotypic peculiarities of Carex wiluica in Georgia was collected and published by K. Kimeridze (1975). According to the author, Carex wiluica occurs only on Javakheti upland, mainly - the upper reaches of the Ktsia, Narianis Veli and adjacent areas, north-west swampy shores of lake Tabatskuri. The upper distribution limit is 2500 m a.s.l.. It normally occurs at the altitudes of 2000-2100 m. The species is of fragmentary distribution in the wetlands. According to the same author, there are only three associations of this formation on Javakheti upland: Pure tufted sedge community (Caricetum wiluicae purum) has the widest distribution of the three associations. The largest areas are occupied at Narianis Veli and higher altitudes. This association is mostly developed on coarse-peat substrata within extinct bogs. Tuft height is more or less low and rarely waterlogged. Therefore, aquatic plant synusium is never developed, which distinguishes this association from other types of tufted sedge communities. In addition to dominant-edificators, the following herbaceous species are present: Calamagrostis neglecta, Ligularia sibirica, Deschampsia caespitosa, Poa palustris, Agrostis gigantea, Geranium palustre, Aconitum nasutum. Sedges - Carex vesicaria and Carex rostrata occur in waterlogged Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 31 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 places. Other herbaceous species present are as follows: Comarum palustre, Galium palustre, Carex cinerea, Epilobium palustre, etc. Mosses are developed on tuft edges - Aulacomnium palustre, Drepanocladus aduncus, Hypnum lindbergii. This association transforms into a meadow over a time as tufts are subject to digression. In summary, the tufted sedge community type formed by an extremely rare species Carex wiluica substantially differs from other types of tufted sedge wetlands, first of all, by floristic composition. Tufted moss sedge community (Caricetum wiluicae hypnosum) is the second association of the Cariceta wiluicae community. It occurs at Narianis Veli, left bank of the Ktsia and former lake located between Bebera and Tavkvetili. The moss synusium is formed by Drepanocladus sendtneri, D. aduncus, Caliergonella cuspidata and Hypnum lindbergii. In addition, the following species are present: Aulacomnium palustre, Climacium dendroides, Cratoneurum decipins, etc. Coenoses dominated by Carex lasiocarpa comprise a rare type of tufted sedge wetlands. Pure tufted sedge wetlands - Carex lasiocarpae pura are found in Narianis Veli and wetlands in the vicinity of Mt. Tavkvetili. The main coenotype - Carex lasiocarpa is an obligate heliophyte, which occurs on peat substrata both in eutrophic and meso-oligotrophic wetlands. This association mainly develops in former lakes, on the waterlogged peat substrata. Some aquatic plants could also be present, such as Utricularia vulgaris and Potamogeton gramineus. The constant species of the association are as follows: Carex rostrata, C. vesicaria, C. acuta, Comarum palustre, Menianthes trifoliata, Equisetum palustre, etc. Another sedge species - Carex vesicaria is widely distributed in the high-mountainous wetlands described above. Its distribution range extends from lowlands to the upper montane zone, however, coenoses dominated by this species are known only for few locations. Such coeneses occur in the lacustrine wetlands of the southern mountainous region of Georgia. Sedge communities dominated by Carex vesicaria have a fragmentary distribution in lakes and wetlands of Ktsia-Tabatskuri. They mainly occur in eutrophic and mesotrophic wetland complexes. This species occurs up to 2000 m a.s.l. and mostly participates in thermophilous vegetation communities. It is extremely rare in wetlands with cold waterlogged soils. The only association of this species - Caricetum vesicariae purum is frequent for this area. Carex vesicaria is an absolute dominant in the sedge communities of this type where the following species could also be present in small numbers: Equisetum palustre, Eleocharis palustris, Sparganium emersum, S. minimum, Carex rostrata, Comarum palustre, Menyanthes trifoliata, Alisma plantago-aquatica. The following aquatic species are frequent: Urticularia vulgaris, Callitriche palustris, Polygonum amphibium, Potamogeton natans. As a rule, Caricetum vesicariae purum develops in waterlogged areas, at the initial stages of swamping. Carex vesicaria also participates in the sedge community types described above; however, it is always of secondary importance. Lake Paravani is the largest among the natural reservoirs of Javakheti volcanic upland; its banks are not almost boggy and therefore, it is less interesting from botanical point of view. The river Paravani flows out from Lake Paravani and falls into Lake Sagamo. This lake is not almost boggy as well. Here is developed pure tufted (tussock) sedge community, which is spread on the shores of Lake Paravani as well. Wetland vegetation is represented near Lake Sagamo on the place of former Lake Didi Avchala. Wetland vegetation of this area is homogeneous. Most of the area is occupied with pure tufted sedge community, in which Carex acuta dominates. It grows in complex with Caricetum vesicariae purum on smaller sites and with pure communities composed by Eleocharis, Caricetum acutae purum and Sparganietum emersumae purum on the banks. Utricularia vulgaris, Potamogeton gramineus, Elatine alsinastrum and others, are mixed in different amounts into communities mentioned above, Ranunculus flammula, Beckmannia Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 32 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 eruciformis etc. are mixed in coenoses on the shores. Such kind of homogeneous swamp on large area is very rare in mountainous regions of Georgia. South to the above-described wetlands is situated quite a big lake, Madatapa with flat bed, which is at the die-off stage. It is completely covered with aquatic vegetation, among which Potamogeton natans, P. gramineus or P. lucens are dominants. Polygonum amphibium is spread on lesser area. Utricularia vulgaris, Lemna trisulca, Myriophyllum spicatum and some plants of wetland vegetation are mixed with them in a quite large amount. The northwest and southeast banks of Lake Chaobiani are boggier than other banks, where Caricetum vesicariae purum, Caricetum acutae purum or communities of order Aquiherbosa are dominated on boggy banks. Overgrowth of Eleocharis spp. and Sagittaria sagittifolia are also developed on the banks. Above-mentioned aquatic vegetation is represented in all types of wetland associations. In the northern part of lake-wetland on large areas are developed wet meadows represented with Deschampsia caespitosa and Festuca spp. Perhaps, in the future on the area of former Lake Madatapa will be formed the largest wetland in Javakheti. Lakes Bugdasheni and Mrgvali, which are partly boggy, are not large; only southern part of Bugdasheni is boggy, where pure tufted (tussock) sedge dominates. Caricetum rostratae purum is spread on quite large area and Caricetum vesicariae purum on lesser area. This wetland area is characterized with abundance of tall herbaceous vegetation and is very poor floristically. On wet meadows are grown with Deschampsia caespitosa, Agrostis and Alopecurus are adjacent to this wetland. Communities of pure tufted sedge and Eleocharis sp. are represented on northern boggy bank of Lake Mrgvali. The largest area of wetland vegetation occupies the banks of Lake Khanchali, which is situated in the southern part of Javakheti. Southern and north-eastern banks of the lake are mostly boggy. In deep water areas are spread analogous aquatic vegetation as those in Madatapa, and in areas with less water groups of Sagittaria sagittifolia are developed in narrow stripe. It is mainly adjacent to community of horsetail among which dominates Equisetum palustre. Some aquatic plants are also mixed with components of wetland vegetation, and on some sites abundant of Ranunculus lingua are observed. Usually, there is topoecological connection between Scolochloetum festucaceae and horse-tail communities. Transitive associations are often formed in their contact zone. Sometimes, zone grown with Equisetum is omitted and community of Scolochloetum festucaceae purum is adjacent to aquatic vegetation directly. In that case, aquatic plants are often mixed to it and quite often community of Scolochloetum aquiherbosum is formed. Complex of sedge communities, where major components are Cariceta vesicariae and Cariceta acutae, is adjacent to the associations mentioned above. The topoecological order also makes clear successional development of the described wetland area. On rude peat and silt substrata Caricetum diandrae purum and Caricetum rostratae calliergonellosum are in complex with the above-mentioned sedge communities. Sinusium of moss, in the latter, is formed by Calliergonella cuspidata, Hypnum lindbergii, Aulacomnium palustre, etc. It seems that these associations are formed at the last stage of bogging and at the next stage, communities of Deschampsia caespitosa, Festuca spp. and polydominant cereal meadows will substitute them. Among the large lakes of Javakheti, Lake Kartsakhi (Khozapini) should be mentioned. In the boundaries of Georgia its banks are not boggy for their verticality. But in its vicinity there is a former lake called the Kartsakhi wetland, most part of which is covered with pure tufted sedge and horsetail communities. In some sites of contact zones, sedge -horsetail communities are formed, where Carex acuta and Equisetum palustre dominate. Such coenoses are mosaic. In the community, height of grass vegetation is approximately 80 cm above water level, and cover age reaches 90%. Carex disticha and Carex vesicaria are mixed into them in quite big amount and Ranunculus lingua, Potamogeton gramineus and others are in less amount. Small amount of Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 33 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Typha latifolia is mixed in pure horsetail communities in some areas and there are also fragments with horsetail and Typha communities. Communities of aquatic plants and horsetails are spread on larger sites of rude peat surfaces with excess of water. On the banks of the wetland area, in the neighbourhood of village Kartsakhi, on silt substrate, Hippuriteum vulgaris purum is spread. It occupies quite large areas in some places. Described wetland site is poor floristically. In addition to the above-mentioned plants, Calamagrosis neglecta and Comarum palustre are found in this area, which are usually developed on sedge tussocks. The Javakheti plateau is the richest region of Georgia with lakes and wetlands. By the size of wetland areas it is the second region after the Kolkheti lowland. Although, rare, endemic and relic species (except Carex wiluica, which is considered as rare species for Caucasus and is known only from Javakheti and Bakuriani, Kartli) are not represented in the wetlands of Javakheti plateau, wetland vegetation of the area significantly differs from those of other regions of Georgia. Most of wetlands are young and formed on places of former lakes. 4.1.9. Halophyte vegetation Original type of halophyte communities, which is spread on 500-1500 m a. s. l., is rare in Georgia montane zone. Special attention should be paid to it because it is developed mainly in the forest ecosystem, where on the corresponding ecotope montane zone xerophyte shrublands is represented fragmentally. Halophyte complexes occur in Meskheti in the upper part of the river Mtkvari. Halophilic communities are developed on badlands, on various slopes of nearly all exposition, on the exhausted cortex of easy soluble, salty, gypseous basic rocks and on salty clay soil. Such places are characterized by physical and physiologic dryness and dry microclimate. According to the common position of ecotope vegetation is fluctuated within wide limits, which depends on gypseous composition and salting degree in the substrata. By the structure of vegetation and species composition it is similar to desert vegetation; it is characterized by poor flora, inlay and complexity. The vegetation of upper parts of badland slopes and rocks is actually undeveloped. It is caused by the intensive rain and wind erosion. Some typical desert and semidesert plants, such as Reaumuria alternifolia, and Camphorosma monspeliaca grow scatter on such ecotopes. Open unconnected phytocoenose Reaumurioso-salsoleto-camphorosmetum are created by these semi-bushes. The common cover age of phytomass in such phytocoenose is not more than 5-10%. Podospermum idae is mixed diffusely in it; on the comparatively calm surfaces sinusia of ephemeric nature are developed like spotted fragments that are created in some places by dwarf grasses- Eremopyrum orientale or Trachynia distachya but in some places by succulent biomorpha Gamanthus pilosus or Bupleurum exaltatum. The last species and dwarf grasses often fade in the second half of summer and the track of their existence in phytocoenoses is not really seen. The spotted sinusia of the named plants are represented mainly by monodominant microcoenoses. Most of the above-mentioned species are quite constant; from the less constant species we can name Zygophyllum fabago, etc. It must be said that the vitality of this species in the mentioned phytocoenoses is mostly fallen. It can be explained by the extreme severeness of the edaphic conditions. The halophilic vegetation cover age is about 50-60% on proluvial-deluvial deposits of the lower parts of slopes. In such places we often meet Puccinellioso- atriplexeto- nitrarietum community. Its flora is comparatively rich, heterogenic and complex. Except typical halophytes some of such species takes part in phytocoenose, the ecophytocoenotic area of which is connected with other types of vegetation. From the constant species of the mentioned phytocoenose we can name Nitraria schoberi, Atriplex tatarica, Puccinellia distans, Kochia prostrata, Sosnowskya amblyolepis, Amberboa moschata, Ceratoides papposa, etc. From nonconstant species, one can named Astragalus argillosus, Callicephalus nitens, a very rare species Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 34 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 growing on the surface of dry ravine- Rhamnus spathulifolia, etc. The last species is considered to be of hybrid origin and undoubtedly, more attention should be paid to it. Such phytocoenoses are connected mostly with slopes of northern and western exposition. They are comparatively better provided with moisture because of their close position to the surface of salty soil water. Such type of phytocoenoses is characterized by comparatively complex sinusial and morphologic structure. The mentioned type of edaphogenic desert and semi-desert flora is represented by comparatively narrower endemics and widespread species with disjuncted areas, which have a great importance in research of geographic connections and study of Georgian flora and vegetation formation history. 4.2. Rural vegetation Rural vegetation is one of the most interesting in terms of CWR. Especially, field crop wild relatives occur in these biome. Roadsides, almost on all territory of Meskheti, are completelly covered by Aegilops cylindrica and Hordeum leporinum, more rarelly occurs in the region - Aegilops tauschii, Avena barbata, A. fatua, Beta corolliflora, Brassica elongata, Fragaria vesca, Linum austriacum, Medicago spp., Mentha aquatica, Raphanus rapinastrum, Setaria viridis, Satureja spicigera, S. laxiflora, Solanum nigrum. Agricultural land area is covered by species - Coriandrum sativum, Lathyrus spp., Onobrychis spp., Vicia spp. Many wild fruit trees and shrubs occur on roadsides and urban areas - Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Cydonia oblonga, Ficus carica, Juglans regia, Malus oriantalis, Mespilus germanica, Morus alba, Prunus cerasifera, Punica granatum, Pyrus caucasica, P. salicifolia, Rubus spp., Many invasive, roadside and adventive cosmopolitan plant species are used in traditional and scientific medicine world-wide. Among them are Cichorium intybus, Melilotus officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Agrimonia eupatoria, Agropyron repens, Bryonia dioica, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Chelidonium majus, Cuscuta europaea, Hyoscyamus niger, Lamium album, Malva sylvestris, Mentha arvensis, Plantago major, Stellaria media, Taraxacum officinale, Tussilago farfara, Urtica dioica, etc. These plants are distributed throughout in urban and rural areas, along roadsides and in disturbed habitats. Many of them are pioneer plants forming primary successions in eroded slopes resulted by construction works and other industrial activities. 4.3 Pastures Subalpine and alpine meadows are mainly used as summer pastures for sheep and cattle in Javakheti and in mountain areas in Meskheti (Magakian, 1933; Nakhutsrishvili, 1966). Grass, sedge and polydominant grass-forb meadows are characteristic of this type of vegetation. Grassforb and legume dominated meadow communities are characterized by high diversity, containing more than 30 species in one community. There are several types of grass meadows where dominant species might be Festuca ovina, Bromopsis variegata, Poa alpina, Koeleria caucasica, Nardus stricta or Festuca varia. Associated species in these plant communities are Ranunculus oreophilus, Bromopsis villosula, Trifolium ambiguum, T. trichocephalum, T. alpestre, Stachys macranthera, Anemone albana, Gentiana caucasica, Aster alpinus, Phleum alpinus, Veronica gentianoides, etc. dominated species in sedge meadows are Carex humilis or Carex brevicollis. Associated species are: Koeleria caucasica, Inula glandulosa, Myosotis alpestris, Carex tristis, Poa alpina, Phleum alpinum, Pedicularis caucasica, Draba nemorosa, Scabiosa caucasica, Cerastium purpurescens, etc. Dominant species in legume meadows is Trifolium ambiguum associated with Carex humilis, Bromopsis villosula, Poa alpina, Arenaria steveniana, Achillea sericea, Colpodium versicolor, Bromopsis variegata, Centaurea cheiranthifolia, Gentiana septemfida, etc. Polydominant grass-forb meadows are composed by Sibbaldia procumbens, Alopecurus vaginatus, Bromopsis variegata, Phleum alpinum, Trifolium ambiguum, Festuca Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 35 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 ovina, Galium verum, Stachys macrantha, etc. Polydominant alpine meadows contain Festuca ovina, Potentilla alpestris, Gentiana septemfida, Carum caucasicum, Trifolium repens, Aster alpinus, Luzula spicata, campanula collina, Potentilla gelida, etc. Veratrum lobelianum is indicator of pasture degradation and represents weed almost on the entire territory of pastures. It is poisenous plant not to be grazed by domestic animals. Therefore it is widespread in subalpine and alpine meadows. 4.4. Endemic, rare and relict species Caucasus is characterized by high endemism and is considered to be one hot spots of biodiversity worldwide. Flora of Georgia is very rich in endemic and unique plant species many of which are threatened and endangered. Samtskhe-Javakheti region has a wealth of biodiversity. The Javakheti Plateau and different mountain systems of the Minor Caucasus have been the centers of evolution for many unique life forms and are a natural museum for rich genetic resources, much of which has been lost due to loss of forest cover age and overexploitation of certain species of plants for trade and local use. Resources overuse is usually associated with the loss of biodiversity. A number of threats emanate from the overexploitation of natural resources for fuel, fodder, manure, grazing and collecting of ornamental and medicinal plants. Taxonomic survey of the flora of Samtskhe-Javakheti is very scarce. Most detailed study is done of wetlands (Zedelmeier, 1929, 1933; Kimeridze, 1966, 1975) and xerophytes (Khintibidze, 1990). Overall evaluation is done on forest species (Dolukhanov, 1989). However, there is almost no complete study of the flora of Samtskhe-Javakheti giving overall statistic of the species status, number, composition and distribution in the region. Number of species has been determined only for mountain xerophyte shrubland biome (Khintibidze, 1990) as to be 284 species of vascular plants. They belong to 45 families and 156 genera. Leading position according to the number of species has following plant families: Asteraceae (48), Fabaceae (39), Lamiaceae (24), Apiaceae (24), Caryophyllaceae (22), Poaceae (18), Liliaceae (13), Boraginaceae (8), Rosaceae (7). The following genera contained highest number of species– Astragalus (24), Alyssum (7), Allium (7), Dianthus (6), Artemisia (5). Such statistical analysis is not known for other biomes. Samtskhe-Javakheti region is rich in endemic, rare and relict species. There are different definitions of endemics depending on size of geographic area of distribution. Following definitions are developed for the endemics of xerophyte shrubland ecosystems of South Georgia (Khintibidze, 1990) – local endemics - microarealophytes (e.g. endemics of Tetrobi Plateau), endemics of Meskheti, Meskheti-Kartli, Meskheti-Artvin, Meskheti-Javakheti, Javakheti, Minor Caucasus, Georgia, Caucasus, Asia Minor and Asia Anterior. Local endemics of Tetrobi Plateau are: Hypericum thethrobicum, Scorzonera ketzkhowelii and S. kozlowskyi. High conservation value on Tetrobi Plateau has oldest Mediterrenean community with Asphodeline taurica and Stipa pulcherrima, which is characteristic as well for Crimea (Maleev, 1940). 6 species of them are growing on Tetrobi Plateau - Asphodeline taurica, Hypericum thethrobicum, Scorzonera dzhawakhetica, S. ketzkhowelii, S. kozlowskyi and Anchonium elichrysifolium. Endemics of Meskheti: Astragalus argillosus, A. aspindzicus, A. kozlowskyi, A. leonidae, A. meskheticus, A. raddeanus, A. vardziae, Campanulla raddeana, Cerastium sosnowskyi, Dianthus azkurensis, Onobrychis meschetica, Podospermum idae, Salvia compar, Tragopogon meskhetikus, etc. Endemics of Meskheti and Kartli: Cerastium argenteum, Erysimum caucasicum, Genista transcaucasica, Helianthemum georgicum, Nepeta iberica, Psephellus carthalinicus, Reaumuria kuznetzovii, Scrophularia diffusa, Sempervivum sosnowskyi, Ziziphora borzhomica. Endemics of Meskheti and Artvin: Astragalus trychocalyx, Cirsium adjaricum, Coronilla Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 36 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 charadzeae, Elytrigia sinuata, Hedysarum turkewiczii, Jurinea carthaliniana, Minuartia micrantha, Onobrychis sosnowskyi, Psephellus meskheticus, Thymus coriifolius (=T. sosnowskyi Grossh.). Endemics of Meskheti and Javakheti: Scorzonera dzhawakhetica. Endemics of Javakheti: Hypericum thethrobicum (=H. hyssopifolium Chaix), Scorzonera ketzkhowelii, S. kozlowskyi. Endemics of the Minor Caucasus: Anthyllis irenae, Astragalus goktschaicus, A. massalskyi, Bupleurum sosnowskyi, Centaurea gulissaschvilii, C. transcaucasica, Cephalaria armeniaca, Cirsium caucasicum, Euphorbia armena, Gladiolus dzavakheticus, Gypsophila stevenii, Linaria schirvanica, Minuartia akinfievii, Pimpinella aromatica, Psephellus dealbatus, Pyrus georgica, Tragopogon serotinus, Vicia akhmaganica, etc. Endemics of the Caucasus: Allium kunthianum, Bromopsis biebersteinii, Cytisus caucasicus, Gagea alexeenkoana, G. chanae, Hedysarum sericeum, Sempervivum pumilum, Senecio massagetovii, etc. It should be noted that the oldest desert and semi-desert relicts, such as Nitraria schoberi and Reaumuria kuznetzovii are present in this area. Subalpine and alpine zones support numerous endemics including the following endemic species of Georgia – Alchemilla adelodictya, A. aurata, A. bakurianica, A. erectilis, A. grandidens, A. hypotricha, A. indurata, A. microdictya, A. pascualis, A. pycnotricha, Cerastium sosnowskyi, Delphinium tamarae, Euphrasia grossheimii, E. sosnowskyi, Onobrychis kemulariae, Pulsatilla georgica, etc. The endemics of Caucasus growing here are also numerous – Aconitum nasutum, Androsace raddeana, Aquilegia caucasica, Arenaria steveniana, Cephalaria gigantea, Chaerophyllum humile, Dianthus subulosus, Papaver oreophilum, Potentilla caucasica, Primula cordifolia, P. ruprechtii, Pulsatilla violacea, Scilla rosenii, Stellaria anagalloides, Symphytum caucasicum, Teucruim nuchense, Vicia grossheimii, etc. The rock-scree vegetation is especially rich in endemic species: Astragalus raddeanus, Campanula raddeana, Dianthus azkurensis, Salvia compar, Scrophularia diffusa, Sempervivum sosnowskyi, Senecio massagetovii, etc. Relict species - Campanula crispa, Centaurea bella, Erysimum szowitzianum, Jurinea carthaliniana, Veronica livanensis, etc. occur on rocks between Atskuri and Borjomi along R. Mtkvari. Wetland biome in Samtskhe-Javakheti region supports only one locally distributed species Carex wiluica (=C. juncella (Fries) Th. Fries) occuring only in the upper reaches of r. Ktsia. This species forms original coenoses in the wetland vegetation of Narianis Veli, vicinity of Tabatskuri Lake and adjacent mountains. Rare coenoses of Urticularia minor and Menyanthes trifoliata are found in this area. The southern shore of Tabatskuri Lake supports locally distributed endemic species Gladiolus dzavakheticus and Onobrychis meschetica. In the vicinity of this lake was found rare species Lilium kesselringianum, which we have described in Meskiheti, Shavsheti range, Mt. Erbo. There are some endemic species of the Caucasus in the vicinity of the Tabatskuri lake - Androsace raddeana, Corydalis alexeenkoana, Nepeta grossheimii, Orobus ciliatidentatus, Polygala mariamae, Pulsatilla violacea, Vicia grossheimii. Meskheti depression also supports endemic and relict species of arboreal plants, such as Georgian pear - Pyrus georgica, Spindle tree - Euonymus leiophloea, European Hop Hornbeam Ostrya carpinifolia, Caucasian Mountain Ash – Sorbus caucasigena, which require special protection measures. The areas located between village Tsnisi and Georgia-Turkey border (altitudes range from 900 to 1400 m a.s.l.) are characterised by high endemism. Akhaltsikhe (Meskheti) depression supports fossilized Tertiary flora (referred to as "Goderdzi Flora") on the eastern Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 37 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 slope of Goderdzi pass, r. Dzindze gorge. Tropical Tertiary forest comprised of palms, magnolias, etc., was buried in volcanic ash. The following 19 species distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti region are included in the Red Data Book of Georgia (1982) and in the Red List of Endangered Species of Georgia (2003): Anchonium elichrysifolium, Asphodeline taurica, Astragalus cyri, Campanula crispa, Corydalis erdelii, Dianthus ketzkhowelii, Gladiolus dzavakheticus, Hippophaë rhamnoides, Hypericum thethrobicum, Juglans regia, Ostrya carpinifolia, Papaver bracteautum, Quercus macranthera, Scorzonera dzhawakhetica, S. ketzkhowelii, S. kozlowskyi, Senecio massagetovii, S. rhombifolius, Tragopogon meskheticus. 44 species of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region are included in the list of rare species of Georgia (Ketskhoveli, 1977): Acer trautvetteri, Amelanchier rotundifolia, Astragalus argillosus, A. leonidae, A. meskheticus, A. trichocalyx, Atropa caucasica, Bupleurum sosnowskyi, Centaurea adjarica, Cerastium sosnowskyi, Ceratoides papposa, Crataegus caucasica, C. orientalis, Dactylorhiza euxina, D. unvilleana, Digitalis ferruginea, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Ephedra procera, Fritillaria latifolia, Grossheimia macrocephala, Gymnadenia conopsea, Heracleum wilhelmsii, Jurinea carthaliniana, Lonicera iberica, Menyanthes trifoliata, Neottia nidus-avis, Onobrychis meskhetica, Orchis coriophora, Paeonia steveniana, Psephellus meskheticus, Pulsatilla georgica, P. violacea, Pyrus caucasica, P. salicifolia, Rosa spinosissima, Scabiosa columbaria, Sobolewskia clavata, Sorbus caucasigena, Stipa stenophylla, Tilia begoniifolia, Tragopogon marginatus, Valeriana alliariifolia, V. officinalis. Only two species from the IUCN Red List (2004) are present in Samtskhe-Javakheti region: Galanthus alpinus and Sambucus tigranii. The first is used as medicinal plant. The second is very rare, found only occasionally in Aspindza district. Several plant species are included in the CITES list of Georgia (Bitsadze, Rukhadze, 2001): Galanthus alpinus (=G. caucasicus), Cyclamen coum subsp. caucasicum, Taxus baccata, Anacamptis pyramidali,s Cephalanthera damasonium, C. longifolia, C. rubra, Coeloglossum viride, Corallorhiza trifida, Dactylorhiza amblyoloba, D. armeniaca, D. euxina, D. romana subsp. georgica, D. urvilleana, Epipactis helleborine, E. persica, E. microphylla, Goodyera repens, Gymnadenia conopsea, Neottia nidus-avis, Orchis coriophora, O. mascula subsp. longicalcarata, O. militaris subsp. stevenii, O. morio subsp. caucasica, O. pallens, O. palustris subsp. pseudolaxiflora, O. ustulata, Platanthera bifolia, P. montana, Traunsteinera sphaerica Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 38 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 4. Species distributed in Meskheti and Javakheti. 1. Gladiolus caucasicus; 2. Glaucium grandiflorum; 3. Lonicera caprifolium; 4. Anemone fasciculata; 5. Iris sibirica; 6. Althaea hirsuta; 7. Acantholimon armenum; 8. Salvia sclarea; 9. Reaumuria kuznetzovii ; 10. Viola tricolor;11. Diphelypaea coccinea; 12. Orchis pseudolaxiflora. 1 4 7 10 2 5 8 11 3 6 9 12 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 39 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 5. Protected area networks in Georgia Human society is highly dependent on genetic resources, including those from wild and semi-domesticated sources, for the productivity of its agriculture. Conventional wisdom holds that modern farming is largely incompatible with wildlife conservation. Thus, policies to protect wildlife typically rely on land use segregation, establishing protected areas from which agriculture is officially excluded. Farmers are seen as problems by those promoting this view of wildlife conservation. It is necessary, however, to enhance the contribution of farming systems as essential part of any biodiversity conservation strategy, and to require new technical research, support for local farmer innovation, and adoption of new agricultural and environmental policies at local, national and international levels. For conservation action to be effective, it is important to understand not just the needs of individual species, but also the context in which conservation efforts will need to take place. A better understanding of human demand and impact on natural resources can help inform decisions and guide conservation efforts so that conflicts in interests between humans and biodiversity can be minimized. Most threats to biodiversity are the result of human actions, and human actions alone can prevent many species from becoming extinct. This section provides an overview of the main types of responses that can be applied to the conservation of the world's species, with a focus on those at greatest risk of extinction. It is mostly based on information on conservation measures required or in place for each species, collected through the Red List assessment process. 5.1. Policy-Based Action Policy-based actions are essential for providing the institutional support, human and financial resources, and legal framework required to ensure effective species conservation. Frequently, such actions occur through the development and implementation of legislation at the national or sub-national levels, or through international agreements. Legislation is sometimes directed at the protection of particular species, such as by regulating the harvesting of individuals, their trade (e.g., CITES;), or alterations in their habitat (e.g., Ramsar Convention). Legislation can also promote habitat protection, most noticeably through the creation of protected areas: 241 countries or territories are recognized by the 2004 World Database on Protected Areas as having officially designated protected areas of some type (WDPA Consortium 2004). Legislation may also protect habitat by regulating land use patterns at a broader scale (e.g., Forest Code), or through the regulation of anthropogenic activities that are frequently the least direct but most pervasive causes of species declines (e.g., pollution generated by industry, transport leading to the introduction of invasive species, consumption of fossil fuels leading to climate change). The role of multilateral environmental agreements has grown during the last decade, as human impacts intensify and span across national boundaries more often. There are now more than 500 international treaties that concern the environment and most countries have ratified key international treaties (although significant gaps remain). These agreements are a means to adopt harmonized approaches and resolve trans-boundary problems with neighboring states. They increasingly offer access to worldwide knowledge, tools and financial resources, and they can give conservation agencies a stronger mandate domestically (Steiner et al. 2003). Nevertheless, most conservation action takes place at the national level, and the national legal framework remains crucial in the effective implementation of the vast majority of conservation programmes. Naturally, legislation is only useful if adequately implemented and such implementation is lacking in many cases. Policy-based actions are frequently implemented Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 40 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 as a top-down approach, but their effectiveness is in many cases hindered by a lack of involvement with the local communities that are the direct users of biodiversity. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES; 1975; Universal) regulates international trade of the species listed. Convention on Biological Diversity (1992; universal): the programmes of work developed under the CBD encourage Parties to take a wide range of actions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. European Union Habitats Directive (1992; regional): the natural habitat listed must be maintained at a favourable status, particularly through the creation of a network of protected sites. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention; 1975; universal): provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources, in particular through the designation of sites under the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention; 1972; universal): provides for the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage (including habitats of threatened species) around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Countries submit places for designation under the World Heritage List. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1994; universal) and Kyoto Protocol (adopted in 1997): caps greenhouse gas emissions in participating industrialized nations from 2008 to 2012 and establishes an international market in emissions credits that will allow these nations to seek out the most cost-effective means to reduce atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Georgia’s general wild flora and fauna conservation measures are regulated by several legislative acts adopted by the Georgian Parliament in 1994-2000 (Tab. 1). Table 1. Main environmental laws of Georgia. Law Law on Protection of Flora from Harmful Organisms The Constitution of Georgia Law on Protected Area System Law on Normative Acts Law on Environmental Protection Law on Wildlife Law on State Ecological Expertise Law on Environmental Permits Law on Creation and Management of the Kolkheti Protected Areas Law on Changes and Amendments into the Law on Protection of Flora from Harmful Organisms The Forest Code National Environmental Action Plan of Georgia Law on Melioration of Lands Law on Special Preservation of State Forest Fund and the Plantation within the Tbilisi City and Neighbouring Territories Law on expansion of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Law on Red Data List and Red Data Book of Georgia Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia Date 12.10.1994 24.08.1995 07.01.1996 29.10.1996 10.12.1996 26.12.1996 01.01.1997 01.01.1997 09.12.1998 16.04.1999 22.06.1999 19.06.2000 16.10.2000 10.11.2000 28.03.2001 06.06.2003 41 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Law on State Control of Nature Protection 23.06.2005 5.2. Habitat and Site-Based Actions Retaining viable populations in their native habitats is an essential conservation response for ensuring the long-term persistence of species. A finer-scale approach for investigating species over age protected areas is by mapping sites known to be essential for the persistence of each species and investigating their level of formal protection. For these species, in situ conservation requires the establishment of networks of protected areas, adequately connected though a matrix of favourable habitat that allows for species movement through, and persistence in, the broader landscape. The following protected areas occur on the territory of Samtskhe-Javakheti: 5.2.1. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park was designated in 1995 under Resolution No. 447 of the Cabinet of Ministers. The main purpose of the designation is the conservation of existing ecosystems; restoration of degraded areas; facilitation and control of sustainable use of renewable resources; awareness / educational activities and ecotourism. According to the Park Management Plan compiled by WWF, the Park is divided into a number of zones: core zone (strict nature protection zone); wilderness zone; traditional use zone; recuperation zone and support zone (covering the five Districts that share a common boundary with the Park). The National Park extends to 50,400 hectares, having been extended in 2000. It covers primary forest and sub-alpine meadows typical of the central region of the Lesser Caucasus. The Park supports a good variety of flora and fauna including several rare and endangered species, relic species and species endemic to the central Caucasus region. The Support Zone covers 150,000 hectares and consisting of various land uses including agriculture, industry, infra-structure and areas of natural and semi-natural habitat. The rationale for the establishment of the Support Zone is to secure the support of park neighbours for the sustainable protection of the park. This is achieved through the economic support and assistance to Park neighbours in recognition of sacrifices made in giving up certain user rights for areas converted to a National Park and by involving Park neighbours in the planning and Park management process. Land and resource use in the Support Zone should be compatible with the conservation objectives for the Park. The development of the Support Zone should be based on a well designed, Regional Development Plan aimed at sustainable economic development for the benefit of Support Zone Communities and biodiversity conservation. The Support Zone does not correspond to an IUCN category and as such is not listed on the IUCN international list of protected areas. In December 1998, the governments of Germany and Georgia signed a bilateral agreement regarding financial cooperation for the project concerning ‘Environment and Protection of Natural Resources BorjomiKharagauli National Park’. Further details of the co-operation are provided in the Decree of the President of Georgia (13th July 2001) on ‘Co-ordinated Planning and Implementation of Ongoing and Prospective Programs of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and its Support Zone’. The German government provides funds for three programmes in the Park implementation of infrastructure; training/education and a Support Zone development programme. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 42 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 5.2.2. Expansion of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park The Borjomi-Kharagauli national Park was expanded towards Samtskhe-Javakheti region, namely Akhaltsikhe and Adigeni districts. It includes slopes of Adjara-Imereti ranges, namely, Abastumani and Zekari Pass. Area is 10,846 ha. Legal Basis is Law of Georgia on Protected Areas, Agreement on ‘Financial Co-operation within the Project “Protection of Environment /Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park’ between Georgia and Germany, approved by Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers of Georgia No. 447, dated 28/07/1995, ‘On Activities Facilitating Formation of System of Protected Areas and Establishment of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park’. IUCN Category is equivalent to IUCN Category II. 5.2.3. Tetrobi Managed Reserve Tetrobi Plateau represents refugee for many endemic and relict species. It is part of Tetrobi-Chobareti range and is composed of limestone. Its area is 3,100 ha. Date of Establishment is 1995. Purpose Protection and restoration of unique plant species and their biodiversity, protection of unique Tetrobi forest Activity Protection / conservation, restoration, monitoring, restricted tourism; Management State Department of Protected Areas, Nature Reserves and Hunting Economies Level of Designation National IUCN Category Equivalent to IUCN Category IV ‘Habitat / Species Management Area’. 5.2.4. Other protected areas Erusheti mountain systems and several wetlands are proposed to receive managed reserve status. Wetland vegetation of the area is mainly used for haymaking. Therefore, 5 managed reserves and one area of restricted use (Ktsia-Tabatskuri managed reserve, Paravani Lake proposed managed reserve, Khanchali Lake proposed managed reserve, Madatapa Lake proposed managed reserve, Kartsakhi (Khozapini) Lake managed reserve, Saghamo Lake proposed area of restricted use) on the Javakheti volcanic upland were proposed to establish, which will play an important role for protecting of wetland vegetation of Georgia. 5.3. Georgian National Gene Bank In many cases, habitat protection on its own is not sufficient, and direct intervention is required to mitigate or eliminate specific threats to species. Ex situ conservation can offer insurance against extinctions by providing a source population for future re-introductions or reinforcement of wild populations. These can be either re-introduction into previous habitat from where the species has been lost or begin introductions into areas of suitable habitat that have not been previously colonized by the species. Species threatened by overexploitation typically require conservation measures that either prevent or discourage harvesting (e.g., trade control through CITES), or promote sustainable use. The latter may involve harvest management or commercialization of farmed individuals to reduce pressure on wild populations. Species based actions for conservation includes ex-situ conservation in living collections (e.g. in botanical gardens), seed banks and other propagule and germplasm preservation. One of the most effective conservation measures is encouragement of local population to cultivate in home gardens and in grounds species, which are harvesting in wild populations to extreme degree. The purpose of the living collections is conservation of rare and endangered plants and observations for development of on-farm cultivation technology of selected species. The territory for living collection to be design for the current project is c. 200 m2. The bulbous plants will be replanted from the wild; other species will be grown from seeds. From 10 to 100 plants in one sample depending on population status and species endangerment will be planted. The plant Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 43 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 material will be originated from 3 to 5 different populations of a species. Necessary spacing and when needed flower bagging will be used to avoid intraspecific hybridization and genetic pollution. The gene bank of crops in Georgia is established at the Institute of Agriculture where mainly aboriginal Georgian landraces and varieties are conserved. The Tbilisi Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany has two collections of seeds. One is collection of rare endemic plant seeds, which is collected in the framework of the Millennium project managed by Kew Royal Botanical Garden, UK. The second is collection of aboriginal crop varieties collecting in different regions of Georgia. These program works together with IPK, Gatersleben Germany, where the analogy of the collected material is kept at the gene bank. The seeds of CWR from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region are kept as well in the Tbilisi Botanical Garden collection. CWR from different regions of Georgia are collected in collaboration with USDA gene bank and kept there. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 44 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 5. Habitat disturbances in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. 1. - Illegal wood cutting; 2. Pipeline and road construction works; 3. Overgrazing; 4. Erosion; 5. Abandonment of cultivated fields and invasion of weeds; 6. Burning of fields by local population. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 45 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 6. Methodology According to Maxted et al., (2008) assessment of conservation efficiency and representativeness of CWRs involve the comparison of ‘total’ natural CWR diversity with the diversity already actively conserved either in situ or ex situ. In essence it will require answers to two fundamental questions: what level of diversity naturally exists in situ, and does the conserved diversity adequately represent that natural diversity? This is the basis for gap analysis, which can be divided into four consecutive steps. Step 1: circumscription of target taxon and target area: First, the taxonomic (e.g. genus, section or species) and geographical (e.g. global, regional, country or province) breadth of the analysis must be established. Step 2: Assessment of natural diversity: The level of diversity occurring within the target taxon must be defined at the taxonomic, genetic or ecogeographical levels, i.e. how many taxa occur in the circumscribed taxon, but also the inherent genetic diversity within those taxa. Step 3: assessment of current conservation strategies: The diversity occurring in situ can be compared to the diversity currently conserved in order to assess the efficiency of both in situ and ex situ conservation techniques. Step 4: reformulation of conservation strategy: Assessment of the effectiveness of current conservation coverage in relation to natural in situ diversity identifies the element of diversity that is underconserved, i.e. the ‘gaps’ in the existing conservation strategy, and helps refocus the strategy to conserve the maximum diversity and fill these gaps. The revised priorities are likely to require complementary in situ and ex situ conservation actions to ensure the comprehensive conservation of the target taxon’s gene pool. To collect necessary information to assess the current status of threats of a target species and develop conservation strategy the following surveys should be undertaken: 1. Acquirement with the methodology and definition of major terminology to determine goals and objectives of the study and select target species. 2. To define species taxonomic status, threat level, economic importance and distribution character; 3. To standardize prioritization methodology to select target species and develop a list of target species of CWRs of Samtskhe-Javakheti region; 4. To develop methodology to conduct ecogeographic diversity assessment determining species abundance, habitat status and economic usage; 5. To collect information on ex situ and in situ conservation status of target species in Georgia. 6.1. Definition of CWR CWR are commonly defined in terms of wild species related to agricultural and horticultural crops. As such a broad definition of a CWR would be any wild taxon belonging to the same genus as a crop. This definition is intuitively accurate and can be simply applied, and it was this definition used by PGR Forum. A working definition of a CWR was provided by Maxted et al. (2006): A crop wild relative is a wild plant taxon that has an indirect use derived from its relatively close genetic Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 46 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 relationship to a crop; this relationship is defined in terms of the CWR belonging to gene pools 1 or 2, or taxon groups 1 to 4 of the crop. Under gene pool is considered definitions of gene pool concept by Harlan and de Wet (1971). According to this concept, within each crop there was a potential pool of genetic diversity available for utilisation and a gradation of that diversity dependent on the relative crossing ability between the crop itself and the primarily non-domesticated species in the primary, secondary or tertiary Gene Pool of the crop. According to this concept three Gene Pools are distinguished as follows: • Primary Gene Pool (GP-1) within which GP-1A are the cultivated forms and GP-1B are the wild or weedy forms of the crop; • Secondary Gene Pool (GP-2) which includes the coenospecies (less closely related species) from which gene transfer to the crop is possible but difficult using conventional breeding techniques; • Tertiary Gene Pool (GP-3) which includes the species from which gene transfer to the crop is impossible, or if possible requires sophisticated techniques, such as embryo rescue, somatic fusion or genetic engineering. The taxon group concept is used to establish the degree of CWR relatedness of a taxon. Application of the taxon group concept assumes that taxonomic distance is positively related to genetic distance. CWR rank of taxon groups according to PGR Forum (2005) is defined as follows: Taxon Group 1a – crop Taxon Group 1b – same species as crop Taxon Group 2 – same series or section as crop Taxon Group 3 – same subgenus as crop Taxon Group 4 – same genus Taxon Group 5 – same tribe but different genus to crop Thus, combined use of the gene pool and taxon group concept proposed above provide the best pragmatic means available to determine whether a species is a CWR and how closely related a CWR is to its crop. 6.2. Prioritizing CWR taxa / diversity The Caucasus hotspot is home to about 6,400 plant species, more than 1,600 of which (25%) are endemics and restricted to the region. There are 17 endemic genera of plants, nine of which are associated with high mountain ecosystems. The flora of the Caucasus region includes many ancient species, and many forms are still dominant or co-dominant in the hotspot's plant communities. The region also harbors a remarkable concentration of economically important plants, particularly wild crop relatives such as wheat, rye and barley, as well as legumes and technical plants like Flax. The list of economically valuable CWR occurred in Georgia is shown in Appendix 1. It is constructed by Maxted et al. (2008) used as a starting point the CWR Catalogue for Europe and the Mediterranean (Kell et al., 2005, 2008), the taxonomic basis of which is Euro+Med PlantBase (http://www.emplantbase.org/home.html), a Euro-Mediterranean floristic checklist (Euro+Med PlantBase, 2005). These are mainly wild species, which besides crops also have considerable economic importance providing food, fuel, timber, forage (fodder), hay, etc., and habitats for animal life. Economically valuable plants also include large amount of taxons used in folk and scientific medicine. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 47 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 To start inventory of CWR having high importance for the region it is necessary to know how to determine priority species from the long list of economically valuable species, which will play an important role in selective works and conservation measures. To evaluate the value of a concrete CWR species it is necessary to understand the role of CWR in origin and development of high economic values of a crop. However, application of this broad definition results in the possible inclusion of a wide range of species that may be either closely or more remotely related to the crop itself. Therefore there is a need to estimate the degree of CWR relatedness to enable limited conservation resources to be focussed on priority species, those most closely related to the crop. Two levels are determined to prioritise CWR species, which are mainly important as agronomically valuable species. These levels are: • Level 1 prioritization would be based on economic value of related ‘native’ crop in Georgia and on this basis the top 25 crop genera would be selected for further prioritization. • Level 2 prioritization would be based on relative threat, rarity, endemicity and genetic relationship with the crop (based on gene pools GP1b+2). The goal of prioritization would be a list of the top 30 priority CWR species in Georgia. The scoring system (Tab. 2) to establish a key list of top 30 priority CWR species to be studied in this project was developed by N. Maxted (2008) and was used to evaluate key species for field survey. Approximately 30 species have been considered to be studied. The criteria to be scored are threat level determined according to IUCN categories; rarity of species calculated as frequency of 10x10km grid squares, where the species occurs; endemicity was determined according to Key of Georgian Flora (Ketskhoveli et al., 1959) and Gene pool and Taxon groups were evaluated according to the concepts described in the previous capital (Harlan, de Wet, 1971; Maxted et al., 2006). Tab. 2. Scoring system to evaluate priority CWR species by N. Maxted (2008) N 1. 2. 3. Legends Threat (IUCN) Status Score Critically endangered Endangered Vulnerable Near threatened Least concern 10 7 4 2 0 Present in 1 10x10km grid square Present in 2-5 10x10km grid square Present in 6-20 10x10km grid square Present in 21-50 10x10km grid square Present in >50 10x10km grid square 10 7 4 2 0 Only in Georgia Only in Caucasus Only in South-east Europe 10 5 2 Rarity Endemicity Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 48 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Throughout Europe 4. GP1+2 Gene pool 1b / Taxon group 1b Gene pool 2 / Taxon group 2 Taxon group 3 Taxon group 4 Gene pool 3 / Taxon group 5 0 10 6 4 2 0 This scoring system was applied to species in the list demonstrated in Appendix 2. The species belong to the wild species of genera of most important crops traditionally cultivated in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The necessary request to include a species in the list was preliminary data about occurrence of it in the region. Therefore, we have collected herbarium data from two herbaria - TBI (Tbilisi Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany) and TGM (Georgian National Museum) about the species, which were found in this region in the past. Simultaneously, we used the data collected during the filed survey of GSNE "Orchis" in 2005-2009. 6.2.1. List of top 30 priority CWR species 30 species of CWR belonging to the genera of main crops traditionally cultivated in Samtskhe-Javakheti have been chosen from the long list (Appendix 2) on the base of scoring system by N. Maxted (2008). The threats have been determined using two criteria - IUCN and RDB Georgia (Tab. 3): Table 3. IUCN categories and status of protected species in the RDB of Georgia (1982, 2006) for species selected from the long list of CWRs. Rare species (score 2) determined according to Ketskhoveli et al., 1977 and data collected during the filed trips of "Orchis" 2005-2009 in Samtskhe-Javakheti region N IUCN Red list of Rare Total Genera Species Category Georgia species 1. Aegilops 1. Aegilops cylindrica (CWR of 2. A. tauschii Triticum) 3. A. triuncialis 2. Avena 4. Avena barbata 2 2 3. Hordeum 5. Hordeum bulbosum 6.Hordeum spontaneum 2 2 4. Secale 7. Secale anatolicum 2 2 5. Lathyrus 8. Lathyrus tuberosus 6. Vicia 9. Vicia johannis 7. Linum 10. Linum humile 2 2 8. Allium 11. Allium cardiostemon 2 2 9. Asparagus 12. Asparagus caspius 2 2 10. Brassica 13. Brassica elongata 11. Coriandrum 14. Coriandrum sativum 12. Lepidium 15. Lepidium perfoliatum 13. Satureja 16. Satureja laxiflora 17. Satureja spicigera 14. Ribes 18.Ribes alpinum 19.Ribes biebersteinii Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 49 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Rubus Cerasus Cornus Corylus Malus Mespilus Prunus 22. Pyrus 23. Vitis 24. Medicago 25. Onobrychis 20.Rubus idaeus 21.Cerasus avium 22.Cornus mas 23.Corylus avellana 24.Malus orientalis 25.Mespilus germanica 26. Prunus cerasifera 27. Prunus spinosa 28. Pyrus caucasica 29.Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris 30.Medicago sativa 31.Onobrychis transcaucasica 0 0 2 2 4 Rarity (Tab. 4) is calculated as frequency of 10x10km grid squares for each species. These data were obtained from the herbarium data and preliminary investigation of GSNE "Orchis". However, it was not possible to have these parameters for all species in a sufficient amount in long list, but was enough for priority species: Table 4. Rarity of priority CWR species Number of 10x10km grid square where Species target species is present 1 2-5 6-20 21-50 >50 1. Aegilops cylindrica 2 2. A. tauschii 7 3. A. triuncialis 7 4. Avena barbata 7 5. Hordeum bulbosum 2 6. Hordeum spontaneum 7 7. Secale anatolicum 7 8. Lathyrus tuberosus 2 9. Vicia johannis 4 10. Linum humile 10 11. Allium cardiostemon 10 12. Asparagus caspius 4 13. Brassica elongata 2 14. Coriandrum sativum 4 15. Lepidium perfoliatum 7 16. Satureja laxiflora 4 17. Satureja spicigera 2 18.Ribes alpinum 4 19.Ribes biebersteinii 4 20.Rubus idaeus 0 21.Cerasus avium 2 22.Cornus mas 0 23.Corylus avellana 2 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia Scores 2 7 7 7 2 7 7 2 4 10 10 4 2 4 7 4 2 4 4 0 2 0 2 50 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 24. Malus orientalis 25. Mespilus germanica 26. Prunus cerasifera 27.Prunus spinosa 28. Pyrus caucasica 29.Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris 10 30.Medicago sativa 31.Onobrychis transcaucasica 2 2 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 10 4 2 Table 5. Endemic species determined by Key of Georgian Vegetation (Ketskhoveli et al., 1969). Endemics of Georgia Species 1. Aegilops cylindrica 2. A. tauschii 3. A. triuncialis 4. Avena barbata 5. Hordeum bulbosum 6. Hordeum spontaneum 7. Secale anatolicum 8. Lathyrus tuberosus 9. Vicia johannis 10. Linum humile 11. Allium cardiostemon 12. Asparagus caspius 13. Brassica elongata 14. Coriandrum sativum 15. Lepidium perfoliatum 16. Satureja laxiflora 17. Satureja spicigera 18.Ribes alpinum 19.Ribes biebersteinii 20.Rubus idaeus 21.Cerasus avium 22.Cornus mas 23.Corylus avellana 24. Malus orientalis 25. Mespilus germanica 26. Prunus cerasifera 27. Prunus spinosa 28. Pyrus caucasica 29.Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris 30. Medicago sativa 31.Onobrychis transcaucasica Endemics of the Caucasus Endemics of Southeast Europe Throughout Europe Scores X 5 X 5 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 51 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Table 6. Scoring of priority species according to gene pool (GP) and taxon group (TG) concepts. SPECIES GP 1B TG/1B 1. Aegilops cylindrica 2. A. tauschii 3. A. triuncialis 4. Avena barbata 5. Hordeum bulbosum 6. Hordeum spontaneum 7. Secale anatolicum 8. Lathyrus tuberosus 9. Vicia johannis 10. Linum humile 11. Allium cardiostemon 12. Asparagus caspius 13. Brassica elongata 14. Coriandrum sativum 15. Lepidium perfoliatum 16. Satureja laxiflora 17. Satureja spicigera 18.Ribes alpinum 19.Ribes biebersteinii 20.Rubus idaeus 21.Cerasus avium 22.Cornus mas 23.Corylus avellana 24. Malus orientalis 25. Mespilus germanica GP2 /TG2 6 6 TG3 TG4 10 10 10 10 10 10 6 6 4 6 6 10 6 4 6 10 2 6 2 10 2 10 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 4 6 6 10 6 4 6 10 2 6 2 10 2 10 6 6 6 26. Prunus cerasifera 27. Prunus spinosa 28. Pyrus caucasica 29.Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris 30. Medicago sativa 31.Onobrychis transcaucasica SCORES Table 7. The summarized data presenting the total score of the selected target species N Crop 1. Aegilops (CWR of Triticum) Avena Hordeum 2. 3. CWR Species 1. Aegilops cylindrica 2. A. tauschii 3. A. triuncialis 4. Avena barbata 5. Hordeum bulbosum Threat Rarity Endemici (IUCN) ty 2 7 7 2 7 2 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia GP/ TG 6 6 4 6 6 Total 8 13 11 15 8 52 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Secale Lathyrus Vicia Linum Allium 9. Asparagus 10. Brassica 11. Coriandrum 12. Lepidium 13. Satureja 14. Ribes 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Rubus Cerasus Cornus Corylus Malus Mespilus Prunus 22. Pyrus 23. Vitis 24. Medicago 25. Onobrychis 6.Hordeum spontaneum 7. Secale anatolicum 8. Lathyrus tuberosus 9. Vicia johannis 10. Linum humile 11. Allium cardiostemon 12. Asparagus caspius 13. Brassica elongata 14. Coriandrum sativum 15. Lepidium perfoliatum 16. Satureja laxiflora 17. Satureja spicigera 18.Ribes alpinum 19.Ribes biebersteinii 20.Rubus idaeus 21.Cerasus avium 22.Cornus mas 23.Corylus avellana 24.Malus orientalis 25.Mespilus germanica 26. Prunus cerasifera 27. Prunus spinosa 28. Pyrus caucasica 29.Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris 30.Medicago sativa 31.Onobrychis transcaucasica 2 7 10 19 2 7 2 4 10 10 6 4 6 10 2 15 6 10 22 14 6 2 10 17 4 14 7 2 9 4 2 4 4 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 10 10 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 14 8 10 10 10 12 10 12 10 10 10 12 17 24 10 10 14 12 2 2 2 0 4 4 2 4 5 5 4 2 The priority species selected according to the criteria, such as threat level, rarity, endemicity and GP/TG concepts have revealed the tendency that the highest scores they have in the last criteria showing their close relatedness to famous crops traditionally cultivated in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. 6.3. Ecogeographic survey of top 30 priority CWRs in Samtskhe-Javakheti Once the priority list of CWR species is identified, there is a need to collate the ecogeographic and genetic diversity information that is available to assist in further formulation of the CWR conservation strategy. This involves the collation and analysis of all available ecological, geographic, genetic and taxonomic data sets obtained from the literature and from the passport data associated with herbarium specimens and germplasm accessions, and also possibly from novel studies. These data are ecologically and geographically predictive in that they aid the location of the CWR taxonomic (inter-taxa) and genetic (intra-taxon) diversity that can then be Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 53 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 targeted for either in situ or ex situ conservation. In terms of in situ conservation, the culmination of the ecogeographic and genetic diversity analysis should be a set of areas with high concentrations of the priority CWR species, possibly identified using GIS analysis of ecological, geographic, genetic and taxonomic data sets. These areas might be considered analogous to the broader taxonomic Important Plant Areas (Target 5 of the CBD Global Strategy for Plant Conservation - www.biodiv.org/programmes/cross-cutting/plant/) and could be referred to as Important CWR Areas. In terms of ex situ conservation, the culmination of the ecogeographic and genetic diversity analysis will be populations of CWR taxa containing or thought to contain unique genetic diversity that is not already conserved ex situ, and once identified, this material may be collected and conserved in the appropriate gene bank. As well as assessing threat in relation to individual CWR taxa (in order to assist prioritization for conservation), there is also a need to assess threat in relation to conservation planning (i.e. to identify those important CWR areas most likely to be threatened). Among the region or country’s important CWR areas, there will be a two-fold requirement. First, there will be a need to focus conservation efforts in areas least threatened by such factors as the changes in cultivation practice, civil strife, habitat fragmentation, over-exploitation, over-grazing, competition from exotic invasive species and urbanization, so that the sites selected have longerterm sustainability. Second, conservation effort should be focused where there is a real prospect of genetic erosion or extinction of CWR taxa, to eliminate or minimize the threats and ensure the CWR taxonomic and genetic diversity located in the area is adequately represented in ex situ collections. This will involve some form of comparative assessment of the various putative causative factors of genetic erosion in Important CWR Areas. The aim of inventory is to provide an indication of the number and diversity of CWRs in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Inventory will be done of the species included in existing short list of priority species and are known to be threatened on a global level by anthropogenic stresses and/or impacted by natural hazards in the region, on the bases of quantitative evaluation of threat levels according to literature data. 6.3.1. Data collection The approach suggests collection of quantitative data on species abundance, genetic diversity and overall status (vitality and fertility). The investigation was carried out using methods of plot recording. For this purpose three 1m2 plots were chosen within each population of high conservation value herbaceous species. In case of shrubs, trees or other life forms different sizes of plots were used. The sizes of plots are shown in the Table 8 according to R. Tüxen, (1970): Table 8. Area (m2) of Permanent Plots for Different Habitats N Size (m2) Habitat type 1 1 Meadows 2 4 Wetland 3 25 Scrub 4 100 Forest Preference is given to the square shape of the recording plots. GPS (Global Positioning System) co-ordinates of each plot will be recorded. For the purpose of delimitation of plot surfaces, frame and tape are used for 1m2 plots. The time of inventory will be coincided to two phenological phases in each population at flowering and fruiting stages. For each plot, photos Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 54 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 will be taken from fixed points during each visit. The following table is developed for recording the data for each recording plot (Table 9). Table 9. Data on species inventory for 1m2 plot TARGET SPECIES Plot No., Population no. Figure(s) ref. Map Date of field data collection Environmental Data 2 Population size (m ) Number of plants Plot size (m2) Location GPS Coordinates (UTM) Altitude (m a.s.l.) Aspect Inclination Coverage (%) Canopy height (cm) Habitat Existing habitat disturbances Population Characteristics Number of individuals in plot Genetic diversity Hybridization During the field studies, the following data have to be collected: 1. Data for documentation of the record: target species name, plot No., population no., figure(s), ref. Map, and date of field data collection. Majority of plant Latin names given in this report are in accordance with Cherepanov (1995) and II edition of Flora of Georgia; nomenclature of representatives of family Orchidaceae follows Akhalkatsi et al. (2003). 2. Environmental data: • Size (m2) of entire population of target species; • Total number of individuals of target species in the plot; • Location, exact GPS coordinates, altitude and sloping characters (inclination, exposition); • Vegetation cover (%) and canopy height (cm); • Habitat type and description of existing disturbances. The following grades will be used to identify level of modification/disturbance of communities found within the plots: 1. Relatively stable or undisturbed communities. Example: old growth, ungrazed forest. 2. Late successional or lightly disturbed communities. Example: old growth forest that was selectively logged in recent years. 3. Mid-successional or moderately to heavily disturbed communities. Example: young to mature secondgrowth forest. 4. Early successional or severely disturbed communities. Example: severely grazed forest of any age. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 55 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 5. Very early successional or very severely disturbed communities. Example: cropland. 3. Population characteristics: Numbers of individuals of target species within the plot; Number of individuals is calculated within the frame boundary in each plot. In case of polycormel species it is possible to calculate each shoot instead of individuals. 4. Genetic diversity: Genetic diversity will be observed as phenotipic modification of individuals within the population and recorded; 5. Hybridization: Hybridization will be recorded in case if the individuals of target species will reveal intermediate morphological features. In addition, for development of long term in situ conservation management needs the following indicators for habitats and population protection such as ecological, demographic and genetic indicators representing in Table 10 will be recorded: Table 10. Environmental indicators and threats. N Indicator 1 Ecological indicators: • Habitat degradation; • Soil erosion; • Herbivory; • Pollution. 2 Demographic indicators: • Abundance and spatial distribution of seedlings; • Number of adult individuals; • Number of flowering individuals; • Spatial distribution. 3 Genetic indicators: • Genetic diversity; • Differentiation among populations; • Hybridization. Threat Degradation of the environment by external factors where the population is situated. Decline in the survival of regeneration of the population due to non-genetic factors (non heritable). Reduction in the genetic resilience and, therefore, survival of the population in the long term perspective. The impact factors on the environment threatening population survival will be determined (Table 11): Table 11. Impact factors and their influence on populations. N Impact factor 1 Human-made habitat disturbances: • Road and pipeline constructions: ¬ Physical impact – removing of the populations; ¬ Chemical impact –pollution by oil and gas releases to air, water and land. • Deforestation; • Land degradation; • Urbanization; • Damaged caused by non-native plants and animals introduced into an area; • Pollution. 2 Collection of medicinal/ornamental plants in the wild Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia Impact on the populations Population disappearance and fragmentation; Species extinction. Population disappearance; Species extinction. 56 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Age structure; Competition; Genetic diversity. 3 Grazing 4 Climate change: • Disturbance of wetland ecosystem Threat for species distributed in the aquatic habitats. • Global warming and desertification. Threat for species distributed in the extremely dry areas. • Global warming effect on alpine Threat for species distributed in the alpine. 6.3.2. Data analyses The following parameters will be determined on the base of data collected during field observations: 1. Area of distribution of target species; 2. Number of populations of target species; 3. Total number of individuals of a species in all studied populations; 4. Overall ecological state of target species; 5. Main threats impacted the species; The data on population and habitat characteristics will be gained in data base using program MS access. The complete data bese on species inventory will be used for mapping. 6.3.3. Mapping Geo Information System on endangered medicinal plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti region was created in the format of “geodatabase” of ArcGIS software. Objects of database are organized as a thematic electronic layer. The electronic layer of endangered medicinal plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti region meets with following technical specifications: • Georeferenced topographical maps at a scale 1\50 000 are used as a digital background of the layer • Projection - UTM • Datum - WGS 84 • The layer is presented as a point layer • The objects are arranged in a topologically correct way towards other geographical objects of the system • The layer does not include duplications • The does not include extra, useless objects • The attribute tables of the layer are represented in English 6.4 Gap analysis and establishment of CWR conservation goals Conventional in situ and ex situ gap analysis for the top 30 priority CWR species in Georgia is based on the methodology Maxted et al., 2008. This includes the following tasks: Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 57 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 (1) Development of in situ / ex situ CWR conservation strategies – the result of the ecogeographic survey and gap analysis will not only highlight the CWR ‘hotspots’ but via the matching with existing protected areas and ex situ conserved diversity will indicate where genetic reserves should be established and where further seed collection is required to conserve Georgian CWR diversity. Identification and establishment Georgian CWR genetic reserves – Once Georgian CWR ‘hotspots’ have been identified the next phase will be to establish a demographic baseline for 30 priority CWR species in Georgia. This means that the monitoring of some high priority populations of CWR species have to be conducted in the future, which Georgian governmental or non-governmental organisations will be responsible for their long-term curation, so each site should have a clear responsible agency. Identification and collect Georgian CWR populations for ex situ collections - On the basis of results obtained during field survey the ‘best’ samples of studied CWR germplasm should be determined for future conservation in situ. It will be necessary to ensure that the conserved diversity is backed-up by standard seed collection and ex situ conservation in the National Georgian Gene Bank with a duplicate in the regional Gene Bank (at ICARDA in Syria). (2) (3) 6.5 Collection of indigenous knowledge We have collected information from local population on diversity and use of crops and CWR species in the region. The questionary includes following topics: • • • • • • • • Species distribution; Use in human being; Folklore; Etymology; Commercial use; Threats; Historical excurses; Rating for local importance. The data of the interviews are given in CWR species inventory part for each species separatelly. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 58 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 59 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig.6. Gain of indigenous knowledge by local population. 1. Agronomist Germane Khvedelidze (in the middle), v. Atskuri, cultivating different varieties of Georgian wine grape, as well as French cultivars Aligote and Chardonnay; Maia Akhalkatsi (left), Jana Ekhvaia (right); 2. Gogi Natenadze, v. Chachkari near Vardzia shows old Georgian grapevine cultivar (right), which is several hundred years old and grows at 1350 m a.s.l.; 3. Gogi Natenadze in Chachkari shows stone grapepressing construction, typical in village. 4. Murad Gogoladze (left) manages ELAKNA's field collection in Tsnisi, where many traditional cultivars are kept in the living collection including cereals, legumes, flax, fruits and grapevine; 5. Visit to Mother Superior Mariam (in the middle) in nunnery Zemo Vardzia, Marine Mosulishvili (left), Maia Akhalkatsi (right); 6. Diana Kurtanidze and Maia Akhalkatsi in v. Klde. 7. Simon Afriamashvili, v. Arali; 8. Market in Akhaltsikhe; 9. Forester Iuri Khutsishvili, v. Atskuri and Marine Mosulishvili; 10-11. Lela Kachkachashvili v. Arali, with local bread called "Meskhuri puri"; 12. 20 years old bull Mortoray, 18 years old dog Jeka and Afriamishvili Elia (85 years old) and Kachkachashvili Lazare (83 years old) in v. Arali. 13. Tatulashvili Ia, MartoShvili Petre, v. Arali; 14. Kachkachishvili Kato and AkofaSvili Nina, v. Arali; 15. Kachkachashvili Makvala (with child), Obolashvili Sonia and Parunashvili Nino, v. Ude. 1 4 7 10 13 2 5 8 11 14 3 6 9 12 15 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 60 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7. Inventory of CWRs in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region 7.1. Cereals 7.1.1. Aegilops (Goatgrass) In spite of high diversity of primary species of wheat in Georgia, there are no wild wheat species. CWRs of wheat in Georgia are represented by Aegilops species, which are distributed in many regions of Georgia includins Samtskhe-Javakheti. There are total 8 species in Georgia: A. cylindrica Host; A. tauschii Coss. (= A. squarrosa L.); A. triuncialis L.; A. biuncialis Vis.; A. kotschyi Boiss.; A. columnaris Zhuk.; A. ovata L. (=A. triaristata Willd.); and A. umbellulata Zhuk. Among them is A. tauschii, which is considered to be direct ancestor of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; genomic constitution = AABBDD) and a donor of its D genome, hence origin of bread wheat is considered to happened by hybridization of tetraploid T. turgidum and diploid A. tauschii (Kihara 1944; McFadden and Sears 1946). According to literature (Sakhokia, 1941, 1969) and herbarium data, there are 2 species of Aegilops in Samtskhe-Javakheti. These are A. cylindrica and A. triuncialis L.; A. cylindrica, A. umbellulata and A. ovata are described for Meskheti and Javakheti in Berishvili et al. (2002). Persistence of A. cylindrica and A. tauschii are indicated for Meskheti in the same work in the location Orfolo near v. Tsnisi in Akhaltsikhe distr. and near v. Khertvisi in Aspindza distr. Aegilops cylindrica Host (Jointed goatgrass) a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Poaceae Barnh., genus Aegilops L. A. cylindrica is a member of the Grass family, Barley tribe. Synonyms. Triticum cylindricum (Host) Ces., Pass. & Gibelli; T. caudatum var. cylindricum (Host) Ach. & Graebner; Aegilops caudata subsp. cylindrica (Host) Hegi; A. cylindrica var. cylindrica (Host) Fiori; Cylindropyrum cylindricum (Host) A. Love. ii. Plant characteristics It is a winter annual or biennial herbaceous plant. It grows 15 - 30 cm tall on erect stems, which branch at the base to give the plant a tufted appearance. The root system is shallow and fibrous. Leaves are linear, flat, 3 - 8 mm wide sparsely pubescent or smooth, but scabrous because of minor denticles along the veins. Ears are elongated, cylindrical and gradually converging at the top, 7-12 cm in length. Each ear consists of 6-11 spikelets and breaks off entirely or disintegrates into segments. There are 1-2 rudimentary spikelets at the base of the ear. The ear axis is flexible; spikelets are cylindrical, oblong in cross-section, with 3-4 flowers. Glumes are lanceolate, 6-9 mm long, with 7-9 thin veins, denticulated along the veins. Lateral spikelet glumes are bifurcate in the upper part, topped by a triangular denticle with a broad base and narrow point, often stretched into an awn-shaped appendage. Bidentate from above, the lemma is either longer than the glumes by 0.5-1.5 mm or equal to the glumes in length. Near the apical spikelet the lemma is, like the glumes, awn-shaped with 2 denticles at the sides. Kernels accrete to palea. Generally two flowers are present on each spikelet; however, researchers have reported up to five florets per spikelet. At two to five spikelets per spike and one to three seeds per spikelet, one plant, without competition, can generate more than 100 spikes and ca. 3,000 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 61 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 seeds. On average though, in a wheat crop, jointed goat grass will produce about 130 seeds per plant (Daines 1996).This is a self-pollinating plant. Pollen grains are spherical, fine, and smooth. Blossoms in May; bears fruit in July. Autochore. Propagated by seed. The most distinguishing characteristic is the 5 - 10 cm jointed cylindrical, seed head. 2n=28. Fig. 7. Aegilops cylindrica - 1. habitat on dry slope of foothills; 2. A. cylindrica and Hordeum leporinum; 3-5. A. cylindrica; 6. Hybrid of A. cylindrica and T. aestivum. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution comprises the following geographical regions - Eastern Europe (south), Crimea, Caucasus, Middle Asia (south coastal areas of Balkhash, Dzungarian Ala Tau, Tarbagatai, Tien Shan, Pamir-Alai, Kopet Dagh), Central Europe (south), Mediterranean region (east), Asia Minor, Iran. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - We have found large populations covering roadsides in Akhaltsikhe depression from Borjomi distr. up to Turkish border. The populations are very abundant. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 62 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 A. cylindrica is ephemeral winter-hard plant. It is drought-resistant, can grow in areas of less than 250-500 mm of annual precipitation. Salt-resistant. Grows on open slopes with stony and fine-grained soils, sands and gravels, near roads and on weedy sites, sometimes in weeded meadows and mountain steppes; from the plains to the middle mountain zone, within the limits of 100-2000 m above sea level. In Samtskhe-Javakheti occurs from 800 to 2000 m a.s.l. Seeds of jointed goat grass usually germinate from mid-September to November. Generally jointed goat grass seeds have an intermediate level of persistence, remaining viable in the soil for 3 to 5 years. The seeds are polymorphic, meaning that part of the seeds germinate early while the rest of the seeds may persist for several more years. Recently harvested seeds are still dormant, requiring a postharvest ripening before dormancy is broken. Seed dormancy is directly related to how long the seed will survive in the soil. Field studies show that in drier areas of less than 350 mm of annual rainfall, jointed goat grass seeds will survive for a minimum of 5 years. Contrastingly, in regions with more annual rainfall seeds do not survive in the soil for longer than 3 or 4 years (Ogg et al., 1998). i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - No threats are detected currently and no necessity to protect this species occurs. Ex situ status - Seeds from different region of Georgia are present in seed banks of USDA, ICARDA, VIR, IPK Gatersleben and Kew RBG. Seeds from Samtskhe-Javakheti are kept at the TBG&BI. In situ status - Not protected. iv. Current uses The plant is consumed well by all kinds of livestock before the fruiting phase. Yields high-quality hay. Owing to the similarity of A. cylindrica to the crop, Triticum aestivum. It may be used by wheat breeders in hybridization with wheat varieties. The hybrids with cultivated wheat are found in Meskhti near fields on road-sides. A. cylindrica is secondary genetic relative for wheat used in molecular systematics to understand wheat phylogenetics and domestication events. It is used as gene source for disease resistance and pest resistance. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Jointed goat grass is spread by seed dispersal only. Therefore, any method that reduces seed spread will reduce the spread of the plant. Population disturbances and habitat fragmentation is expected when road construction works are undertaken. d. Current action Unknown e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of A. cylindrica in Samtskhe-Javakheti region to declare it as plant of high conservation value by governmental organizations such as MEPNR. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management and lagislative basis. i. Policy and legislation A. cylindrica should be declared as species of high economic value as secondary genetic relative for wheat, which contributed to the hexaploid wheat by D genome. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 63 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 ii. Site safeguard and management The territory where A. cylindrica is distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti does not needs special conservation measures to be undertaken. iii.. Species management and protection The conservation measures of this species should be directed on establishment of ex situ seed collections and public education on importance of this plant as ancestor of the bread wheat. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring This species is crossed with winter wheat producing viable hybrids. The genome is used in molecular systematic studies. References 1. Boguslavsky, R.L. 1980. Flowering, pollination and spontaneous hybridization in the genus Aegilops L. Synopsis of Ph.D. thesis. Leningrad, VIR, 23 pp. (in Russian). 2. Daines R, 1996. Jointed Goatgrass. Online. Jointed Goatgrass. Internet. Available: http://www.ianr.unl.edu/jgg/ 3. Donald WW and AG Ogg, 1981. Biology and control of jointed goat grass, a review. Weed Technol. 5:3-17. 4. Eig, A. 1929. Monographisch-kritische Ubersicht der Gattung Aegilops. Feddes Repertorium Specierum novarum regni vegetabilis Beih, 55:1-228. (in Germany) 5. Gandilyan, P.A. 1978. Toward the taxonomy of the genus Aegilops L. and the classifier of its species. Biological Journal of Armenia, vol. 31, iss.3, pp. 223-232 (in Russian). 6. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 7. Lyon DJ, Baltensperger DD, Rush IG, 1992. Viability, germination, and emergence of cattle-fed jointed goatgrass seed. J.Prod. Agric. 5:282-285. 8. Lyon DJ, Klein RN, Wicks GA 2003. Controlling Jointed Goatgrass. Available as http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/Weeds/g1252.htm 9. Ogg A, Westra P, Seefeldt SS, 1998. Relative competitiveness of commonly grown winter wheat cultivars against jointed goatgrass. Natl’. Jointed Goatgrass Research Program. 1998 Progress Reports, Final Reports. Compiled by Alex Ogg, Jr. Copies available: Ag Research Center, WSU, Pullman, WA. 98. 10. Slageren, M. W. van. 1994. Wild wheats: a monograph of Aegilops L. and Amblyopyrum (Jaub. & Spach) Eig (Poaceae). Wageningen Agriculture University Papers 1994 (7). 513 pp. 11. Sorokina, O.N. 1928. Concerning chromoses in gen. Aegilops L.Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, series 2, pp. 524-529 (in Russian). 12. Tsvelev, N.N. 1976. Cereal grasses of the USSR. Leningrad, Nauka, 788 pp. (in Russian). 13. Zhukovsky, P.M. 1928. Critique and taxonomic survey of Aegilops L. species. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol.18, iss.1, pp. 417-609 (in Russian). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 64 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Tausch's goatgrass) a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Poaceae Barnh. genus Aegilops L. Synonyms Triticum tauschii (Coss.) Schmalh., T. aegilops P. Beauv. ex Roemer & Schult., Patropyrum tauschii (Coss.) A. Love, Aegilops squarrosa sensu Tausch non L. ii. Plant characteristics Annual or biennial plant, 20-40 cm high, with singular or numerous erect or geniculate stems. Leaves are linear. The ear is elongated, cylindrical, sometimes feebly fusiform; in the mature phase glossy, as if polished, with 5-11 spikelets. At the bottom of the ear there is 1 rudimentary or underdeveloped spikelet. The ear is brittle; when mature easily disintegrates into spikelets, especially in the upper part. Spikelets are cylindrical, circular in cross-section; glumes are rectangular-contoured, nearly square-shaped, 5-6 mm in length and 3-4 mm in width, with 79 (less frequently 9-11) thin, weakly denticulated veins, becoming almost smooth when the spikelet is mature. In the upper part the glumes are always awnless, truncated, obtuse, with an incrassate edge in a bolster-like fashion, which is more expressed in the lower spikelets. The lemma is 1-2 mm longer than spikelet glumes, narrow-rectangular, with an incrassate upper edge; one corner of the lemma's upper edge is extended into a denticle or a short awn. The length of the lemma's awns ranges from 5 to 36 mm, increasing, as a rule, toward the top of the ear. The awns at the base are grooved. Kernels accrete to palea. Wind- and self-pollinated plant. Autochore. Propagated by seed. 2n=14. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Crimea (Sudak), Caucasus (all), Middle Asia (river valleys of Syr-Darya and Amu-Darya in their upper and middle course, Kyzyl Kum, northern and western Tien Shan, Gissar-Darvaz, Alai, Tarbagatai, Saur, Dzungarian Ala Tau, Kopet Dagh), Mediterranean region, Asia Minor, Iran, Himalayas. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - This species is mixed in populations with A. cylindrica, but the number of individuals is much fewer. Not all populations of A. cylindrica contained individuals of A. tauschii. We have found is only in 5 sites. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Ephemeral plant. Winter-hardy. Drought-resistant. Salt-resistant. Grows in semi-deserts, over dry loess or rubbly slopes, gravels, on light sandy or, conversely, heavy clay soils of the plains, sometimes even slightly salinized ones, on seaside sands, dry hills and in weedy places. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - This species should be included in RDB Georgia and give a status of NT species. Ex situ status - Seeds of A. tauschii from different region of Georgia are present in seed banks of USDA, ICARDA, VIR, IPK Gatersleben and Kew RBG. Seeds from SamtskheJavakheti are kept at the TBG&BI. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 65 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 In situ status - No information available Fig. 8. Aegilops tauschii and map of distribution in Meskheti. iv. Current uses The plant is consumed by animals like A. cylindrica. It is used as gene source for disease resistance and pest resistance. Hexaploid bread wheat is originated from hybridization of tetraploid T. turgidum L. with diploid A. tauschii Coss. (Kihara 1944; McFadden and Sears 1946). Good-quality fodder plant, consumed in spring and early summer. In the flowering phase contains 18.9% of albumens (including 10.7% of protein), 2.1% of fats, 23.0% of cellulose; in the fruiting phase there are 17.1% of albumens (including 11.2% of protein), 5.1% of fats, and 32.4% of cellulose. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Tausch's goat grass is spread by seed dispersal only. Therefore, any method that reduces seed spread will reduce the spread of the plant. Population disturbances and habitat fragmentation is expected when road construction works are undertaken. d. Current action Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 66 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Unknown e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of A. tauschii in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation A. tauschii should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for hexaploid bread wheat. ii. Site safeguard and management The territory where A. tauschii is distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti does not needs special conservation measures to be undertaken. However, Road construction works might cause habitat disturbances and fragmentation. iii.. Species management and protection The conservation measures of this species should be directed on establishment of ex situ seed collections and public education on importance of this plant as ancestor of the bread wheat. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring This species is crossed with winter wheat producing viable hybrids. The genome is used in molecular systematic studies. References: 1. Boguslavsky, R.L. 1980. Flowering, pollination and spontaneous hybridization in the genus Aegilops L. Synopsis of Ph.D. thesis. Leningrad, VIR, 23 pp. (in Russian). 2. Eig A. 1929. Monographisch-kritische Ubersicht der Gattung Aegilops. Feddes Repertorium Specierum novarum regni vegetabilis Beih, 55:1-228. (in German) 3. Gandilyan, P.A. 1978. Toward the taxonomy of the genus Aegilops L. and the classifier of its species. Biological Journal of Armenia, vol. 31, iss.3, pp. 223-232 (in Russian). 4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 5. Kihara, H. 1944. Discovery of the DD-analyser, one of the ancestors of Triticum vulgare (Japanese). Agric. & Hort. (Tokyo) 19:13-14. 6. McFadden, E.S. and E.R. Sears. 1946. The origin of Triticum spelta and its free-theshing hexaploid relatives. J. Hered. 37:81-89, 107-116. 7. Slageren M. W. van. 1994. Wild wheats: a monograph of Aegilops L. and Amblyopyrum (Jaub. & Spach) Eig (Poaceae). Wageningen Agriculture University Papers 1994 (7). 513 pp. 8. Sorokina, O.N. 1928. Concerning chromoses in gen. Aegilops L.Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, series 2, pp. 524-529 (in Russian). 9. Tsvelev, N.N. 1976. Cereal grasses of the USSR. Leningrad, Nauka, 788 pp. (in Russian). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 67 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 10. Zhukovsky, P.M. 1928. Critique and taxonomic survey of Aegilops L. species. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol.18, iss.1, pp. 417-609 (in Russian). Aegilops triuncialis L. (Barbed Goatgrass) a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Poaceae Barnh. genus Aegilops L., 2 varieteis - Aegilops triuncialis var. persica and Aegilops triuncialis var. triuncialis Synonyms. Aegilops squarrosa L., A. triaristata Willd., A. ovata L. subsp. triaristata (Willd.) Jav., Triticum triunciale (L.) Raspail Fig. 9. Aegilops triuncialis and map of distribution in Meskheti. ii. Plant characteristics Annual herbaceous plant, 20-45 cm high. Stems are in most cases erect. Leaves are linear, flat. Blades, ligules and the upper part of sheaths are ciliate. Ears are (3) 3.5-7 cm long (not counting awns), with 4-5 (less frequently with 3 or 6) fully developed spikelets; under fruits would break at their base and fall off entirely. At the bottom of the ear there are 2-3 rudimentary spikelets. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 68 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Spikelet glumes are oblong, ovate or obovate, less than twice shorter than the adjacent lemma, cartilaginous-leathery, with 7-13 broad veins, scabrous or shortly pilose, acuminated with 2-3 awns slightly deviated from the ear axis. Glumes of the apical spikelet are 4.5-6 mm long. Ribs of the ear axis are often covered with sharp knobs only, without longer prickles. Kernels do not accrete to palea. Wind- and self-pollinated plant. Autochore. Propagated by seed. Blossoms in May; bears fruit in June. 2n=28. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Crimea, Caucasus (Daghestan, Eastern and Southern Transcaucasia, Talysh), Middle Asia (river valleys of Syr-Darya and Amu-Darya in their upper course, western Tien Shan, Gissar-Darvaz, Kopet Dagh), Mediterranean region, Asia Minor and Iran. Ecdemic in many other extratropical countries. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Very rare plant. Only 5 popualtions have been found. The number of individuals is much less than of A. cylindrica. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Annual, ephemeral plant growing to 0.3 m. Drought-resistant. Grows in semi-deserts, on stony and small-grained soils, gravels, near roads, as a weed on field edges and laylands, as well as over foothills reaching the lower mountain zone. Dry acid grassland and stony habitats. Argillaceous semi-deserts, dry hills and as a weed of cultivation. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil. Seed - sow March/April in situ and only just cover the seed. Make sure the soil does not dry out before the plants germinate. Seed can also be sown early March in a greenhouse and planted out in May. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Status is not determined for this plant. The population and individual number is too low and it deserves obtaining the status of NT. Ex situ status - Seeds of A. triuncialis from different region of Georgia are present in seed banks of USDA, ICARDA, VIR, IPK Gatersleben and Kew RBG. Seeds from SamtskheJavakheti are kept at the TBG&BI. In situ status - No information available iv. Current uses Fodder plant. Consumed well by all kinds of livestock until the fruiting phase. This species is believed to have hybridized with primitive forms of Triticum spp (Wheat) to produce some of the more modern Triticum spp. It could, therefore, be of value in wheat breeding programmes. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Barbed goat grass is spread by seed dispersal only. Therefore, any method that reduces seed spread will reduce the spread of the plant. Population disturbances and habitat fragmentation is expected when road construction works are undertaken. d. Current action Unknown Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 69 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of A. triuncialis in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation A. triuncialis should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for hexaploid bread wheat. ii. Site safeguard and management The territory where A. triuncialis is distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti does not needs special conservation measures to be undertaken. iii.. Species management and protection The conservation measures of this species should be directed on establishment of ex situ seed collections and public education on importance of this plant as ancestor of the bread wheat. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring The popualtions of this species will be is species is crossed with winter wheat producing viable hybrids. The genome is used in molecular systematic studies. References: 1. Eig A. 1929. Monographisch-kritische Ubersicht der Gattung Aegilops. Feddes Repertorium Specierum novarum regni vegetabilis Beih, 55:1-228. (in German) 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 4. Gandilyan, P.A. 1978. Toward the taxonomy of the genus Aegilops L. and the classifier of its species. Biological Journal of Armenia, vol. 31, iss.3, pp. 223-232 (in Russian). 5. Slageren M. W. van. 1994. Wild wheats: a monograph of Aegilops L. and Amblyopyrum (Jaub. & Spach) Eig (Poaceae). Wageningen Agriculture University Papers 1994 (7). 513 pp. 6. Tsvelev, N.N. 1976. Cereal grasses of the USSR. Leningrad, Nauka, 788 pp. (in Russian). 7. Zhukovsky, P.M. 1928. Critique and taxonomic survey of Aegilops L. species. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol.18, iss.1, pp. 417-609 (in Russian). 7.1.2. Avena Total 8 species of oats are known in Georgia - 1. Avena sterilis L.; 2. A. trichopylla C. Koch; 3. A. ludoviciana Durieu; 4. A. meridionalis (Malz.) Roshev. (A. fatua subsp. meridionalis Malz.); 5. A. fatua L.; 6. A. sativa L.; 7. A. barbata Pott ex Link; 8. A. eriantha Durieu. 4 wild species – A. barbata, A. fatua; A. ludoviciana; A. meridionalis; and cultivated A. sativa, are distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Wild species are growing as weeds and in natural habitats and play big role in species formation processes. Two species of oats – A. fatua and A. ludoviciana Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 70 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 are considered as close relatives of cultivated oats on the base of chromosome number and species specific fungal disease. These species are weedy plants mixed with grain corns in the field. A. barbata and A. sterilis form separate group and are considered as well as close relative plants of A. sativa. They differ by chromosome number and fungal species but play a role in formation of different varieties of oats by hybridization with cultivated species. We have found representatives of both groups both in Meskheti and Javakheti. Population of A. barbata occurs on dry rocky slope near v. Atskuri. Number of individuals is not high, total 12 plants have been found. They are well developed and form normal seeds. Grazing impact was low. Although, the location is under anthropogenic pressure and might cause diminishing of individual number. Seeds should be collected and kept in the seed banks. A. fatua and A. ludoviciana were found on Javakheti Plateau. These plants were remained on field margins after mowing of wheat field. There were not yet having ripe seeds and were well developed. Populations were not threatened and were spread all along the edges of the fields. Seeds of both species should be collected and kept in the seed bank. Avena barbata Pott. ex Link - Slender oat a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Poaceae Barnhart., genus Avena L. Synonyms. Avena strigosa subsp. barbata (Pott ex Link) Thell. ii. Plant characteristics Annual herb. Stems glabrous, (35)40-100 cm tall. Panicle diffuse, 6.0-25.0 cm long. Spikelets 2.0-3.0 cm long, 2 flowers per spikelet. Spikelet's axis fragile, articulated under each flower in the spikelet. Glumes are equal to each other in size and have 9-10 ribs. Lemma is hairy (or, more rarely, glabrous) with two thin awns, 1.5-6.0 mm long, at the top and one thick, articulate awn at the back. Self-pollinated. Blossoms in April-May; seeds ripen June-July. The seed ripens in the latter half of summer and, when harvested and dried, can store for several years. 2n = 24, 28, 32. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Crimea, Caucasus, Turkmenia. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Only one population have been found in Akhaltsikhe distr., v. Atskuri. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Occurs on stony slopes, in loams, in sands, in meadows, along riversides and as a ruderal plant in fields. Also occurs in plains and at the lower mountain level and in cultivated beds. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by wind. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in full sun. A triploid species, it is rarely cultivated for its edible seed. Oats are in general easily grown plants but, especially when grown on a small scale, the seed is often completely Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 71 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 eaten out by birds. Some sort of netting seems to be the best answer on a garden scale. Seed sow in situ in early spring or in the autumn. Only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Fig. 10. Avena barbata and map of distribution in Meskheti. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - No threats have been determined. Ex situ status - The seeds are collected and kept in in seed banks of USDA, ICARDA, VIR, IPK Gatersleben and Kew RBG. Seeds from Samtskhe-Javakheti are kept at the TBG&BI. In situ status - No protected area are established to defence this species. iv. Current uses Wild relative of cultivated Avena sativa L. Used in breeding programs and can be crossed successfully with A. sativa to produce fertile hybrids resistant to all types of downy mildew. Seed - cooked. Rather small. The seed has a floury texture and a mild, somewhat creamy flavour. It can be used as a staple food crop in either savoury or sweet dishes. The seed can be cooked whole, though it is more commonly ground into flour and used as a cereal in all the ways that oats are used, especially as porridge but also to make biscuits, sourdough bread etc. The seed can Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 72 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 also be sprouted and eaten raw or cooked in salads, stews etc. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. The straw has a wide range of uses such as for bio-mass, fibre, mulch, paper-making and thatching. Some caution is advised in its use as mulch since oat straw can infest strawberries with stem and bulb eelworm. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Grazing and road construction works in Samtskhe-Javakheti represent threats to this species. d. Current action No actions currently are undertaken. e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • • Maintain the current populations of A. barbata in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation A. barbata should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated oat. ii. Site safeguard and management Site is located along highway and represents threat to the survival of the species. The territories near roads should be assigned with special markers indicated the importance of a species. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Future research should be done to discover new populations of this species in the region. References 1. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1980. Wild relatives of the cultivated plants of flora of the USSR. - L.: Kolos, 376 pp. (in Russian). 2. Fedorov A.A., ed. 1974. Flora of the European part of the USSR. - L.: Nauka, Vol. 1. 404 pp. (in Russian). 3. Grossheim A.A. 1939. Flora of Caucasus. - Baku: AzFAN,- Vol. 2. - pp. 587. (in Russian). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 73 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 5. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 6. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 7. Nikitin V.V., Geldihanov A.M. 1988. Field Guide of Plants of Turkmenia. L.: Nauka, 680 p. 8. Rozhevitz P.U., Shishkin V.K., eds. 1937. Flora of the USSR. - M.-L.: AN USSR , Vol. 2. - 778 pp. (in Russian). 9. Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. Fairly readable but not very comprehensive. Deals with plants from around the world. 10. Shelyag-Sosonko Y.P., ed. 1977. Grasses of Ukraine. - Kiev: Naukova Dumka,- 518 pp. (in Russian). 11. Tzvelev N.N. 1976. Poaceae USSR. - L.: Nauka, 788 pp. (in Russian). 7.1.3. Hordeum Wild species of barley are widespread in Georgia. In Flora of Georgia there are mentioned total 8 species 4 of which are now relocated in other genera - (1) Hordeum asperum (Simonk.) Degen ex Hayek [Taeniatherum asperum (Simonk.) Nevski; Cuviera caput-medusae L. var. aspera Simonk.]; (2) H. bulbosum L.; (3) H. crinitum (Schreb.) Desf. [Taeniatherum crinitum (Schreb.) Nevski; Elymus crinitus Schreb.]; (4) H. europaeum [Hordelymus europaeus (L.) Harz (L.) All. ]; (5) H. fragile Boiss. (Psathyrostachys fragilis (Boiss.) Nevski); (6) H. gussoneanum Parl. (H. geniculatum All.); (7) H. leporinum Link; (8) H. violaceum Boiss. & Huet. 6 of these 8 species occur in Samtskhe-Javakheti - H. bulbosum, H. crinitum, H. europaeum, H. fragile, H. leporinum, H. violaceum indicating on high diversity of this genus in the region. In spite of the fact that the direct ancestor of barley - H. spontaneum K. Koch is not included in the Flora of Georgia, we have found two populations of this species. Persistence of such a high number of wild species in Samtskhe-Javakheti puts onto an idea that this region might be considered as one of the center of origin of barley varieties. The habitats of the barley species distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti are quite different. Some of them are growing in ruderal places, on roadsides and near gardens – H. fragile, H. leporinum. There are species occurring in the lower and middle montane belts, growing in shrublands, at the edges of forests on dry stony slopes - H. bulbosum, H. crinitum, H. europaeum. H. violaceum is growing on subalpine and alpine meadows. We have found several populations of H. leporinum and H. fragile along road on roadsides and in ruderal places near settlements. The populations are not numerous and form dense canopy. All individuals are well developed form normal seeds. Some of them are grazed. Threats are road construction works, which might damage them and pollution. It is necessary to collect seeds from different populations and keep them in seed banks. Hordeum spontaneum K. Koch - Wild barley a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Poaceae Benth., genera Hordeum L. ii. Plant characteristics Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 74 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Annual cereal. Stalks are 30-70 (100) cm tall, thick, direct. Leaves flat, narrowly linear, with two crescent lobes at the base covering the stalk. Spike slightly compressed, in double rows, 5-9 cm in length without awns, with fragile, densely tomentous axis. Glumes linear-subulate, densely pubescent, with an edge 15-17 mm in length. Lemma of the medium fertile flower are widely elliptical, bare, with awn 7-15 cm in length. Blossoms in April-June. Anemophilous. 2n=14. Fig. 11. Hordeum spontaneum and map of distribution in Meskheti. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs throughout the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, Asia Minor, Iran, and the Himalayas. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - We have found two populations of H. spontaneum in Meskheti for the first time. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Occurs on stony and small-grained slopes, on taluses, among pebbles, and among bushes. Frequently occurs as a weed plant in crops of barley. i.i.i. Conservation status Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 75 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Threat assessment - Individuals in the population were very few and it causes the threat of disappearance of this species from the region. More abundant populations of this species have been found in the surrounding of the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi and in South-East Georgia, near Rustavi. In all cases it should be considered as rare species. Ex situ status - The seeds we have collected and keep in the TBG&IB. In situ status - The individuals in Samtskhe-Javakheti were found on roadside and were very few, therefore it will be difficult to undertake in situ conservation measures. iv. Current uses This species is wild ancestor of cultivated two-rowed barley and is used in genetical studies to determine domestication problems of the barley. So far no studies have been undertaken on the territory of Georgia as it was not known that this species is growing in Georgia. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Grazing, road construction and habitat fragmentation might threaten this species. d. Current action No actions currently are undertaken. e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of H. spontaneum in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation H. spontaneum should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated barley. ii. Site safeguard and management Site is located along highway and represents threat to the survival of the species. The territories near roads should be assigned with special markers indicated the importance of a species. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Future research should be done to discover new populations of this species in the region. References 1. Grossgeim, A.A. 1939. Flora of Caucasus. Vol. 2. Polypodiaceae-Gramineae. Baku: Publishing house AzFaN, 587 pp. 2. Tzvelev N.N. 1976. Grasses of the USSR. Leningrad: Nauka, 788 pp. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 76 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Hordeum bulbosum L. - Bulbous barley a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Poaceae Benth., genera Hordeum L. ii. Plant characteristics Perennial grass. Stalks are 50-110 cm tall and, at the base, are tuberiform, thickened. Leaves flat, 3-7 mm wide, bare or deflexedly haired. Spikes are 6-13 cm long with very fragile axis. Glumes of medium spikelet are narrow-lanceolate, with an awn 1.2-1.8 cm long; Lemma of medium spikelet have an awn 2-3.6 cm long; and lateral spikelet is awnless or with short awns. Blossoms in May-June. Anemophilous. In the former USSR, there is only the tetraploid variety. 2n=28. Fig. 12. Hordeum bulbosum. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs throughout Southern Crimea, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean from the Iberian peninsula up to Afghanistan. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region -It occurs on hay meadows in upper montane belt and is widespread in the western and southern parts of Meskheti. Especially abundant population are found in Adigeni distr. on Adjara-Imereti range near vv. Mlashe, Mokhe, Dertseli . i.i. Ecogeographic summary Grows in xerophylic bush communities, on stony slopes and on taluses. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil. Succeeds in most soils. Easily grown in light soils. Seed - sow in situ in March or October and only just cover the seed. Make sure the soil surface does not dry out if the weather is dry. Germination takes place within 2 weeks. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - No threats have been detected. Ex situ status - The seeds we have collected and keep in the TBG&IB. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 77 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 In situ status - The populations are protected by fences on hay meadows. iv. Current uses This species is wild relative of cultivated six-rowed barley and is used in genetical studies to determine domestication problems of the barley. So far no studies have been undertaken on the territory of Georgia as it was not known that this species is growing in Georgia. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Grazing, road construction and habitat fragmentation might threaten this species. d. Current action No actions currently are undertaken. e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of H. bulbosum in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation H. bulbosum should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated barley. ii. Site safeguard and management Site is located along highway and represents threat to the survival of the species. The territories near roads should be assigned with special markers indicated the importance of a species. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Future research should be done to discover new populations of this species in the region. References 1. Grossgeim, A.A. 1939. Flora of Caucasus. Vol. 2. Polypodiaceae-Gramineae. Baku: Publishing house AzFaN, 587 pp. 2. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 3. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 5. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 6. Tzvelev N.N. 1976. Grasses of the USSR. Leningrad: Nauka, 788 pp. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 78 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7.1.4. Secale There are 5 wild and naturalized species of rye in Georgia- 1. Secale anatolicum Boiss.; 2. S. cereale L.; 3. S. kuprijanovii Grossh.; S. segetale (Zhuk.) Roshev. (=S. cereale L. subsp. segetale Zhuk.); 4. S. montanum Guss. (=Secale strictum (C. Presl) C. Presl). 5. S. sylvestre Host. 4 of them occur in Samtskhe-Javakheti : cultivated S. cereale, weedy species S. segetale and 2 wild species S. anatolicum and S. montanum. According to other classification systems these two species are synonims. Cultivated (S. cereale) and semiwild rye (S. segetale) are mixed with wheat in the fields both in Meskheti and Javakheti. Wild species are distributed on mountain slopes in Javakheti. We have found 3 locations of the wild S. anatolicum. Secale anatolicum Boiss. - Mountain Rye a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Poaceae Benth. Genera Secale L. Synonims Secale strictum C. Presl subsp. anatolicum (Boiss.) K. Hammer ii. Plant characteristics Perennial cereal. The plant forms friable tussocks. Stalks strong, 60-90 cm of height. Leaves 2-5 mm wide, greyish-green, glabrous. Spike medium, 6-8 cm of length. Spikelet 3,5-4,5 mm of length. Spikelet's axis is fragile. Glumes acuminate, 9-12 mm long. Lemma 9-12 mm long with 9-15 mm long awn. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. 2n=14. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - The Lesser Caucasus, Asia minor. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - We have found tree location of this species in Meskheti and Javakheti. 2 more locations are possibly occurred, but we did not collected material there. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Plant grows on meadows and rural areas. It is distributed in upper montane and alpine belts from 1300 to 2300 m a.s.l. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate strong winds. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained light soil in a sunny position. This species has an excellent potential as a perennial cereal crop in temperate zones. Although the seed is somewhat smaller than the cultivated annual rye, it is produced abundantly, especially from the second year onwards. The plant tillers well, especially in its second and subsequent years, and the ears in selected varieties can be 25 cm long. Seed - sow March or October in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. If the seed is in short supply, it can be grown in pots in the greenhouse or cold frame in early spring. Only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division is possible in Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 79 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer. Fig. 13. Secale anatolicum - 1. population in Zemo Vardzia; 2. population in Niala, near v. Agara; Map of distribution of 3 populations. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - The populations are threatening by grazing and disturbances of habitat. Ex situ status - The seeds are not yet collected. We have been in the expedition when seeds were not ripened. In situ status - The populations are not protected. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 80 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 iv. Current uses Mountain rye is possibly a parent of the cultivated Rye, S. cereale. It is used as fodder plant on mountain pastures and hay meadows. c. Current factors causing loss and decline It grows in association with Cananbis sativa on pastures and abandoned agricultural lands in upper montane zone. Cannabis in the wild is often removing by governmental institutions from the field. This action causes disturbances in root system of Mountain Rye and causes disappearance of the populations or at least decreasing in number of individuals. Therefore, the places, where this species is growing should be protected. d. Current action No actions currently are undertaken. e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of S. anatolicum in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation S. anatolicum should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated rye. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites of population distribution need to be protected. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Future research should be done to discover new populations of this species in the region. References 1. Grossheim A.A. Flora of Caucasus. V.2. Polypodiaceae - Gramineae. - Baku, Publishing house AzFaN, 1939. - 587 pages. 2. Ketskhoveli, N. 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 5. Tzvelev N.N. Cereals of the USSR. - Leningrad: "Nauka", 1976. - 788 pages. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 81 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7.2. Legumes 7.2.1. Lathyrus Cultivated grass pea - Lathyrus sativus L. was domesticated in West Asia with a center of diversity in the Mediterranean region. In Georgia, there are 14 species of Lathyrus. Among them 5 are distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti - L. aphaca L., L. miniatus M. Bieb. ex Steven, L. pratensis L., L. roseus Steven, L. tuberosus L. Lathyrus tuberosus L. Earthnut Pea a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Fam. Fabaceae, genus Lathyrus L. ii. Plant characteristics Perennial growing to 1.2 m. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. Fig. 14. Lathyrus tuberosus. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Europe to West Asia. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs almost on all territory of Meskheti and Javakheti, but the populations contain just little number of individuals, sometimes 1-2. i.i. Ecogeographic summary The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil. It prefers a limestone soil in a warm position, and likes some shade. A climbing plant, scrambling through other plants and supporting itself by tendrils. It tends to be slightly invasive with new stems emerging at some distance from the Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 82 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 parent plant. A good bee plant. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division of the tubers when the plant is dormant in spring or autumn. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Grazing and habitat disturbances. Ex situ status - Seeds are kept in USDA seed bank. In situ status - not protected in the natural habitats. iv. Current uses Used as fodder plant is grazed by livestock animals. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Grazing d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of L. tuberosus in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation L. tuberosus should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated grass pea. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites of population distribution need to be protected. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individual in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0486-20459-6 2. Ketskhoveli, N. 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959 Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 83 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7.2.2. Vicia There are 33 species of Vicia in Georgia. 17 of them are distributed in SamtskheJavakheti region: 1. V. antiqua Grossh. - Caucasian endemic; 2. V. balansae Boiss.; 3. V. cassubica L.; 4. V. cordata Wulf. ex Hoppe; 5. V. ervilia (L.) Willd.; 6. V. grossheimii Ekvtim. Caucasian endemic; 7. V. iberica Grossh.; 8. V. narbonensis L. 9. V. pannonica Cranz; 10. V. peregrina L. 11. V. purpurea Steven; 12. V. sativa L.; 13. V. sepium L.; 14. V. truncatula Fisch. ex M. Bieb.; 15. V. variabilis Freyn & Sint.; 16. V. variegata Sibth. & Sm. - Caucasian endemic; 17. V. villosa Roth. One of the tentatively ancestor of cultivated V. faba is V. narbonensis distributed in different regions of Georgia. It is found between Akhaltsikhe and Abastumani and near v. Atskuri in the fields. V. ervilia and V. sativa are not cultivated nowadays, but is naturalized and is represented as weed in fields. Vicia johannis Tamamsh. –Broad Vetch a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Fam. Fabaceae – Pea family, genus Vicia L. – Vetch Synonims Vicia serratifolia Jacq. This species in Flora of Georgia is determined as Vicia narbonensis L., however, last investiagtions (Bennet, Maxted, 1997) have described it as V. johannis, which differs from V. narbonensis by color of wings of corolla. The three varieties of V. johannis are found - V. johannis var. johannis in south-west Turkey, Iran and Syria, V. johannis var. procumbens is found in central southern Turkey and western Iraq, and V. johannis var. ecirrhosa is found in Armenia, Georgia, Tadjikistan and Kyrgyzstan. ii. Plant characteristics Annual growing to 1m. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. V. johannis differs from V. narbonensis where on the basis of the colour of the wing spot during anthesis and the presence of a terminal leaflet. The latter character separates var. ecirrhosa from the other two varieties. Fig. 15. Vicia johannis b. Current Status Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 84 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Europe. West Asia. North Africa. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in cultivated beds in Meskheti mixed with crops in wheat and barley fields. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Grows in thickets, damp fields and ditches. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. It can fix Nitrogen. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best grown in semi-shade. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in spring or autumn. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - No threats detected. Ex situ status - Seeds are collected and kept in USDA and IPK gene banks. In situ status - The habitat in cultivated beds and protection measures are not necessary to undertake. iv. Current uses This species is probably the parent of the cultivated broad bean, V. faba. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Diminishing of cultivated fields in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Proposed threat might be use of herbicides in the field. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation V. johannis should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated broad bean. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites of population distribution need to be maintained, which is connected with development of sustainable biofarming in the region. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 85 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Bennett S.J. Maxted N. 1997. An ecogeographic analysis of the Vicia narbonensis complex. Genet. Resour. Crop Evol. 44: 411–428. 2. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0486-20459-6 3. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 7.3. Fiber 7.3.1. Linum 12 species of wild flax occur in Georgia - 1. L. catharticum L.; 2. L. nervosum Waldst. & Kit.; 3. L. usitatissimum L.; 4. L. austriacum L.; 5. L. angustifolium Huds.; 6. L. tenuifolium L.; 7. L. liburnicum Scop.; 8. L. trigynum L.; 9. L. hypericifolium Salisb.; 10. L. nodiflorum L.; 11. L. tauricum Willd.; 12. L. orientale (Boiss. & Heldr.) Boiss. (L. flavum L. var. orientale Boiss. & Heldr.). 5 wild species - L. austriacum, L. hypericifolium, L. nervosum, L. nodiflorum, L. tenuifolium and cultivated or naturalized L. usitatissimum are distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Dyed flax fibers have been found in Georgia in a prehistoric cave that date to 34,000 BC. Wild relative of cultivated flax is L. angustifolium distributed in Abkhaseti, Samegrelo, Imereti, Guria and Gare Kakheti, but does not occur in Samtskhe-Javakheti. We have found L. austriacum, L. hypericifolium and L. tenuifolium during the expedition. Most peculiar species is L. hypericifolium growing in subalpine tallgrass vegetation and showing high decorative value. L. tenuifolium is very rare. We have found one small population between vv. Vale and Arali consisting of several individuals. L. austriacum is more widely spread, grows on rocky slopes, on roadsides and dry slopes. Linum humile Mill. - Crown flax, oil flax. a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Linaceae S.F.Gray, genus Linum L. Synonims L. indehiscens subsp. eurasiaticum prol. brevimulticaulia Vav.et Ell., L.usitatissimum var. humile Mill. Bondar., L.usitatissimum subsp. humile (Mill.) Czernom. ii. Plant characteristics Herbaceous annual plant, 30-50 (70) cm tall. This is a bushy plant with two or more stems branching from the bottom. Leaves are 2-3 cm long and 4-5 mm wide, linear-lanceolate, acute on top, smoky blue, with three veins, sessile, spirally and densely arranged on the stem. Flowers are androgynous, pentamerous. Sepals are loose, persistent with fruit, 5-6 mm long, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate; internal ones are white and scarious along the edges. Flowers are Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 86 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 numerous, 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter, set on long pedicels that exceed sepals in length. Petals are 14-18 mm long, light or deep blue. Fruit is a pod 6-8 mm long and 5.7-7 mm in diameter, globular, slightly depressed, yellowish; pod septa are ciliate, less frequently bare. There are 10 seeds in one pod. Seed are ovoid, very oblate, brown, smooth and glossy, 5-6.3 mm long. Entomophilous. Blossoms in May/June; bears fruit in June/July. 2n=30. Fig. 16. Linum humile and location of single population on the map. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Europe, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, Middle Asia, Asia Minor, the Iranian Plateau, Kashgaria, Mediterranean, N. Africa and China. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - only one population have been found near the boundary with Turkey in R. Photskhovi gorge. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Mesoxerophyte. Endures hot and dry climates. Grows in ruderal sites, along roadsides, near homesteads, and as a weed. Distributed throughout forest-steppe and steppe zones of the Cultivated as a spring crop; also grows as a feral plant where it has escaped from cultivation. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position. Considered by most botanists to be no more than a cultivar of L. usitatissimum, it is cultivated for its fibre and seed. Seed - sow early spring in situ. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 87 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Very rare plant in the wild we have found only one population with little number of individuals. Ex situ status - No seed collection have been done as seeds were not yet ripe. In situ status - The population is in boundary zone protected by Georgian military forces. iv. Current uses Industrial (oil-producing) and medicinal herb. Flax seeds contain 30-48% fatty drying oil, 18-33% protein, 12-26% carbohydrates, mucilage (5-12%), organic acids, enzymes, carotene, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, etc. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Not evaluated. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of L. humilis in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation L. humilis should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated flax. ii. Site safeguard and management The site of the found population is protected as it is country's boundary zone. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Balter M. (2009). Clothes Make the (Hu) Man. Science,325(5946):1329.doi:10.1126/science.325_1329a 2. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos, 309-310 pp. (In Russian) 1. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 88 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4. Kvavadze E, Bar-Yosef O, Belfer-Cohen A, Boaretto E,Jakeli N, Matskevich Z, Meshveliani T. (2009).30,000-Year-Old Wild Flax Fibers. Science, 325(5946):1359. doi:10.1126/science.1175404 Supporting Online Material 7.4. Vegetables 7.4.1. Allium The following species of Allium occur in Samtskhe-Javakheti - A. albidum Fisch. ex M. Bieb.; A. atroviolaceum Boiss.; A. cardiostemon Fisch. & Mey. A. fuscoviolaceum Fomin; A. karsianum Fomin; A. kunthianum Vved.; A. leucanthum K. Koch; A. moschatum L.; A. ponticum Miscz. ex Grossh.; A. pseudoflavum Vved.; A. rotundum L.; A. victorialis L.; A. vineale L. Most of these species are widely distributed. Only one population of A. cardiostemon occurs in the whole Georgia and this location is in Javakheti in protected are of Tetrobi Managed Reserve. Allium cardiostemon Fisch. & C. A. Mey. a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Fam. Liliaceae, genus Allium L. ii. Plant characteristics This makes a 40 cm tall stem with a large, tightly-packed, large and dense umbel of showy dark blackish-purple flowers. The colour of ripe blackcurrants. Anthers are shorter than tepals. Flowers in summer from VI-VII. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Native to Iran, Iraq, Turkey and the Caucasus. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Only one population occurs in Georgia located on calcareous Tetrobi Plateau in J avakheti. i.i. Ecogeographic summary It needs a dry sum m er rest. Grows on stony meadows and slopes. Late flowering Easily growing in a well-drained sunny site and very valuable for its late flowering and deeply coloured flowers, which are borne with the leaves. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Threat does not occur as population is located in protected are of Tetrobi Managed Reserve. Ex situ status - The bulbs are preserved in living collection of TBG&IB and IPK. In situ status - Seeds are not collected. iv. Current uses No uses is known. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 89 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 17. Allium cardiostemon and location of single population on the map. c. Current factors causing loss and decline No threat. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of A. cardiostemon in Tetrobi Managed Reserve. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation A. cardiostemon should be declared as species of high economic value as rare plant. ii. Site safeguard and management The site of the found population is protected area. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 90 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Davis, P. H., ed. 1965–1988. Flora of Turkey and the east Aegean islands. (F Turk) 2. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 3. Komarov, V. L. et al., eds. 1934–1964. Flora SSSR. (F USSR) 4. Rechinger, K. H., ed. 1963– Flora Iranica. (F Iran) 7.4.2. Asparagus Asparagus is not cultivated in Georgia, however, it is collected in the wild as edible plant and pripared food as from the cultivated species. Three species are found in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Caucasian endemic A. caspius Schult. & Schult. fil. A. officinalis L., A. verticillatus L., Asparagus caspius Schult. & Schult. a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Fam. Asparagaceae, genus Asparagus L. ii. Plant characteristics A. caspius is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 100–150 centimetres (39–59 in) tall, with crimbing stems with much-branched feathery foliage. The "leaves" are in fact needle-like cladodes (modified stems) in the axils of scale leaves; they are 6–32 millimetres (0.24–1.3 in) long and 1 millimetre (0.039 in) broad, and clustered 4–15 together. It has triangular form on transverse section. Its roots are tuberous .The flowers are bell-shaped, greenish-white to yellowish, 4.5–6.5 millimetres (0.18–0.26 in) long, with six tepals partially fused together at the base; they are produced singly or in clusters of 2-3 in the junctions of the branchlets. It is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, but sometimes hermaphrodite flowers are found. The fruit is a small red berry 6–10 mm diameter. b. Current Status Caucasian endemic. i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - It is distributed in Meskheti among shibliak vegetation on dry slopes of foothills and river banks. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 91 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires welldrained soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil but is drought tolerant. Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°C. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Habitat degradation and wood cutting are main threats for this species. Ex situ status - No attempts are undertaken so far to preserve germplasm of this species In situ status - The habitats, such as riparian forests and open woodlands, where this species occurs should be preserved as priority habitats. Fig. 18. Asparagus caspius iv. Current uses Asparagus has been used from early times as a vegetable and medicine, owing to its delicate flavour and diuretic properties. There is a recipe for cooking asparagus in Meskheti Young shoots are cooked, put in whipped eggs and flour and fry in plant oil. When ready, sour cream is added. c. Current factors causing loss and decline No threat. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of A. caspius in Meskheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 92 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 A. caspium and two other wild species of asparagus should be declared as species of high economic value as edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The sites need protection but concrete locations will not be possible to conserve. It will be more effective to declare the habitats as priority types and protect by legislation. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 4. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0486-20459-6 5. Ketskhoveli, N. 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 6. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 7.4.3. Brassica 4 wild species of genus Brassica are distributed in Georgia - B. napus L., B. campestris L., B. elongata Ehrh., B. juncea (L.) Czern. (=Sinapis juncea L.). In Meskheti only one species occurs - B. elongata, which is close relative to the cultivated B. oleracea. Brassica elongata Ehrh. - Elongated Mustard (English) a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Brasicaceae, genus Brassica L. Synonyms:Brassica elongata ssp. integrifolia (Boiss.) Breistr, Brassica elongata var. pinnatifida Smal'g., Brassica subscaposa Maire & Weiller, Erucastrum armoracioides (Czern. ex Turcz.) Cruchet The Euro+Med Plantbase Project (2006) lists five subspecies of B. elongata: B. elongata Ehrh. ssp. elongata, B. elongata ssp. imdrhasiana Quézel, B. elongata ssp. integrifolia (Boiss.) Breistr., B. elongata ssp. pinnatifida (Schmalh.) Greuter & Burdet, and B. elongata ssp. subscaposa (Maire & Weiller) Maire. ii. Plant characteristics B. elongata is a biennial to perennial plant with erect stems up to 1 metre tall. The basal leaves are pinnately lobed to shallowly toothed; the stem leaves are much reduced, and do not clasp the stem. The petals are 6-8.5mm long. The fruits are 1-4cm long, with a stalk-like base above the sepal scars and a seedless narrow beak. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 93 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Russian Federation, Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, Morocco, Afghanistan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbijan, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro (USDA, ARS, 2006). Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - In Meskheti occurs in arid zone along R. Mtkvari and R. Potskhovi gorges. i.i. Ecogeographic summary It is distributed on salt affected soil, e.g. in semi-desert area in Aspindza distr, in Nitrarietum, along roads and river gorges on stony dry slopes. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil. Succeeds in any reasonable soil Fig. 19. Brassica elongata. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - The main threat is habitat disturbances as it grows in rural areas on roadsides and urban environment. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 94 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Ex situ status - No data available on seed collections of this species. In situ status - No protection measures are undertaken to protect this species in natural habitats. iv. Current uses In many countries edible oil is obtained from the seed but not practices in Georgia. The seed contains up to 34% of edible oil that can also be used for lighting, making paints, etc. c. Current factors causing loss and decline No threat. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of B. elongata in Meskheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation B. elongata should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The sites will not be protected as these are rural environment. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn 1980 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 7.4.4. Coriandrum Coriandrum sativum L. – Coriander a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Umbelliferae, genus Coriandrum L. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 95 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 ii. Plant characteristics Annual plant. The whole plant is non-pubescent. Root is thin, fusiform. Stem is straight, orbicular in section, with thin grooves, branchy from the bottom or only in the upper part, 20-70 cm tall. Leaves are light green. Root leaves wither early, set on long stalks, either whole with incised-dentate edges, or tri-lobed, or simply pinnate with orbicular-cuneate dentate leaflets. Lower cauline leaves are bipinnate with a few ovate leaflets, pinnately incised and wedge-shaped at the base. Middle and upper cauline leaves are sessile on oblong sheaths with wide film along the edge, bi- or tripinnate, with linear, almost filiform smooth-edged sharp lobules. Umbels with 3-5 bare rays are set on long peduncles. Swathe is absent or consists of one leaflet. Involucels are one-sided, more often with 3 very narrow leaflets. Petals are white or reddish. Outer (unpaired) petal in marginal flowers is 3-4 mm long, bilobate, with oblong lobes; 2 adjacent lateral petals are asymmetrically obovate, bilobate, with the anterior lobe much longer than the posterior one; 2 remaining petals are small, symmetrically obcordate. Inner flowers of the main umbel have slightly emarginate petals. Fruit is globular, 2-5 mm in diameter, brownish yellow or stramineous. Styles are elongated, deflected from one another at an acute angle, with a stigma incrassate at the tip. Blossoms in June-July; bears fruit in August. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. The fresh seed has a disagreeable and nauseous smell, but when dried it becomes fragrant, the longer it is kept the more fragrant it becomes Fig. 20. Coriandrum sativum. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Worldwide distribution, including Central and Atlantic Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and Iran. Occurs in North and South America as an ecdemic plant. Within the former USSR, this species occurs in the European region (NearBaltic, Upper-Dnieper, Upper-Volga, Volga-Don, Lower-Don, Volga-Kama and Trans-Volga regions); the Far East (Ussuri region); the Caucasus (Ante-Caucasus and Trans-Caucasus, except the northern part); and Central Asia (Amu-Darya, Syr-Darya, Western Tien Shan and Mountainous Turkmenistan regions). Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in Meskheti near Akhaltsikhe and in direction to Adigeni in dry areas along roads and in cultivated fields. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 96 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 i.i. Ecogeographic summary Occurs on dry mountainsides and meadows, more often as a weedy plant in disturbed ecotopes. Occurs near homesteads, along roads, in orchards and in kitchen gardens. Easily grows in the wild. Is growing as weed in cultivated beds and wheat and barley fields. Occupies waste places and arable land, often by the sides of rivers. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - The herbicides used in the field might cause diminishing of the number of individuals and disappearance of wild populations of this species. Ex situ status - Seeds of this species but from Gare-Kakheti is delivered to the IPK Gatersleben gene bank. The populations in Samtskhe-Javakheti region In situ status - The cultivated fields will be possible to protect to use herbicides, which will cause disappearance of this species. iv. Current uses Leaves of cultivated C. sativum is used as raw or cooked. They are used as flavouring in salads, soups, etc. Young shoots are edible (traditionally in the Caucasus under the name of kindzi) as a spicy herb. Fruit contains essential coriander oil (0.68-0.9%). This oil is used in perfumery, for synthesis of a number of fragrant substances, in the soap industry, liqueur production, and medicine (usually to improve taste and smell of medicaments). Coriander fruit are also utilized to spice confectionary and food products (canned meat). After essential oil distillation, the raw stuff is used for producing fatty oil (up to 18% in fruit). This oil is utilized in soap production and in the textile industry. The cake (meal) remaining after fatty oil production is rich in protein and may be fed to livestock. Green parts of the plant also contain essential oils, but their composition is different from that of the fruit. c. Current factors causing loss and decline The use of herbicides and currently is not a big threat but in perspective it might cause diminishing of the number of individuals in wild populations. Mineral fertilizer might lead to the change of soil characters and disturb habitat of wild weed species including C. sativum. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of C. sativum in Meskheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation C. sativum should be declared as species of high economic value as wild edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The sites will be protected as cultivated beds by leading of bioecological agriculture. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 97 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Cherepanov, S.K., Plantae Vasculares Rossicae et Civitatum Collimitanearum (in limicis USSR olim). St. Petersburg, "Mir I Semia", 1995, 990 p. (in Russian). 2. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 3. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 4. Grossheim, A.A. 1967. Flora of Caucasia. Leningrad, Nauka, Vol. VII, 311 p. (in Russian). 5. Shishkin B.K., ed. 1950. Flora of the USSR. Vol. XVI. M.-L.: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences, p. 468-469. (in Russian). 6. Tsvelev, N.N. 2000. Manual of the vascular plants of Northwestern Russia (Leningrad, Pskov and Novgorod district). St. Petersburg, Publishing House of SPHFA, 781 p. (in Russian). 7.4.5. Lepidium Lepidium perfoliatum L. - Clasping Pepperweed a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Brassicaceae, genus Lepidium L. ii. Plant characteristics General: simple to freely branched annual 20-60 cm tall, usually somewhat short-hairy below, hairless and covered with waxy coating above. Leaves: the basal ones bi- or tripinnatifid into narrow, linear segments, the lower stem leaves usually similar, alternate, gradually modified upward and becoming ovate, pointed, heartshaped, clasping stem with large ear-like lobes at the base, entire or sometimes with small teeth. Flowers: numerous in dense clusters, later becoming elongate. Flower stalks slender, spreading-ascending, about 5 mm long. The 4 sepals brownish at least toward the tip, about 1 mm long. The 4 petals about 1.5 mm long, narrowly spatulate, yellowish. Stamens usually 6. Flowering time: April-June. Fruits: pods, rhombic-ovate, about 4 mm long and as broad, strongly flattened, hairless or occasionally slightly short-hairy, barely winged at the tip, slightly notched, the space about 0.2 mm deep. Style about 0.2 mm long. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - A well established and very widespread European weed, common in much of the U.S. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 98 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Only two populations have been discovered during field trips in Meskheti. One population was known from the herbarium data another we have found in the cultivated field on the road from Akhaltsikhe to Adigeni. i.i. Ecogeographic summary It grows mostly on dry, waste or overgrazed land. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Grows on road side in disturbed areas and in cultivated beds. The disturbances of habitat Ex situ status - The seeds in Samtskhe-Javakheti region not have been collected. In situ status - The protection of rural habitats where the species is growing is not effective. iv. Current uses The plant is occasionally cultivated as a vegetable in China. The plant has been used as a preventive of scurvy. Fig. 21. Lepidium perfoliatum. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 99 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 c. Current factors causing loss and decline No threat. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of L. perforatum in Meskheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation L. perforatum should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The sites will not be protected as these are rural environment. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Cherepanov S.K. 1995. Plantae Vasculares Rossicae et Civitatum Collimitanearum (in limicis USSR olim). St. Petersburg: Mir I Semia, 990 pp. (In Russian) 2. Dorofeev V.I. 1998. Family Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) middle Zone of the European part of the Russian Federation. Turchaninowia, Barnaul, 1(3): 94 pp. (In Russian) 3. Dorofeev V.I. 2002. Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) of European Russia. Turchaninowia, Barnaul, 5(3): 115 pp. (In Russian) 4. Grossheim, A.A. 1950. Flora of the Caucasus. Vol. 4. Moscow-Leningrad, 117 pp. (In Russian) 5. Harkevitch S.S., ed. 1988. Vascular Plants of the Soviet Far East. Vol. 3. Leningrad: Nauka, 42 pp. (In Russian) 6. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 7. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 8. Tsvelev N.N. 2000. Vascular Plants of Russia and the Contiguous States (Determinant)(Leningrad, Pskov and Novgorod district). St. Petersburg: Publishing House of SPHFA, 781 pp. (In Russian) Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 100 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7.4.6. Satureja Two species of savory are cultivated in Georgia – summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and creeping savory (S. spicigera). The last is growing in the wild and is cultivated in Guria and Lower Adjara. Cultivated and wild species of savory contain the essential oil determining their aroma and are widely used in culinary as aromatic and conserving substance. The phenols in the essential oil determine its antimicrobial activity and inhibit activity of pathogenic microbes and protect food products from the spoilage. At the same time it represents environmentally safer alternatives of conservatives. They are effective against phytopathogenic fungi. As a medicinal plant, summer savory has been traditionally used against cold, as a stimulant, carminative, expectorant, and aphrodisiac. There are 3 native wild species of savory distributed in Georgia - (1) S. bzybica Woronow, (2) S. laxiflora K. Koch and (3) S. spicigera (K. Koch) Boiss. In Meskheti there are two wild species - S. laxiflora and S. spicigera distributed throughout in arid habitats of Akhalthikhe district. Perennial S. spicigera and wild S. laxiflora were traditionally used in Georgia as medicinal plants. Satureja laxiflora K. Koch - Forest savory a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Labiatae, genus Satureja L. Synonym Satureja hortensis L. ii. Plant characteristics S. laxiflora (Tkis kondari in Georg.) is 10-30 cm tall annual herb with branched stem. Flowers are pink, flowering between June and October. Seeds ripen from August to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Seed - sow April in situ and only just cover. Germinates in about 2 weeks. The plant strongly resents root disturbance so do not transplant it. In areas with mild winters an autumn sowing will provide an earlier supply of leaves. Fig. 22. Satureja hortensis. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 101 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs in different regions of Georgia, in the whole Caucasus, in Eastern Anatolia and Iran. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs on forest edges and grassed stony slopes along roads gorges in Meskheti. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Grows in dry places, on stony slopes, in lower and middle montane belts. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - No threats are detected. Ex situ status - Seeds are not collected so far In situ status - No data available iv. Current uses Local population of high-mountain region of Samegrelo, in western Georgia, especially shepherds, used water solution of grained creeping savory and garlic against cold and fever (PC, Givi Eliava, t. Martvili). Oncho, like summer savory, is said to be a sovereign remedy for colic, bronchitis and a cure for flatulence (Bown, 1995). There is a famous mixture called “Tibu” traditionally used against cold in Samegrelo. Maize flour is cooked in plenty of water and there are added dry or fresh grained leaves of savory, garlic, hot pepper and salt. The mixture is takes as hot and it causes intensive perspiration and the condition of the patient is improved very rapidly (PC, Eter Solomonia, Tbilisi). Oncho is harvested in Meskheti in the nature and a tea is prepared, which is used as blood pressure reliever (PC, Anaida Bagdasarian, t. Akhaltsikhe). Summer savory is effective against neuroses (PC, Liana Baginashvili, v. Tsnisi, Akhaltsikhe distr.). In should be noted that native Georgian population living currently in Turkey is using savory for traditional medicinal treatments till today as carminative and sugar relieving remedy at the diabetes mellitus (PC, Gunesh and Fatma Akaltun, v. Robati, Imerkhevi, Artvin Vilaiet, Turkey). c. Current factors causing loss and decline No threat. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of S. spicigera in Meskheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation S. spicigera should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 102 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 The sites can not be protected as the popualtions are very scattered and widspread along roads and forest edges. No local distribution is characteristic for this species. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Kapeller, O. 1952. Satureja L.- Kondari (Satureja L.- Savory). In: “Sakartvelos flora” (Flora of Georgia). 1st ed. Ed. N. Ketskhoveli. v. 7, Publish. Acad. Scien. Georg., Tbilisi, p. 394-401. (Georg.). 2. Kapanadze, D. 1987. Satureja L.- Kondari (Satureja L.- Savory). In: “Sakartvelos flora” (Flora of Georgia). 2nd ed. Ed. R. Gagnidze. v. 11, Metsniereba, Tbilisi, p. 183-189. (Georg.). 3. Javakhishvili I. 1986. Sakartvelos ekonomiuri istoria (Economic history of Georgia). 2nd ed. Works in 12 volumes, v. 5, Publish Georg. Acad. Scien. and Tbilisi State Univ., Tbilisi. p. 259-260. (Georg.). 4. Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR). Cambridge,University Press. Satureja spicigera (K. Koch) Boiss. - Creeping savory a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Labiatae, genus Satureja Synonyms Satureja repandra, Satureja reptans -Hort. Local names There are some geographic names originated form the Georgian name of this plant – “Oncho” (Makashvili, 1951). E.g. “Onchevi” – a village in Oni distr.; “Oncheishi” – two different villages in Kutaisi distr. and “Onchiketi” – as well two villages in Chokhatauri distr. Although, it is of interest that name “Oncho”, according to A. Makashvili (1951), is in use only in Guria and local name of this plant in other provinces of Georgia is “tkis kondari” – forest savory, which is correct name of S. laxiflora (Makashvili, 1951). ii. Plant characteristics S. spicigera is perennial herb. Flowers are white or slightly pink, flowering between July and October. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 103 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 23. Satureja spicigera b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Outside of Georgia it occurs in the whole Caucasus, Tallish, Eastern Anatolia and Iran. Occurs mainly in lower and middle montane belts of the western Georgia. Especially abundant populations are found in Racha, Lechkhumi and Imereti. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - We have found S. spicigera near Borjomi and in Meskheti on dry slopes of foothills and middle montane belt. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Grows on stony slopes. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. Seed - sow April in situ and only just cove. Germinates in about 2 weeks. The plant strongly resents root disturbance so do not transplant it. In areas with mild winters an autumn sowing will provide an earlier supply of leaves. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - No threats are detected. Ex situ status - Seeds are not collected so far In situ status - No data available iv. Current uses It is attractive for honey bees and contains essential oil. Oncho – creeping savory is used more rarely. A. Makashvili in his work (1951) cites fragment from the first book of the trilogy of P. Chkhikvadze – “Steps”, where the description of the Georgian dinner is given at the Prince Sharvashidze house. Among other dishes here is mentioned “fresh cheese with “pitna” (mint), oncho (creeping savory) and ombalo (Pennyroyal)”. Oncho is used for flavoring of fresh cheese in Guria until today. Specific aroma and flavor of savory is determined by rich content of essential oils. One might be expected that the local population in Guria was informed from antiquity that in addition to spices and their derivatives being used for flavoring foods and beverages and for medication, they have also been highly valued for their use as antimicrobials determining food conservation. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 104 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 No threat. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of S. spicigera in Meskheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation S. spicigera should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The sites can not be protected as the popualtions are very scattered and widspread along roads and forest edges. No local distribution is characteristic for this species. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 5. Bown. D. 1995. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 6. Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR). Cambridge,University Press. 7. Javakhishvili I. 1986. Sakartvelos ekonomiuri istoria (Economic history of Georgia). 2nd ed. Works in 12 volumes, v. 5, Publish Georg. Acad. Scien. and Tbilisi State Univ., Tbilisi. p. 259-260. (Georg.). 8. Kapanadze, D. 1987. Satureja L.- Kondari (Satureja L.- Savory). In: “Sakartvelos flora” (Flora of Georgia). 2nd ed. Ed. R. Gagnidze. v. 11, Metsniereba, Tbilisi, p. 183-189. (Georg.). 9. Kapeller, O. 1952. Satureja L.- Kondari (Satureja L.- Savory). In: “Sakartvelos flora” (Flora of Georgia). 1st ed. Ed. N. Ketskhoveli. v. 7, Publish. Acad. Scien. Georg., Tbilisi, p. 394-401. (Georg.). 10. Lipski, V.I. 1899. Flora Kavkaza (Flora of the Caucasus). Sankt-Peterburg, TipoLithography Gerold, p. 417. (Russ.). 11. Makashvili, A. 1951. Kolkhetis utsnobi kulturebi (Unknown cultivated plants of Kolkheti) Works Tbilisi State Univer. 44:31-88. (Georg.). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 105 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7.5. Berries 7.5.1. Ribes It is edible shrub. The fruits are collected for food and prepared jam and preserves. Three species of Ribes occurs in Georgia - R. alpinum L. R. biebersteinii Berl. ex DC., and R. orientale Desf. R. alpinum are distributed in treeline ecotone of Samtskhe-Javakheti region, R. biebersteinii grows only in Meskheti and and R. orientale Occurs in Javakheti. Cultivated garden species are - Ribes nigrum L. - European black currant and Ribes rubrum L. - Red currant. Ribes alpinum L.- Alpine Currant. a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Grossulariaceae DC., genus Ribes L. synonyms R. lucidum Kit.ex Kanitz.ii. Cultivars 'Aureum' - A dwarf spreading female form to about 1 metre tall, the leaves are bright yellow at first, becoming green-yellow later. It can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way. 'Green Mound' - This cultivar makes a good dwarf hedge. 'Pumilum' - A dwarf spreading female form only 1 metre tall, it can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way. Some flowers have fertile stamens. Plant characteristics Shrub 0.5 to 1.5 m tall. Bud scales membranaceous. Leaves up to 4 cm wide, trilobate, with adpressed rigid glandular bristles above, glabrous beneath, lucid. Plants dioecious. Inflorescences not drooping, male has 15-30 flowers, female 1-5 flowers. Petals greenish-yellow, spatulate, 4 times shorter than ovate calyx lobes. Bracteoles as long as pedicels or longer. Pedicels with glandular bristles. Berries pink, mealy to the taste. Anemophylous. Zoo- and ornithochore. Flowers in May-June, fruits in July-August. Fig. 24. Ribes alpinum Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 106 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - General distribution: Europe from Scandinavia south and east to N. Africa, Italy, Montenegro, Bulgaria. In the former USSR - European part of Russia, the Caucasus. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in Trialeti range and in all mountainous parts of Meskheti at upper montane and treeline ecotone. i.i. Ecogeographic summary In treeline ecotone, light mixed forests, forest glades and fringes, on terraces of river banks. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires welldrained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification at 0 - 9°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions the seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Global warming might change habitat of this species, especially changes in precipitation and snow cover might cause damages of individuals. Ex situ status - No information is available on seed collection of this species. In situ status - the treeline ecotone should be declared as priority habitat of Natura2000 sites. iv. Current uses Food. Ornamental. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Global warming can cause habitat change at the treeline ecotone were this species grows. Grazing effect now is low but if it grows will damage the individuals. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of R. alpinum in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation R. alpinum should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 107 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 The treeline ecotone should be declared as priority area of the Natura2000 where Georgia intends to join. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Dirr M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009Budantsev AL., 2. Grossheim AA. 1950. Flora of Caucasus. V.4. Moscow; Leningrad. (In Russian). Sokolov SI., Svjaseva OA., Kubli VA. 1977. Distribution ranges of trees and shrubs of the USSR. V.1. Leningrad: Nauka. p.263. (In Russian). 3. Sokolov SI., Svjaseva OA., Kubli VA. 1980. Distribution ranges of trees and shrubs of the USSR. V.2. Leningrad: Nauka. 107 p. Map 28A. (In Russian). 4. Tzvelev NN., ed. 2001. Flora of East Europe. V.10. St.Petersburg P.240. (In Russian). 5. Cherepanov SK. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR). St.Petersburg. 990 p. (In Russian). Ribes biebersteinii Berl. ex DC. a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Grossulariaceae DC., genus Ribes L. synonyms Ribes petraeum Wulfen var. biebersteinii (Berland.) C. K. Schneid., Ribes caucasicum - Bieb. Plant characteristics Perennial deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5-2 m. It is in flower in May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. Shrub has bare, light-coloured shoots. Leaves are thin, heart-shaped, large, up to 10 cm in length and 13 cm in width, usually 5-lobed; can be bare on both sides (f. glabrum Grossh.) or densely pilose below (f. hirtum Grossh.), less frequently with glandular hairs on the upper surface of the leaf and along the veins on the underside. Racemes are 4-12 cm long, horizontal, drooping under fruits, loose, with 15-50 flowers. Pedicels are 2-3 mm long. Flowers are 5-6 mm long, dark purple, with sepals deflected backwards. Hypanthium is bell-shaped, with notable excrescences under the petals. Styles are wide-conical, up to 2 mm in length. Ovary is semi-inferior. Berries are small, 6-7 mm in diameter, dark red or purple-black. Blossoms in June; bears fruit beginning in late August. Entomophilous. Zoochore. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 108 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 25. Ribes biebersteinii b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs throughout the Caucasus and on the Pontus Ridge in Asia Minor. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all mountainous parts of Meskheti at upper montane and treeline ecotone. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Occurs in treeline ecotone, in the forests of the middle mountain zone and in sub-alpine shrubbery. Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification at between 0 and 5°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions the seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Global warming might change habitat of this species, especially changes in precipitation and snow cover might cause damages of individuals. Ex situ status - No information is available on seed collection of this species. In situ status - the treeline ecotone should be declared as priority habitat of Natura2000 sites. iv. Current uses Berries are edible, having sour flavour. May be used to make jelly and drinks. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Global warming can cause habitat change at the treeline ecotone were this species grows. Grazing effect now is low but if it grows will damage the individuals. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 109 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of R. biebersteinii in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation R. biebersteinii should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The treeline ecotone should be declared as priority area of the Natura2000 where Georgia intends to join. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009Budantsev AL., 2. Grossheim AA. 1950. Flora of Caucasus. V.4. Moscow; Leningrad. (In Russian). Sokolov SI., Svjaseva OA., Kubli VA. 1977. Distribution ranges of trees and shrubs of the USSR. V.1. Leningrad: Nauka. p.263. (In Russian). 3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 4. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 5. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 6. Nakhutsrishvili G. (1999). The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174. 7. Komarov V.L., ed. 1939. Flora of the USSR. Vol. 9. Moscow-Leningrad: Publishing House Acad. Sci. USSR, p. 245-246. (in Russian). 8. Poyarkova, A.I. 1936. Critical review of wild currant and gooseberry species in the Soviet Union. Flora and taxonomy of higher plants. Works of the Botanical Institute, USSR Academy of Sciences, series 1, issue 2, pp. 184. (in Russian). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 110 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7.5.2. Rubus Rubus idaeus L. - Raspberry a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Rosaceae Juss. genus Rubus L. synonyms Rubus cericeus Gilib., Batidaea idaea (L.) Greene Cultivars 'Autumn Bliss' - A large fruit with a firm flesh and a pleasant mild flavour. It bridges the gap between late summer cultivars and the autumn bearing forms. Canes are fairly erect and can be grown without support, they are resistant to some viruses. 'Glen Cova' , 'Leo, 'Lloyd George' , 'Malling Admiral' , 'Malling Delight', 'Malling Jewel' , 'Malling Joy' , 'Malling Promise' , 'Zeva' Plant characteristics Semishrub, 0.5-1.8 m high. First-year offshoots are green, fruitless, with thin straight aciculae and glaucousness. Second-year offshoots are somewhat lignified, yellowish, fruitbearing; branches with leaves are green. Leaves are odd-pinnate, consisting of 3-5 (7) leaflets; stipules are thread-like; petioles are grooved from above. Leaflets have white tomentose underside, but from above they are almost naked, rather finely and irregularly serrate. Flowers are assembled in axillary oliganthous racemes and a terminal corymbose-paniculate inflorescence. Petals are white. Peduncles and pedicels are covered with dispersed setae without glandules. There are 5 sepals; they are gray-green, deflected. Stamina and carpels are plentiful. Fruits are globular red or, less frequently, yellow polydrupes, 12-18 mm long and 10-14 mm wide, easily detachable from their white cylindrical-conical receptacles; drupes are small (approximately 3 mm), juicy, velvety-downy. Entomophilous, ornito- and zoochore. Propagated by seed, root suckers or softwood cuttings. Blossoms in June, bears fruit in July/August. 2n=14. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - This plant has a disjunctive area of distribution, whose major part engulfs the forest zone and adjacent forest-steppe areas of the European part of the ex-USSR and Western Siberia; Crimea (infrequent in the Crimean mountains); Eastern Siberia (Central Siberian Plateau - riverbanks of the Uda and the Artumey; vicinities of the Chekan River; southern shore line of Baikal); Caucasus (Greater and Lesser Caucasus, Talysh); Middle Asia (Saur, Tarbagatai, Dzungarian Ala Tau, Trans-Ili Range, etc.); Scandinavia; Central and Atlantic Europe; Mediterranean region; Asia Minor; Mongolia; Japan; China; North America; Australia (naturalized). Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all mountainous parts of Meskheti and Javakheti at upper montane and treeline ecotone. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 111 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 26. Rubus idaeus i.i. Ecogeographic summary Mesophyte. Grows in sparse mixed forests and groves, on forest edges, glades and clearings, over gullies and meadows, along riverbanks, as single plants or in groups, inhabiting plains and mountains, both in the forest zone and forest mountain belt. Occurs on rich moist soils, poorly tolerates droughts, has low winter-hardiness. Prefers a good deep well-drained loamy soil on the acid side. Dislikes very heavy soils, light soils and alkaline soils. Prefers an open position but tolerates some shade. Plants crop less well when grown in the shade of trees though they do well in the open on a north-facing slope. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5. Raspberries are frequently cultivated in temperate regions of the world, both in the garden and commercially, for their edible fruit. There are many named varieties able to supply fresh fruit from mid-summer to the autumn. High costs of picking the fruit means that little is actually sold fresh, most of the commercially cultivated crops either being used for preserves or grown for the 'Pick Your Own' trade. All the cultivars are self-fertile. This species has biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock, these stems fruit in their second year and then die. It is best not to grow raspberries near blackberries or potatoes. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Global warming might change habitat of this species, especially changes in precipitation and snow cover might cause damages of individuals. Ex situ status - No information is available on seed collection of this species. In situ status - the treeline ecotone should be declared as priority habitat of Natura2000 sites. iv. Current uses Berries are edible, delicious when eaten out of hand, the fruit is also used in pies, preserves etc. Root - cooked. The root, which should be neither too young nor too old, requires a lot of boiling. Young shoots - peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus. They are harvested Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 112 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 as they emerge through the ground in the spring and whilst they are still tender. A herb tea is made from the dried leaves. Another report says that a type of tea made from raspberry and blackberry leaves is an excellent coffee substitute. Used as medicinal plant. Antiemetic. The leaves and roots are anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, ophthalmic, oxytocic and stimulant. A tea made from them is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, as a tonic for the uterus to strengthen pregnant women, and as an aid in childbirth. The tea has also been shown as effective in relieving painful menstrual cramps. The active ingredients both stimulate and relax the uterus. They can be used during the last three months of pregnancy and during childbirth, but should not be used earlier. Externally, the leaves and roots are used as a gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, as a poultice and wash to treat sores, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use. The fruit is antiscorbutic and diuretic. Fresh raspberry juice, mixed with a little honey, makes an excellent refrigerant beverage to be taken in the heat of a fever. Made into a syrup, it is said to have a beneficial effect on the heart. A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. A fibre obtained from the stems is used in making paper. The stems are harvested in the summer after the fruit has been eaten, the leaves are removed and the stems are steamed until the fibres can be stripped. The fibres are cooked for 2 hours with lye and then hand beaten with mallets or ball milled for 3 hours. The paper is light brown in colour. A decongestant face-mask made from the fruit is used cosmetically to soothe reddened skin. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Global warming can cause habitat change at the treeline ecotone were this species grows. Grazing effect now is low but if it grows will damage the individuals. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of R. idaeus in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation R. idaeus should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The treeline ecotone should be declared as priority area of the Natura2000 where Georgia intends to join. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 113 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 References 1. Atlas of the areas of distribution and resources of medicinal plants in the USSR.1983. Tolmachev.s A.I. (ed.). Moscow: Principal Office of Geodesy and Cartography, p.262. (in Russian). 2. Brezhnev, D.D., Korovina, O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos, pp.210-211. (in Russian). 3. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 5. Sokolov, S.I., Svjaseva, O.A., Kubli, V.A. 1980. Areas of distribution of trees and shrubs in the USSR. vol.2. Leningrad: Nauka, p.80 (in Russian). 7.6. Fruits 7.6.1. Cerasus Cerasus avium (L.) Moench - Wild Cherry a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Rosaceae Juss., genus Cerasus Hill synonyms Prunus avium L., Cerasus nigra Mill., Cerasus sylvestris Lund., C. dulcie Gaertn. Plant characteristics Tree up to 23(35) m tall, producing no rootstock, with an oviform crown. Leaves are up to 16 cm long and 8 cm wide, oblong-ovate or elliptic, abruptly tapered at the top into a sharp point, biserrate along the edge, with denticles sharpened into a cartilaginous point, naked from above and slightly pilose from below over the whole surface or only along the veins. Petioles have two glandules in the upper part. Stipules are linear, adenodentate. Flowers, grouped into oliganthous umbels, are set on naked pedicels 2.5-6 cm long. Inflorescences have no leaves at the base. Flowers are white. Hypanthium is cup-shaped. Sepals are obtuse, usually smoothedged, deflected. Fruits of wild plants are about 1 cm in diameter, globular, ranging in color from dark-red to almost black, having for the most part a bitter or, quite infrequently, sweet flavor, with juicy sweet pulp. Stones are smooth, globular or ovoid. Entomophilous. Ornitochore. Blossoms in April-May, bears fruit in June. 2n=16, sometimes 17, 18. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Moldova, Ukraine (south-western and southern parts, southern Crimea), Caucasus, Europe (Central and Southern), Turkey (north), Iran (north), Africa (northwest). Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 2000 m. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 114 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Mesophyte. Photophilous. It grows as solitary trees or in small groups, more often as a minor admixture to broad-leaved forests (oak, hornbeam-oak, beech or beech-hornbeam) as well as on the outskirts of glades. In the mountains occurs in the lower and middle zones. It prefers sufficiently moistened fertile soils. Fig. 27. Cerasus avium i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iv. Current uses Food (fruit), ornamental, gum-producing and nectariferous plant, quite widely cultivated. Fruit are edible and used in the confectionary industry. This species has been utilized to breed cherry cultivars with resistance to frost and a number of diseases. Among cultivated forms there are very ornamental ones with double and pink flowers, motley or dissected leaves as well as with a drooping crown. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat disturbances are major threats to the species. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of C. avium in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation C. avium should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 115 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Sites are not protected and only individuals in Borjomi-Kharaauli National Plants occur in protected territory. The Erusheti National reserve will include many individuals of this species when established. The territory between State boundaries of Georgia and Turkey are as well protected from anthropogenic impacts and many individuals are survived there. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos. 237-238 pp. (In Russian) 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 5. Poyarkova A.I. 1939. Apple-Malus Mill. Flora of the USSR. Vol. 9. Moscow-Leningrad: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences. 362 pp. (In Russian) 6. Sokolov S.I., Svjaseva O.A., Kubli V.A. 1980. Areas of distribution of trees and shrubs in the USSR. Vol. 2. Leningrad: Nauka. 60 p. (In Russian) 7.6.2. Cornus Cornus mas L. - Cornelian cherry a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family: Cornaceae Dumort.; genus: Cornus L. synonyms Cornus mascula L. Cultivars 'Jolico' - The fruits are well-flavoured and up to 3 times larger than the species. A self-sterile clone, it requires pollination by another cultivar if fruit is to be formed. 'Macrocarpa' - This cultivar has larger fruits than the type. 'Nana' - A dwarf form, it is derived from a yellow-fruited clone. 'Pioneer' - The large, dark red, pear-shaped fruit is up to 35mm long. It is juicy, sweet and aromatic. 'Variegata' - Smaller-growing than the species, probably reaching no more than 2 metres tall and wide. It has considerable leaf variegation, is less tough than the species and does best in a sunny Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 116 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 sheltered position. This cultivar seems to fruit well each year, producing full-sized wellflavoured fruits with less astringency than the species. Plant characteristics Semishrub, 0.5-1.8 m high. First-year offshoots are green, fruitless, with thin straight aciculae and glaucousness. Second-year offshoots are somewhat lignified, yellowish, fruitbearing; branches with leaves are green. Leaves are odd-pinnate, consisting of 3-5 (7) leaflets; stipules are thread-like; petioles are grooved from above. Leaflets have white tomentose underside, but from above they are almost naked, rather finely and irregularly serrate. Flowers are assembled in axillary oliganthous racemes and a terminal corymbose-paniculate inflorescence. Petals are white. Peduncles and pedicels are covered with dispersed setae without glandules. There are 5 sepals; they are gray-green, deflected. Stamina and carpels are plentiful. Fruits are globular red or, less frequently, yellow polydrupes, 12-18 mm long and 10-14 mm wide, easily detachable from their white cylindrical-conical receptacles; drupes are small (approximately 3 mm), juicy, velvety-downy. Entomophilous, ornito- and zoochore. Propagated by seed, root suckers or softwood cuttings. Blossoms in June, bears fruit in July/August. 2n=14. Fig. 28. Cornus mas b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs in the southern part of Middle Europe; south-eastern part of Atlantic Europe, Mediterranean (middle part of Italy), Balkans, Asia Minor. Within the ex-USSR territory: Upper Dnestr, Moldova, Crimea; all Caucasus. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 1500 m. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Grows among mountain woods of the lower and middle belt, in the Caucasus it reaches up to 1500 m above sea level. It grows in underbrush of light woods, mainly oak and hornbeam, on merges, on slopes, in thickets of bushes. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil and a sunny position but also succeeds in light shade. A very ornamental plant it flowers quite early in the year and is a valuable early food for bees. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 117 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage. Layering of new growth in June/July. Takes 9 months. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iv. Current uses Fruits, rich in vitamins, acids (especially - apple acid) and sugars, are used as fresh fruits for preparation of jam, compote, kissel, fruit candy, drinks and wine. Fruits, stones and leaves are used for medical purposes as a fixing means. Firm and strong wood is well polished and used for turning works, replacing boxwood. The bark, branches and leaves contain tannins of high quality and are used for the tanning of thick leather and its colouring in yellow colours. Good honey plant. As an ornamental plant it is used for green hedges. Medicinal use of this species is that the bark and the fruit are astringent, febrifuge and nutritive. The astringent fruit is a good treatment for bowel complaints and fevers, whilst it is also used in the treatment of cholera. The flowers are used in the treatment of diarrhoea.An oil is obtained from the seed. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat degradation can cause serious problems to survival of the species. All wild individuals in Meskheti are characterized by yellow fruits. The cultivars from different regions of Georgia and other countries have red coloured fruits, which might lead to genetic pollution of local populations and origin of hybrids. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of C. mas in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation C. mas should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites are not protected, only in case when the individuals are growing on the territory of protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 118 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Cherepanov S.K. 1995. Plantae Vasculares Rossicae et Civitatum Collimitanearum (in limics USSR olim)[List of Vascular Plants of Russia]. St. Petersburg: Mir I Semia. 990 pp. (In Russian) 2. Grossheim, A.A. 1967. Flora of the Caucasus. V. 7. Leningrad: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences. 151 p. (In Russian) 3. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 4. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 5. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 6. Mosel H. 1965. Comparative Chorology of the Flora of Central Europe. Jena. 583 p. 7. Shishkin, B.K., ed. 1951. Flora USSR. V. 17. Moscow-Leningrad: Publishing House of Acad. Science. 317-319 pp. (In Russian) 8. Sokolov S.I., Svjaseva O.A., Kubli V.A. 1986. Areas of distribution of trees and shrubs in the USSR. V. 3. Leningrad: Nauka. Map #53D. (In Russian) 9. Vulf E.V., Maleyeva O.F. 1969. Worldwide resources of useful plants. Reference book. Leningrad: Nauka. 338-339 pp. (In Russian) 7.6.3. Corylus Corylus avellana L. Hazel a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family: Betulaceae C.F.Gray; genus: Corylus L. Cultivars 'Cosford Cob' , 'Duke of York' , 'Heterophylla' , 'Nottingham Cob' , 'Waterloo' Plant characteristics Common hazel is typically a shrub reaching 3-8 m tall, but can reach 15 m. The leaves are deciduous, rounded, 6-12 cm long and across, softly hairy on both surfaces, and with a double-serrate margin. The flowers are produced very early in spring, before the leaves, and are monoecious with single-sex wind-pollinated catkins. Male catkins are pale yellow and 5-12 cm long, while female catkins are very small and largely concealed in the buds with only the bright red 1-3 mm long styles visible. The fruit is a nut, produced in clusters of one to five together, each nut held in a short leafy involucre ('husk') which encloses about three quarters of the nut. The nut is roughly spherical to oval, 15-20 mm long and 12-20 mm broad (larger, up to 25 mm Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 119 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 long, in some cultivated selections), yellow-brown with a pale scar at the base. The nut falls out of the involucre when ripe, about 7–8 months after pollination. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Scandinavia (except the northern part), Central Europe, Atlantic Europe, the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Asia Minor. Within the former USSR, species occurs in the European region (the Ladoga-Ilmen region, far southwestern areas of the DvinaPechora region, Upper- and Middle-Dnieper, Upper-Volga, Volga-Kama, Trans-Volga, VolgaDon, Near-Black-Sea and Crimean regions), and the Caucasus (Ante-Caucasus, Daghestan, Western, Southern and Eastern Transcaucasia, and the Talysh region). Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 1500 m. Fig. 29. Corylus avellana i.i. Ecogeographic summary Occurs in light, mixed and broad-leaved forests as brushwood, often in clearings. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerate strong winds but not maritime exposure. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, but is in general more productive of seeds when grown on soils of moderate fertility. Seed - best sown as soon as it is harvested in autumn in a cold frame. Germinates in late winter or spring. Stored seed should be pre-soaked in warm water for 48 hours and then given 2 weeks warm followed by 3 - 4 months cold stratification. Germinates in 1 - 6 months at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame or sheltered place outdoors for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Layering in autumn. Easy, it takes about 6 months. Division of suckers in early spring. Very easy, they can be planted out straight into their permanent positions. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 120 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 iv. Current uses Common Hazel is cultivated for its nuts in commercial orchards in Europe, Turkey, Iran and Caucasus. The seed has a thin, dark brown skin which has a bitter flavour and is sometimes removed before cooking. The top producer of hazelnuts, by a large margin, is Turkey, specifically the Ordu Province. Turkish hazelnut production of 625,000 tonnes accounts for approximately 75% of worldwide production. Hazelnuts are rich in protein and unsaturated fat. Moreover, they contain significant amounts of thiamine and vitamin B6, as well as smaller amounts of other B vitamins. Additionally, 1 cup (237 ml) of hazelnut flour has 20 g of carbohydrates, 12 g of which are fibre. Oil from its fruit is one of the highest in quality among vegetable oils. Branches are used to manufacture wicker furniture, pipe shanks, walking sticks and hoops. Medicinal uses - the bark, leaves, catkins and fruits are sometimes used medicinally. They are astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, nutritive and odontalgic. The seed is stomachic and tonic. The oil has a very gentle but constant and effective action in cases of infection with threadworm or pinworm in babies and young children. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat degradation can cause serious problems to survival of the species. The introduction of cultivars from different countries might lead to genetic pollution of local populations. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of C. avellana in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation C. avellana should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites are not protected, only in case when the individuals are growing on the territory of protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 121 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 1. Bush N.A., ed. 1939. Flora USSR. Vol. V. M.-L.: Publishing House of Acad. Science, pp. 264-265. (in Russian). 2. Grossheim, A.A. 1945. Flora of Caucasus. Vol. III. Baku: Publishing House of Azerbaijan Acad. Science, appendix. 3. Hulten E., Fries M. 1986. Atlas of north European vascular plants north of the Tropic of Cancer. Konigstein. V. 1-3. 1172 p. 4. Mosel, H. 1965. Vergleichende Chorologie der Zentraleuropischen Flora. Jena, 583 s. N.I. Vavilov Institute [WIR], Saint Petersburg, Russia. 5. Tsvelev, N.N. 2000. Manual of the vascular plants of Russia (Leningrad, Pskov and Novgorod district). St. Petersburg, Publishing House of SPHFA, p. 356 (in Russian). 7.6.4. Malus Malus orientalis Uglitzk. - Oriental wild apple. a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Rosaceae Juss., genus Malus Mill. synonyms Malus montana Uglitzk., Malus orientalis subsp. montana (Uglitzk.) Likhonos, Malus sylvestris subsp. orientalis (Uglitzk.) Soo. This species is an ancestor of the Caucasian, Crimean and a number of Western European varieties, including rosemaries, pippins, calvilles and rennets. Plant characteristics Tree up to 10 m tall with dark gray branches and without thorns. Young offshoots are dark brown, slightly tomentose-pilose. Leaves are 3-8 cm long and 1.5-3.5 cm wide, varying in shape (ovate-lanceolate, oblong, or elliptical), typically with a cuneate base and a barely expressed or short cusp on the top, smooth-edged at the bottom, serrate-dentate further along the edge, usually with very large or somewhat obtuse denticles in the upper part. Young leaves are sparsely pilose above with deeply impressed lateral veins, densely white-tomentose below. Mature leaves are pubescent only along the veins, while below the veins are usually prominent. Petioles are 2-4 times shorter than the blades, more or less tomentose-pilose. Flowers are about 4 cm in diameter, 4-6 in an umbel, set on densely tomentose-villous pedicels 8-12 mm long. Sepals are short, narrow, triangular, sharp, prostrate and almost bare inside, densely tomentose outside; remain with fruit. Hypanthia are inversely conical, very densely tomentose. Corollas are white or pale pink. Fruits are 2-3 cm in diameter, round. Entomophilous. Ornito- and zoochore. Species is characterized by rapid growth. Propagated by seed, root and softwood cuttings; often develops stool shoots. Blossoms in April-May; fruit ripens in August-October. Chromosome number is unknown Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 122 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 30. Malus orientalis b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs in the Crimea (occasionally), the Caucasus, Turkey and Iran. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 2000 m. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Mesophyte. Photophilous. Undemanding to growth environments; tolerates dry and mildly saline soils. It grows individually or in small groups in the second story of broadleaf and coniferousbroadleaf mountain forests, on forest edges, in glades, and along riverbanks. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iv. Current uses Used as food (fruit) and is melliferous. It is occasionally cultivated in the Caucasus. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat disturbances are major threats to the species. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of M. orientalis in Meskheti and Javakheti. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 123 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation M. orientalis should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites are not protected and only individuals in Borjomi-Kharaauli National Plants occur in protected territory. The Erusheti National reserve will include many individuals of this species when established. The territory between State boundaries of Georgia and Turkey are as well protected from anthropogenic impacts and many individuals are survived there. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos. 237-238 pp. (In Russian) 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 5. Poyarkova A.I. 1939. Apple-Malus Mill. Flora of the USSR. Vol. 9. Moscow-Leningrad: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences. 362 pp. (In Russian) 6. Sokolov S.I., Svjaseva O.A., Kubli V.A. 1980. Areas of distribution of trees and shrubs in the USSR. Vol. 2. Leningrad: Nauka. 60 p. (In Russian) 7.6.5. Mespilus Mespilus germanica L. - Medlar a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Rosaceae Juss., genus Mespilus L. synonyms Mespilus sylvestris Mill., M. communis Gueldenst., M. vulgaris Reichenb., Crataegus mespilus O. Katze, Pyrus germanica Hook. f. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 124 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 31. Mespilus germanica Plant characteristics Thorny deciduous shrub or tree, 1.5-5 m tall, with gray branches. Young shoots are redbrown, downy. Leaves are 5-12 cm long, elliptical or oblong-lanceolate, acute or obtuse at the top, smooth-edged or dentate, with denticles carrying a red glandule on the tip, dark green, covered with sparse hairs above, light-colored, whitish and downy below, with longer and denser pubescence along the main veins. Young leaves are downy on both sides. Petioles are shaggily pubescent. Flowers are solitary, large, 3-5 cm in diameter, white, almost sessile. Sepals are lanceolate, awl-shaped, longer than the petals. Fruits are 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter, ranging in shape from depressed globular to pear-shaped, brownish and almost bare. Entomophilous. Zoochore. Blossoms in April-May; bears fruit in October-November. 2n=32. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs in the Crimea (south), the Caucasus, Middle Asia (Kopetdagh: the ravine of Gyuyen on Chandyr River, the vicinity of Koyna-Kosyr Village in the valley of Sumbar River), Europe (Bulgaria and Greece), Turkey, Iran and Iraq. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 2000 m. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Mesophyte. Photophilous. Grows as solitary plants or as part of shrubby thickets on open mountainsides, along forest edgesm in the underbrush of oak and oak-hornbeam groves, frequently in carbonate soils, as well as transported sandy soils along the beach ridges of the Caspian Sea. Medlar grows mainly in the lower mountain zone (at elevations of 800-1,000 m above sea level in the Caucasus and 300-600 m in the Crimea) but is able to grow up to 1,800 m above sea level, while in Talysh, it nearly reaches the tree line. Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in late autumn in a cold frame. The seed has a very hard and impermeable seedcoat and will not usually germinate until it has gone through two winters. Commercially, such seeds are soaked for a short while in sulphuric acid to break down the seed coat and allow the seed to take up moisture, this is a very delicate procedure and difficult to do on a small scale. A home gardener could try soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratifying it for 2 - 3 months at 1 - 5°c before sowing it. i.i.i. Conservation status Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 125 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iv. Current uses Used as food and as an ornamental plant. Fruit are widely used by local populations to prepare thickened jam, sweet paste, candy filling and drinks. Used as a seedling stock for loquat. The pulp of the fruit is laxative. The leaves are astringent. The seed is lithontripic. It is ground up for use, but caution should be employed since the seeds contain the toxin hydrocyanic acid. The bark has been used as a substitute for quinine, but with uncertain results. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat disturbances are major threats to the species. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of M. germanica in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation M. germanica should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites are not protected and only individuals in Borjomi-Kharaauli National Plants occur in protected territory. The Erusheti National reserve will include many individuals of this species when established. The territory between State boundaries of Georgia and Turkey are as well protected from anthropogenic impacts and many individuals are survived there. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos, pp. 232-233. (in Russian). 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 126 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 5. Kovalev N.V. 1941. Plum - Prunus L. Flora of the USSR. Vol. 10. Leningrad/Moscow: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences, pp. 511-512 (in Russian). 6. Sokolov S.I., Svjaseva O.A., Kubli V.A. 1980. Areas of distribution of trees and shrubs in the USSR. Vol. 2. Leningrad: Nauka, pp. 104. (in Russian). 7.6.6. Prunus Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. - Myrobalan plum, cherry plum a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Rosaceae Juss., genus Prunus L. synonyms Prunus domestica var. mirabolanum L., P. divaricata Ledeb., P. sogdiana Vass., P.caspica Koval. & Ekim. According to some botanists this plant should be named P. divaricata and P. cerasifera i.e. P. divaricata cerasifera (Ledeb.)Schneid. Plant characteristics Tree (often multi-stemmed) or shrub, (1.5) 4-10 (15) m tall, with broadly spreading thin prickly branches. Bark is dark-gray on perennial branches and reddish-brown on young ones. Winter buds are naked or, less frequently, slightly pubescent. Leaves are alternate, (1) 4.5-6 (10) cm long and (0.5) 2-4 (6) cm wide, oval, oval-ovate or oval-lanceolate, with a gradually acuminate tip, narrowly or broadly cuneate base and finely, obtusely or less frequently sharply serrate edges; naked from above and varying on the underside from almost naked to densely pubescent along the veins. Flowers, 2-3 cm in diameter, would open a little earlier than leaves and are settled one by one on shortened twigs or last year's shoots, being supported by rather long, up to 2 cm, naked or sparsely pilous pubescent pedicels. Petals are white, ovate or ovalovate. Fruits are (0.8) 1.8-2.8 (3.5) cm in diameter, round, oval-shaped or ovoid, varying from yellow, light-red and pink to dark cherry-red and (very seldom) violet, set on drooping thin fruitstalks. The fruit is not divided by a groove, but only by a line, which is different in color. Fruit pulp is yellow, light, with sour flavor. Fruits contain high amount of citric acid, being however almost completely tannin-free. Kernels are non-detachable from pulp; they are oval or ovateoval, light-brown, acuminate at the tip, smooth or scabrous, sometimes scrobiculate and striated near the sutures. Entomophilous. Zoo- and ornitochore. Blossoms in March/April; bears fruit in late July/September. 2n=16. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 127 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 32. Prunus cerasifera with yellow fruits and one indivudial with bluish-black fruits. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Caucasus, Middle Asia (western Kopet Dagh, Tien Shan - Kara Tau, Chatkal, Fergana and Kirghiz mountain chains, Tashkent Ala Tau, Pamir-Alai - Alai, Turkestan, Zeravshan, Gissar, Vakhsh and Darvaz mountains, the ridge of Peter the Great), Turkey and Iran. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 2000 m. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Mesophyte. Photophilous. Grows along mountain ravines and small river valleys, most frequently among the undergrowth of nutwood, apple-tree and mixed forests, usually on soft clay soils, less frequently on stony mountainsides. Spread from steppes to high altitudes, 800 to 2500 m above sea level. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present. Plants are hardy to about -25ºc. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iv. Current uses Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 128 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Food (fruit), melliferous and ornamental. Used to make jams, confitures and stewed fruit drinks. Promising for breeding, because it may be easily crossed with apricot, plum, cherry and almond. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being . c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat disturbances are major threats to the species. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of P. cerasifera in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation P. cerasifera should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites are not protected and only individuals in Borjomi-Kharaauli National Plants occur in protected territory. The Erusheti National reserve will include many individuals of this species when established. The territory between State boundaries of Georgia and Turkey are as well protected from anthropogenic impacts and many individuals are survived there. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Brezhnev, D.D., Korovina, O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos, pp.228-229 (in Russian). 2. Luneva, N.N. 1983. Taxonomic position of Iranian myrobalan plum. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol.77, pp.106-107 (in Russian). 3. Luneva, N.N. 1983. Concerning the correct designation of cultivated and wild myrobalan plum. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol. 79, pp.19-24 (in Russian). 4. Luneva, N.N. 1984. Taxonomic position of Turkmenian myrobalan plum. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol. 83, pp.102-104 (in Russian). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 129 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 5. Luneva, N.N. 1984. The place of oriental myrobalan plum in the system of the species Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol. 88, pp.106-108. 6. Luneva, N.N. 1985. About the taxonomic position of Prunus caspica (Rosaceae). Botanical Journal, vol. 70, n.11, pp.19-24(in Russian). 7. Luneva, N.N. 1991. Wild-growing myrobalan plum of Western Georgia. Works on Applied Botany, Genetics and Plant Breeding, vol.139, pp.72-78 (in Russian). Prunus spinosa L. - Slow Blackthorn. a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Rosaceae Juss., genus Prunus L. synonyms Fig. 33. Prunus spinosa Plant characteristics Abundantly branching, very prickly shrub or, less frequently, small tree, up to 4-8 m tall. Young shoots are covered with short, pilous pubescence. Leaves are alternate, (1) 2-4 (5) cm long, elliptically obovate, cuneate at the base and obtuse at the top, sharply or crenately serrated along the edges. Flowers open earlier than leaves; they occur singly or, very seldom, in pairs, 1.4-1.8 cm in diameter; pedicels are 5-6 mm long, jutting upright, bare or slightly pubescent. Petals are white or with greenish tint. Fruits are about 1 cm in diameter, round, oval or roundish coniform, black-blue, with dense, glaucous blossom. Fruit pulp is green, sour-sweet, expressly astringent. Kernels are ovoid or oval-ovoid, knobby and wrinkled. Entomophilous. Zoo- and ornitochore. Blossoms in March/May; bears fruit in July/August. 2n=32. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Occurs throughout Europe (southern Scandinavia, northwestern areas of Central Europe, central and southern areas of Eastern Europe), the Caucasus, Kazakhstan (spurs of the common Syrt, Mugodzhary), Middle Asia (Kopet Dagh, Sumbar river gorge), Asia Minor, Iran, and Northern Africa (Tunisia). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 130 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 2000 m. i.i. Ecogeographic summary Xerophyte. Very photophilous. Calcephyte. Blackthorn forms shrubby thickets in foreststeppe and steppe zones along gullies and the slopes of river valleys, as well as along the edges of oak forests. Grows well in soils with underlying limestone. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil. A good bee plant. Plants are shallow-rooted and of a suckering habit, they can form dense impenetrable thickets which are ideal for nesting birds, especially nightingales. Flowers are often damaged by late frosts. Plants regenerate quickly after cutting or after fast moving forest fires, producing suckers from below ground level. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring. Division of suckers during the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iv. Current uses Food (fruit), melliferous and ornamental. Used to make jams and stewed fruit drinks. Valued in horticulture as dwarfish tree stock. Promising for hybridization. The flowers, bark, leaves and fruits are aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative and stomachic. An infusion of the flowers is used in the treatment of diarrhoea (especially for children), bladder and kidney disorders, stomach weakness et. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat disturbances are major threats to the species. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of P. spinosa in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 131 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 P. spinosa should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites are not protected and only individuals in Borjomi-Kharaauli National Plants occur in protected territory. The Erusheti National reserve will include many individuals of this species when established. The territory between State boundaries of Georgia and Turkey are as well protected from anthropogenic impacts and many individuals are survived there. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos, pp. 232-233. (in Russian). 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 5. Kovalev N.V. 1941. Plum - Prunus L. Flora of the USSR. Vol. 10. Leningrad/Moscow: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences, pp. 511-512 (in Russian). 6. Sokolov S.I., Svjaseva O.A., Kubli V.A. 1980. Areas of distribution of trees and shrubs in the USSR. Vol. 2. Leningrad: Nauka, pp. 104. (in Russian). 7.6.7. Pyrus Pyrus caucasica Fed. - Caucasian pear a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Rosaceae Juss., genus Pyrus L. synonyms Pyrus communis L. subsp. caucasica (Fed.) Browicz Plant characteristics This species is a tree, 20-25 (30) m tall, with a broadly pyramidal or oval crown, having numerous prickles when young. The bark on the stem and older branches has deep longitudinal cracks; sometimes the bark peels in large strips or flakes. Young offshoots are greenish or dark brown with a few small, light lenticels. Leaves are 3-5 cm long and 2.5-4.5 cm wide, orbicularovate, ovate or oval, with a short sharp tip and a broadly cuneate, rounded or slightly cordate Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 132 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 base. The leaves on young plants are sharply serrated on all edges and non-pubescent; those on adult plants are smooth-edged and pubescent only near the edges. Flowers are 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter, assembled in inflorescences of 5-8 flowers. Petals are white or pinkish. Fruits are 1.5-3 cm in diameter, for the most part round or sometimes pyriform, yellow or green-yellow, nonrusty, with residual sepals. Pulp is white or greenish-white, sour-sweet, astringent and bitter, with a large number of seeds, darkening at maturity, edible after seasoning. This species is entomophilous. It is zoochore. Blossoms in April-May; fruits ripen in late July-September. Chromosome number: 2n=34 Fig. 34. Pyrus caucasica b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - This plant grows in the Caucasus. It is endemic to the Caucasus. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs in all forests of Meskheti and Javakheti from middle montane belt up to 1600 m. i.i. Ecogeographic summary This species is a mesophyte. It occurs everywhere in the woodlands of the Caucasus, in mountainous and flat areas with sufficient moisture, often along river valleys. Caucasian pear grows up to elevations of 1,500-1,600 (1,900) m above sea level. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types. Dislikes very exposed positions. Established plants are drought tolerant. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to below -15°c. Plants often sucker and can form dense thickets. A parent of the cultivated pear. There are many varieties of cultivated pears and they are widely cultivated in the temperate zone for their edible fruits. By selection of varieties fresh fruits can be obtained from late July to April or May of the following year. Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it will then usually germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8 - 10 weeks cold stratification at 1°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy in the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 133 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Wood cutting and habitat disturbances might threat this species. Ex situ status - The seeds of this species have been collected in Meskheti and delivered to the fruit tree collection at the TBG&BI. . In situ status - It grows in protected areas such as Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. iv. Current uses This plant is used as a food (fruit) and is melliferous. It is a progenitor of many local pear varieties. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Wood cutting and habitat disturbances are major threats to the species. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of P. caucasica in Meskheti and Javakheti. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation P. caucasica should be declared as species of high economic value as wild relative of edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management Sites are not protected and only individuals in Borjomi-Kharaauli National Plants occur in protected territory. The Erusheti National reserve will include many individuals of this species when established. The territory between State boundaries of Georgia and Turkey are as well protected from anthropogenic impacts and many individuals are survived there. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants in the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos, pp. 232-233. (in Russian). 2. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 134 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 5. Kovalev N.V. 1941. Plum - Prunus L. Flora of the USSR. Vol. 10. Leningrad/Moscow: Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences, pp. 511-512 (in Russian). 6. Sokolov S.I., Svjaseva O.A., Kubli V.A. 1980. Areas of distribution of trees and shrubs in the USSR. Vol. 2. Leningrad: Nauka, pp. 104. (in Russian). 7.6.8. Vitis Populations of wild grapevine – Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi – show high genetic and morphological diversity in the Caucasus (Kolenati, 1846; Woronow, 1925; Ramishvili, 1988; Grassi et al., 2006). All five haplotypes detected by using cpDNA microsatellite markers (Grassi et al., 2006) have been found in the Caucasian ecoregion suggesting this area as the possible centre of origin of both wild and cultivated grapevines. Nowadays, big attention is paid to elucidate the diversity of the wild grapevine genetic pool used for domestication and to identify the place and period of the original domestication and whether secondary independent domestications also occurred (Grassi et al., 2003; Sefc et al., 2003; Arroyo-Garcia et al., 2006). Special emphasis is given to determine the main events that enabled the morphological transformation from the wild V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris to cultivated grapevine (Aradhya et al., 2003; Vouillamoz et al., 2006; Imazio et al., 2006; This et al., 2006). The search for ancestors of cultivated varieties has not yet brought unequivolcal evidence for place and period of domestication. Most authors accept the opinion that a first domestication event occurred in the South Caucasus (de Candolle, 1885; Vavilov, 1931; Negrul, 1946; Olmo, 1976; Vouillamoz et al., 2006; This et al., 2006) characterized by oldest archaeological findings of grape pips dated from c. 6000 BC (vicinity of v. Shulaveri, South-East Georgia; Ramishvili, 1988). Other archaeological evidences of prehistoric winemaking are found in the near proximity of the Caucasian region such as the northern Iran at the Hajji Firuz Tepe site in the northern Zagros mountains, dated circa 5400–5000 BC (McGovern, 2003), and in Levant and Jericho in the Near East where archaeological findings are dated from c. 4000-3200 BC (Zohary and Spiegel-Roy, 1975; Zohary and Hopf, 1993, 2000). Kolenati (1846) was the first studying the wild and cultivated grapevines in the Caucasus systematically and expressing the opinion that this area might be the centre of origin of cultivated grape. He had classified both wild and cultivated grapevines based on the pubescence type of the leaf and had determined two forms, which he called "Spielarten" - V. vinifera ssp. anebophylla Kolen. (glabrescent) and V. vinifera ssp. trichophylla Kolen. (pubescent). Vasilchenko (1947) described one more species of wild grapevine distributed in Talish, Azerbaijan and Iran, characterized by tomentose pubescence on the abaxial surface of the leaf. This species was named V. hyrcanica Vass. revealing distinct similarity to wild grape distributed in the Colchis, Western Georgia. According to Ramishvili (1988), the wild grape of Colchis represents a separate taxon discriminated by morphological features from the individuals growing in the Eastern Georgia. The west Georgian wild grape was determined as Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris var. colchica Ramishvili. The species of wild grape described by Vasilchenko (1947) in the Caucasus, Iran and Central Asia were later refuted and unified with V. vinifera L. (Czerepanov, 1995) and not with V. sylvestris C.C. Gmel., which causes some confusion in the taxonomic status of wild grapevines distributed in this part of the world and makes it necessary to conduct more in detail a taxonomic survey of this genus. At present, wild grapevine occurs mainly in riparian forests on the territory of Georgia and reaches the upper vegetation zones such as oak-hornbeam, beach and spruce forests up to 1000 m a.s.l. (Ramishvili, 1988). The populations are not more as abundant nowadays as it was Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 135 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 described by Kolenati (1846) in the middle of XIX c. The invasion of Phylloxera and urbanization are major problems diminishing the number of individuals of the wild grapevine in populations. These threats predominantly reduce population sizes of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris. Individuals of grapevine in the wild are very abundant in Georgia but they belong either to cultivars of Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa escaped in the course of abandonment of settlements during the quite often wars in the historical past of Georgia, or to introduced American species – V. riparia Michx., V. rupestris Scheele, V. berlandieri Planch., used as rootstocks, and/or to the very popular in Georgia cultivar "Isabella" of V. labrusca L. The high diversity of grapevine species led Medvedev (1919) to speculate that all individuals of grapevine growing in the wild in the Caucasus represent escaped cultivars and wild grapevine was completely absent in this region. This opinion was disposed by Woronow (1925) who confirmed that there are both wild and naturalized grapevine individuals. Moreover, Woronow considers both V. vinifera ssp. sativa and V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris as species aggregates characterized by high diversity and composed by many races. Due to these circumstances, it becomes more complicated to discriminate the wild vine types to which they belong: post cultivated, sub-spontaneous or spontaneous, and within this last group, whether they are colonials, autochthonous, or hybrids. Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi - Wood grapes a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Vitacea Juss. Genus Vitis L. Synonim Vitis sylvestris C.C. Gmel ii. Plant characteristics A perennial plant. A bark is greish-brown, with thin grooves. Leaves are 5-8 cm in length, ovare, wide - oval or reniform, almost entire or little incised, more often 3-5-lobed, naked or pubescent, mainly - from below. Stalks are with rare setas or naked. Flowers are dioecious. Inflorescences panicle. Seeds are small, 3,5-6 mm in length and 3-5 mm in width; there are 1-4 seeds a fruit, ovare forms, with short rostrum. Clusters during fructification are up to 15 cm in length, friable, branchy, the various form. Fruit stalks are 4-7 mm in length. Berries are 6-8 (10) mm in length; black with a greish-lilac bloom, rare it is white. We have found one individual with white berries. A thin skin is dense, pulp gentle, almost colorless. Blossoms in May, fructifies in September. Anemophylous. Zoochore. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - The common distribution: the Atlantic and Average Europe, the Mediterranean, Balkany-Asia Minor and Armenian-Kurdish areas, Iran. In territory of the former USSR: the European part - Moldova, southern Crimea, Black Sea Coast (the western part); Caucasus - Ciscaucasia, Dagestan, Transcaucasia (Western, East and Southern); Central Asia mountain Turkmenistanю Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Only one population of wild grapevine have been found in Meskhti near v. Atskuri. Other individuals grow in Mtkvari gorge in direction to Borjomi, which is located below 900 m and at higher elevations this species is not growing. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 136 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Fig. 35. Wild grapevine with red and white fruits in one population. The red point on the map shows location of the population. i.i. Ecogeographic summary On valleys of the rivers, up to 1000 m above sea level. In some places it enters Oak-hornbeam and mixed conifer-broadleaved forests. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Habitat degradation and wood cutting are main threats for this species. Ex situ status - The living collection of wild grapevine was at the Institute of Viticulture and Oenology, Georgia, however, it disappears during last reform period. In situ status - The habitats, such as riparian and oak-hornbeam forests, where this species occurs should be preserved as priority habitats. iv. Current uses It is used for breeding of grapes varieties, resistant against a phylloxera and fungoid diseases, possessing the greater stability to these diseases. This species possesses also high cold constancy Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 137 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 and drought resistance. On Caucasus the local population uses wood grapes for wine producing and they use unripe tinned berries as seasoning to meat dishes. c. Current factors causing loss and decline The habitat degradation, wood cutting and climate change effect are main threats for this species. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • • Maintain the current populations of V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris in Meskheti. Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris and two other wild species of asparagus should be declared as species of high economic value as edible plants. ii. Site safeguard and management The sites need protection but concrete locations will not be possible to conserve. It will be more effective to declare the habitats as priority types and protect by legislation. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Aradhya, M.K., Dangl, G.S., Prins, B.H., Boursiquot, J.M., Walker, M.A., Meredith, C.P.,Simon, C.J., 2003. Genetic structure and differentiation in cultivated grape, Vitis vinifera L. Genet. Res. Camb. 81, 179–182. 2. Arroyo-Garcia, R., Ruiz-Garcia, L., Bolling, L., Ocete, R., Lopez, M.A., Arnold, C., Ergul, A. et al. (35 authors), 2006. Multiple origins of cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa) based on chloroplast DNA polymorphisms. Mol. Ecol. 15, 3707-3714. 3. De Candolle, A., 1885. Origine des plantes cultivées. Germer Baillière, Paris. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 138 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 4. Cherepanov, S.K., 1995. Vascular Plants of Russia and Adjacent States (the Former USSR). Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge. 5. Grassi, F., Labra, M., Imazio, S., Spada, A., Sgorbati, S., Scienza, A., Sala, F., 2003. Evidence of a secondary grapevine domestication centre detected by SSR analysis. Theor. Appl. Genet. 107, 1315-1320. 6. Grassi, F., Labra, M., Imazio, S., Ocete Rubio, R., Failla, O., Scienza, A., Sala, F., 2006. Phylogeographical structure and conservation genetics of wild grapevine. Cons. Genet. 7, 837-845. 7. Imazio, S., Labra, M., Grassi, F., Scienza, A., Failla O., 2006. Chloroplast microsatellites to investigate the origin of grapevine. Gen. Res. Crop Evol. 53, 1003-1011. 8. Kolenati, F., 1846. Versuch einer systematischen Anordnung der in Grusien einheimischen Reben nebst einem oekonomisch-technischem Anhange. Bull. de Nat. de Moscow, 11. 9. McGovern, P.E., 2003. Ancient Wine. Princeton University Press, Princeton. 10. Medvedev, I.S., 1919. Derev'ia i kustarniki Kavkaza. Opisanie dikorastushchikh I odichavshikh drevesnikh rastenii Kavkaza, s ukazaniem ikh rasprostranenia, svoistv I primenenia. (Trees and shrubs of the Caucasus. Description of wild and naturalized woody plants of the Caucasus with guidance of their distribution, features and use). 3rd edit. Tiflis. 11. Negrul, A.M., 1946. Semeistvo Vitaceae Linde. (Family Vitaceae Linde). In: Ampelography of the USSR. v. I, Pish. Promish., Moscow. pp. 45-63. (Russ.). 12. Olmo, H.P., 1976. Grapes. In: Simmonds, N.W. (ed.), Evolution of Crop Plants. Longman, London, pp. 294-298. 13. Ramishvili, R., 1988. Dikorastushchii vinograd Zakavkazia (Wild grape of the South Caucasus). Ganatleba, Tbilisi. (Russ.). 14. Sefc, K. M., Steinkellner, H., Lefort, F., Botta, R., da Câmara Machado, A., Borrego, J., Maletić, E. Josef Glössl., 2003. Evaluation of the genetic contribution of local wild vines to European grapevine cultivars. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 54, 15-21. 15. This, P., Lacombe, T., Thomas, M. R., 2006. Historical origins and genetic diversity of wine grapes. Trends in Genetics 22, 511-519. 16. Vasilchenko, I.T., 1947. Novye dannye o proiskhozhdenii vinograda (New data about origin of grapevine). Sov. Bot. 6, 338-343. (Russ.). 17. Vavilov, N.I., 1931. Dikie rodichi plodovykh dereviev Aziatskoi chasti SSSR i Kavkaza I problema proiskhozhdenia plodovykh dereviev (Wild progenitors of the fruit trees of Turkestan and the Caucasus and the problem of the origin of fruit trees). Bul. Appl. Bot., Genet., Plant-Breed. 26, 85-134. (Russ.). 18. Vouillamoz, J.F., McGovern, P. E., Ergul, A., Söylemezoğlu, G., Tevzadze, G., Meredith, C. P., Stella Grando, M., 2006. Genetic characterization and relationships of traditional grape cultivars from Transcaucasia and Anatolia. Plant Genet. Res. 4, 144-158. 19. Woronow, I.N., 1925. Dikorastushchie rodychi plodovykh derev'ev i kustarnikov Kavkazskogo kraia i Perednoi Azii (Wild relatives of fruit trees and shrubs of the Caucasus and Asia Minor). Bull. Appl. Bot. Plant Breed. (Leningrad) 14, 3, 44-71. 20. Zohary, D., Hopf, M., 1993. Domestication of plants in the Old world. Clarendon Press, Oxford, pp. 143-150. 21. Zohary, D., Hopf, M., 2000. Domestication of Plants in the Old World. The origin and spread of cultivated plants in West Asia, Europe and the Nile Valley. 3rd edit. Oxford Univ. Press, Oxford. 22. Zohary, D., Spiegel-Roy, P., 1975. Beginnings of fruit growing in the old world. Science 187, 319-327. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 139 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 7.7. Fodders 7.7.1. Medicago Medicago sativa L. - Lucerne, Alfalfa a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Leguminosae Endl., genus Medicago L., subgenus Falcago (Reichb.) Grossh. Synonyms. Medicago varia Mart., Medicago media Pers. ii. Plant characteristics Perennial plant with a medium-length lifespan. Alfalfa is basically a tap-rooted plant that may penetrate the soil to a depth of 4 m or more. The stems grow erect and reach a height of 4090 cm. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are pinnately trifoliate; leaflets are 30 mm long, narrowly obovate or linear, toothed in upper third with a munconate tip; stipules linear-lanceolate, usually serrated. Inflorescences are compact racemes, 10-25 mm long, borne in axils of upper leaves; florets range in color from yellow to blue and purple, 8 mm long, typically papilionacious. Seed pods spirally coiled, glabrous or pubescent; pods change from green to brown as they mature and contain 3-5 kidney-shaped, yellow or brown seeds. A proportion of the seeds is hard. Cross-pollinated by various species of bees. Blossoms in May-July; seeds ripen in July-September. 2n = 16, 32. b. Current Status i. Current distribution The overall distribution - Widely distributed throughout temperate zones of the world, e.g. Europe, China, southern Latin America, South Africa, Afghanistan, Iran, the European part of the former USSR, the Crimea, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, Kazakhstan, and Asia Minor. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs almost on all territory of Meskheti and Javakheti. Fig. 36. Medicago sativa i.i. Ecogeographic summary Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 140 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 Occurs in cultivated fields, hay meadows, subalpine meadows, along the edges of forests, among bushes, on riversides and on hillsides. Well-adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions but grows best in deep, loamy soils that are well-drained. Relatively drought tolerant but does not grow well in highly alkaline soils. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Characterized by high ecological plasticity. Responds to irrigation and soil fertility. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. Alfalfa can adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions from cold temperate to warm sub-tropical. It succeeds on a wide variety of soils. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ. The seed can also be sown in situ in autumn. Seed can be obtained that has been inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria, enabling the plant to succeed in soils where the bacteria is not already present i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - The populations are scattered on cultivated fields and their occurrence depends on cultivation character, which crop is cultivated in this area and so the distribution of this species is variable depending on years. Ex situ status - Seeds from Samtskhe-Javakheti region are not conserved, but some local farmers use commercial seeds to saw on their ground. In situ status - not protected in the natural habitats. iv. Current uses A good bee plant. Used as fodder plant is grazed by livestock animals. Introduced into cultivation (highest yielding forage legume). Used in breeding programs as a donor of valuable traits (salt resistance, winter hardiness, seed productivity, etc.). Characterized by high nitrogen content due to symbiosis with Sinorhizobium medicae. Very rich in vitamins, especially A, B and C, they are also a good source of protein. The leaves are a rich source of vitamin K. The seed is soaked in warm water for 12 hours, then kept moist in a container in a warm place to sprout. It is ready in about 4 - 6 days. Seed yields average around 186 - 280 kilos per hectare. An appetitestimulating tea is made from the leaves. Alfalfa leaves, either fresh or dried, have traditionally been used as a nutritive tonic to stimulate the appetite and promote weight gain. The plant has an oestrogenic action and could prove useful in treating problems related to menstruation and the menopause. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant, however. It should not be prescribed to people with auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Grazing and changing in cultures sowing in the field where the population occurs. d. Current action No actions are undertaken e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of M. sativa in Samtskhe-Javakheti region and introduce the seed sowing practice to the local farmers. • Collect and sawn the seeds in the fields. i. Policy and legislation M. sativa should be declared as species of high economic value as genetic ancestor for cultivated alfalfa. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 141 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 ii. Site safeguard and management Cultivated fields should be managed for improvement of cultivation practice of this species. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. The seeds will be used for breeding programs both in Georgia and abroad. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 9. Brezhnev D.D., Korovina O.N. 1980. Wild relatives of the cultivated plants of flora of the USSR. L.: Kolos, 376 pp. (in Russian). 10. Goncharov P.L., Lubenetc P.A. 1985. Biological Aspects of Alfalfa Cultivating. Novosibirsk: Nauka, 253 pp. (in Russian). 11. Grossheim A.A. 1952. Genus Medicago. Flora of the Caucasus. Vol. 5. M.-L.: Academy of Science of the USSR, p. 177-192. (in Russian). 12. Grossheim A.A. 1945. Genus Medicago. Flora of the USSR. Vol. 11. M.-L.: USSR, p. 129-176. (in Russian). 13. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 14. Sinskaya E.N. 1950. Alfalfa. Flora of cultivated plants of the USSR. Vol. 13. M.-L.: Issue 1, p. 1-344. (in Russian). 15. Vasilchenko I.T. 1949. Alfalfa as the best fodder crop. L.: Academy of Science of the USSR. Ser. 1, Issue 8, 248 pp. 16. Vvedenskiy A.I., ed. 1981. Plants of Asia Minor. A field guide. Vol. 6. Tashkent: Fan, 394 pp. (in Russian). 7.7.2. Onobrychis Onobrychis transcaucasica Grossh. - Transcaucasian Sainfoin a. Characteristics i. Taxonomy Family Fabaceae Lindl., genus Onobrychis Mill. ii. Plant characteristics Perennial herbaceous plant. Stems 40-80 cm tall, squarrosely shortly pilose. Leaflets oblong-linear. Racemes crested before flowering. Corolla bright pink with yellow stripes. Pod semicircular, short, densely pubescent with 3-4 narrow teeth along crest. Flowers in June - July, fruits in July -August. Self-incompatible, cross-pollinated plant. 2n=28. b. Current Status i. Current distribution Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 142 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 The overall distribution - Crimea, Caucasus. Distribution in Samtskhe-Javakheti region - Occurs almost on all territory of Meskheti and Javakheti, but the populations contain just little number of individuals, sometimes 1-2. Fig. 37. Onobrychis transcaucasica i.i. Ecogeographic summary It grows on dry grassed slopes and debris sites, sometimes in shrublands. In the middle montane zone at 1500-1800 m a.s.l. prefers a well-drained neutral to alkaline sandy loam soil and full sun. Succeeds in poor soils and in shallow soils over chalk. Dislikes shade. Does not succeed in wet soils. A good border plant for the vegetable garden, the deep tap root helps to break up the sub-soil. Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow in situ in the spring. Seed can also be sown in situ in the autumn. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. i.i.i. Conservation status Threat assessment - Grazing and habitat disturbances. Ex situ status - Seeds from this region are not yet collected. In situ status - not protected in the natural habitats. iv. Current uses This species is one of the earliest forage crops, cultivated in the Caucasus, less often in the European part of the former USSR, in Siberia and Central Asia. It has been cultivated more than 1,000 years. Very valuable species, high-yielding and drought-resistant. A good bee plant. c. Current factors causing loss and decline Grazing and cultivation of agricultural land. d. Current action No actions are undertaken Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 143 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 e. Proposed action plan objectives and targets • Maintain the current populations of O. transcaucasica in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. • Reduce the decline of this species through appropriate habitat management. i. Policy and legislation O. transcaucasica should be declared as species of high economic value as cultivated fodder plant. ii. Site safeguard and management Natural sites of population on dry slopes and in shibliak need to be protected. iii. Species management and protection Ex situ conservation of this species will be effective to collect seeds and keep in seed banks. iv. Advisory The local population and governmental bodies responsible for the nature protection should be informed about high conservation value of this species. v. Future research and monitoring Monitoring of the number of individuals in populations should be undertaken. References 1. Brezhnev DD., Korovina ON. 1981. Wild relatives of cultivated plants of the flora of the USSR. Leningrad: Kolos. 376 p. (In Russian). 2. Galushko AI. 1980. Flora of the North Caucasus: Handbook. V.2. 352 p. (In Russian). Grossheim AA. 1952. Flora of Caucasus. 2nd ed. V.5. P.358-376. (In Russian). 3. Grossheim AA. 1948. Sainfoin - Onobrychis Adans. In: Shishkin BK., Bobrov EG., eds. Flora URSS. V.13. P.319-367. (In Russian). 4. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 5. Vassilyeva LI. 1987. Sainfoin - Onobrychis Mill. In: Fedorov AA., Tzvelev NN., eds. Flora of the European part of the USSR. V.6. P.93-98. (In Russian). Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 144 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 8. Conservation and threat status 8.1. Diversity of CWR of Samtskhe-Javakheti region The results of the field work carried out in Samtskhe-Javakheti region in 2008-2009 revealed CWR species having high conservation value. First step, when prioritization of CWRs have been done showd 24 genera and 30 species having outstanding importance for conservation as CWRs with high scores according to methodology used in this investigation (Maxted, 2008). The results have show that 18 of 30 priority CWR species represent the same species or direct ancestor of crop plants (GP-1b/TG-1b). Taxonomically the same species as crops are 11 species: Coriandrum sativum, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Medicago sativa, Mespilus germanica, Onobrychis transcaucasica, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasifera, Prunus spinosa, Rubus idaeus, Satureja spicigera; 7 species are considered as synonyms or subspecies of crops by some authors: Asparagus caspius, Hordeum spontaneum, Linum humile, Malus orientalis, Pyrus caucasica, Satureja laxiflora, Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris; Species belonging to the same section as crops (GP2/TG2) are: Avena barbata, Lathyrus tuberosus, Ribes biebersteinii, Vicia johannis; Species or coenospecies (less closely related species) from which gene transfer to the crop is possible and natural hybrids might be occurred (GP2) are: Aegilops cylindrica, A. tauschii, A. triuncialis, Avena barbata, Brassica elongata, Hordeum bulbosum, Lathyrus tuberosus, Lepidium perfoliatum, Secale anatolicum, Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris; Genetic diversity could be assessed for some species. Prunus cerasifera in Georgia is characterized by two colours of fruits - yellow and red. Here in Samtskhe-Javakheti all individuals had yellow fruits and only one accession was with bluish-black fruits. We suppose that it might be hybrid, or ancesror of Prunus insititia. The plants with red fruits are not detected during field trips. Wild grapevine was represented by only one population containing 4 individuals (1 male and 3 female). One female had fruits with white berries, which is indicator of a mutation occurred in wild grape. The berry skin colour is determined by the variation present in the gene VvmybA1, a transcriptional regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis (This et al., 2006). Whitefruited phenotype is considered as a result of the insertion of a gypsy-type retroelement Gret1 in the promoter region of a regulatory gene of the Myb family - VvmybA1, which causes the loss of black colour in the berry skin in homozygous individuals (Kobayashi et al., 2002). Red or pink fruited accessions are also strongly associated with polymorphisms in the VvmybA1 gene. Differences in nucleotide diversity were observed between the white and pigmented alleles of VvmybA1, suggesting that the white allele arose only once or a limited number of times (This et al., 2007). It is considered that variation in one transcriptional regulator has generated an allelic series strongly associated with fruit colour variation in cultivated grapevine. The wild ancestor, however, should be considered as black colour grapevine, which is most common in Georgian wild populations. Although, the mutation leading to the white fruited grapevine is found besides our study in some other Georgian wild populations (Ramishvili, 1988, Ekhvaia, Akhalkatsi, 2010). 8.2. Ecogeographical diversity assessment The ecogeographical data base used to assess the geographical and ecological diversity has revealed that priority CWR species might be grouped as follows: Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 145 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 1. Rare and endangered species represented by 1-5 populations in the region: Aegilops tauschii (5), A. triuncialis (4), Allium cardiostemon (1), Avena barbata (1), Hordeum spontaneum (2), Lepidium perfoliatum (4), Linum humile (1), Secale anatolicum (3), Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris (1). 2. CWR species with more wide range of distribution in natural habitats (number of populations >5): Aegilops cylindrica, Asparagus caspius, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Hordeum bulbosum, Lathyrus tuberosus, Lepidium perfoliatum, Malus orientalis, Mespilus germanica, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasifera, Prunus spinosa, Pyrus caucasica, Ribes biebersteinii, Rubus idaeus, Satureja laxiflora, S. spicigera, Vicia johannis; 3. CWR species with wide range of distribution in rural and urban areas mainly on cultivated beds and road sides: Brassica elongata, Coriandrum sativum, Medicago sativa, Onobrychis transcaucasica, Vicia johannis; 8.3 Threat assessment Main threat in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region threatening the survival of CWR species is deforestation took place during last decade in the region. The fact detected with the population of wild grapevine has revealed the threat to the riparian forests in the region. This type of forest is situated along rivers in very close proximity of settlements and local population uses the resources of this forest in a highest degree. One tree was cut representing the support of climbing grapevine and the individual of wild grape was lying on the earth, which will cause its drying up and death. More great scale cuttings in dark coniferous forests lead to arising of forest openings with high irradiation leading to drying up the underground cover of mosses and lichens, which drastically changes habitat and determines disappearing of natural species adapted to this habitat. Overgrazing was a problem in Soviet period, when several million head of sheep were grazing summer pastures of mountainous regions of Georgia. However, now the number of cattle is reduced and does not threaten much the populations in their natural habitats. In spite of this fact, grazing affect survival of rare species such as Hordeum spontaneum, which was found on road side and during the next visit it was grazed completely. Such disturbances as habitat degradation due to road and pipeline construction works threatens the populations but has temporary effect. These types of disturbances are especially threatening the rare and endangered species of high conservation value. The species, which are growing in rural habitats and on cultivated fields among field crops have different assessment to threats. These species are depending in their existence to the monitoring of cultivated fields, which crop will be sawn, how will be transformed filed crop to pasture or hay meadow, or what kind of herbicides and mineral fertilizers will be used in the field. The maintenance of wild populations growing as weeds in cultivated fields depends on sustainable management of agriculture in the region. The governmental institutions should control the processes which might bring to the genetic erosion of CWRs having high value of conservation. In this case the legislation bases should be effective to control local farmers not affect CWRs with ecologically unsuitable for this species actions in the field e.g. use of fertilizers or introduction of new crops leading to changing in technology of field cultivation methodology and leading to disturbances of wild weed species of high conservation value. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 146 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 8.4. Conserved Diversity 8.4.1. In Situ Review In situ methods of conservation of crop wild progenitors and relatives are, understandably, viewed skeptically by plant breeders. As long as genetic conservation and crop improvement are directly linked, any form of conservation will be judged by its short-term benefits to breeders, and in situ methods will attract considerable criticism (Brush 1991, 1995). On-site conservation is more plausible if these two goals are decoupled, making biodiversity conservation an end in its own right. Conservation should be practiced for its own sake; it keeps the landscape green, enhances the quality of life and ensures the continuation of the ecosystem, and thereby the wellbeing of humankind. The best way to preserve genetic diversity of genetically valuable plants is creation of nature reserves. Such example of successful In situ conservation of wild wheat relatives is that at the Erebuni Nature Reserve, northeast of Yerevan in Armenia, which has met with some success. Vavilov (1951) first recommended protection of this site because of its unique richness of the wider Triticum genepool. Triticum urartu was discovered there in 1944 by Tumanyan and later this species was fully described by Gandilyan (1972). Other wild wheat species, such as T. boeoticum and T. araraticum, grow in the protected area together with Aegilops spp., Amblyopyrum muticum, a species considered to be taxonomically intermediate between Aegilops and Agropyron, was also found near this nature reserve. Hence, this site in Armenia is the only site outside Turkey where the uncommon species of the Anatolian highlands are found. The actual size of the reserve is about 100 ha but protection of a much wider area, about 400 ha, is needed in order to include rare populations of other species growing on the periphery of the protected area as well as to provide a buffer zone for the protection of the core area. The need to encourage in situ conservation of landraces in the communities in which they occur has been advocated by several authors (Peña-Chocarro 1996). Qualset et al. (1997) caution that it is a challenge to undertake in situ conservation of indigenously developed germplasm without a return to or preservation of obsolete agricultural practices which may be unacceptable or impracticable under sociopolitical systems in areas where diversity abounds. Besides, conservation of germplasm of an economically important crop in situ would most probably also result in the conservation of associated species occurring naturally in the same ecosystem. In situ conservation also permits natural evolution to continue, an extremely important option for the preservation of genes for abiotic and biotic stress resistance as species coevolve with their pathogens and changing environment. Genetic reserve/protected area. The only protected territory in Meskheti is expansion of the Borjomi-Kharagauli national Park towards Samtskhe-Javakheti region, namely Akhaltsikhe and Adigeni districts includes slopes of Adjara-Imereti ranges, namely, Abastumani and Zekari Pass. Area is 10,846 ha. IUCN Category is equivalent to IUCN Category II. Not any rare and endangered species included in the list of priority species of CWR occur in this area. The only plants growing in the forested are at mountain regions of the national park are fruit and berry trees and shrubs: Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Malus orientalis, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasifera, Pyrus caucasica, Ribes biebersteinii and Rubus idaeus. The Tetrobi managed reserve located at Tetrobi-Chobareti range represents refugee for many endemic and relict species and is composed of limestone. Its area is 3,100 ha. It was established in 1995. The single population of target species Allium cardiostemon is located in forest opening of pine forest in this protected area. From other species of the list of priority CWRs here is found: Corylus avellana, Lathyrus tuberosus, Malus orientalis, Pyrus caucasica, Ribes biebersteinii, Rubus idaeus. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 147 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 The other protected areas in the region are now just proposed. No boundaries are yet established for planed nature reserves such as Erusheti mountain systems and several wetlands in Javakheti (Ktsia-Tabatskuri managed reserve, Paravani Lake proposed managed reserve, Khanchali Lake proposed managed reserve, Madatapa Lake proposed managed reserve, Kartsakhi (Khozapini) Lake managed reserve, Saghamo Lake proposed area of restricted use). Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the target species will be included in these managed reserves or not. For example, Secale anatolicum located in Niala is on Erusheti mountain system, but it is not known if this location will be included in the protected territory. One more form of protected territories in this region is State Boundary Zone, protected by militaries since Soviet period. In Uraveli gorge this area extends to several tenth of Km and contains virgin vegetation of forests and alpine zone containing high amount of rare species. Linum humile was found in this protected area in Potskhovi gorge. This territory is protected by current woodcutting and heavy grazing, although shepherds are using these territories for livestock. On-farm conservation: Many CWR are grown in cultivated grounds of local farmers. However, no actions of conservation are undertaken to protect the species. The events which are protecting them are traditional cultivation technology to which the local weeds are adapted by their life strategy and propagation character. The treats here will be change of traditional crops to the new plants, which will need different cultivation events. This might lead to disappearence of the CWRs from the cultivated beds. 8.4.2. Ex Situ Review So as, the germplasm of CWRs is very valuable material for improvement of crop quality and their resistance against fungal and microbial disease, it will be of interest to collect their seed material and distribute to genbanks, which will contribute to provide necessary germplasm to research centers dealing with the genetic engineering. Several research centres maintain ex-situ germplasm collections of Georgia, such as gene banks and living collections. The largest collections of PGRFA have been concentrated at GIF (Genebank), IHVO and ITSCTI (live collections). TBGIB and BBG are the largest centers of wild plant ex situ conservation. In total, about 7,000 accessions are stored in different research centres not including live collections of several arboretums. The accessions from SamtskheJavakheti region represent part of these collections. Detailed information on the occurrence of the germplasm from this region in the collections in Georgia and abroad are accessible due to field collection trips carried out in his region. In 2002 TBG&IB and IPK have colelcted germplasm of wild Allium species in Meskheti. The bulbs have been planted in living collections of TBG&IB and IPK. More then 50 accessions have been collected only in Meskheti. A total 232 accessions are collected in the whole Georgia. In 2004 the collection of legume CWR germplasm (seeds) was conducted by TBG&IB and USDA group of scientists, more than 30 accessions have been collected in Meskheti and total 108 samples in East Georgia, among them are species of genera - Lathyrus, Medicago, Onobrychis, Trifolium, Vicia, etc. M. Akhalkatsi has collected Trifolium species in 2004 and the seeds are kept in USDA gene bank. 8.5. Genetic Erosion / Factors of Degradation in Georgia Regeneration activities promote genetic erosion and there is a need to maintain and monitor integrity of the PGR collections. Unfortunately, there have not been any special efforts to assess Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 148 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 integrity of the collections or introduce special measure to exclude genetic erosion of the accessions. Especcially little amount is collected in Samtskhe-Javakheti region as such big organizations as ICARDA and FAO do not carried out special colelction trip in this region. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 149 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 9. Conclusions and Recommendations 1. Diversity of CWR species studied in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region has revealed many species of high conservation value. It was shown that 18 of 30 priority CWR species represent the same species or direct ancestor of crop plants (GP-1b/TG-1b). 11 species of 18 are the same species as crops: Coriandrum sativum, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Medicago sativa, Mespilus germanica, Onobrychis transcaucasica, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasifera, Prunus spinosa, Rubus idaeus, Satureja spicigera; 7 species are considered as synonyms or subspecies of crops by some authors: Asparagus caspius, Hordeum spontaneum, Linum humile, Malus orientalis, Pyrus caucasica, Satureja laxiflora, Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris; 5 species belonging to the same section as crops (GP2/TG2): Avena barbata, Lathyrus tuberosus, Ribes biebersteinii, Vicia johannis; 10 from target species are coenospecies (less closely related species) from which gene transfer to the crop is possible and natural hybrids might be occurred (GP2): Aegilops cylindrica, A. tauschii, A. triuncialis, Avena barbata, Brassica elongata, Hordeum bulbosum, Lathyrus tuberosus, Lepidium perfoliatum, Secale anatolicum, Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris; 2. Cultivation and propagation methodology is determined for every target species, which will help to local farmers to cultivate CWRs in own grounds. This is especially important for fodder species, such as Medicago sativa and Onobrychis transcaucasica. 3. To ensure in situ conservation of CWRs, establishment of nature reserves where CWRs of conservation value is distributed will be important in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. We support idea to establish managed reserve in Erusheti Mountain systems where Secale anatolicum has two populations. 4. In situ conservation of CWR species concentrated in rural areas, close to settlements and in agricultural fields, where soil is cultivated it is necessary to set up fenced territories with indication of conservation status of protected species. Local government and non-governmental organizations should be involved on this process. 5. It is necessary to create data base on ex situ collections of CWRs in Georgia and abroad using standard computer software, so that the data will be incorporated in the international data bases and get accessible to wide range of specialists. 6. Education of local population should be undertaken to know which plants have special conservation value as relatives and even direct ancestors and progenitors of known and popular crops. This is possible due to publishing illustrated publications and dissemination of knowledge among local population. 7. Legislation should be developed to determine priority status of important wild CWR species found in Samtskhe-Javakhwti. The plants should be protected and declared as plants having big importance as close relatives to popular field crops and their germplasm might be used in improvement of the quality of crop varieties. 8. Monitoring is important to conduct as further investigation of CWRs in this region and create detailed data base including information on distribution, population status, ethnobotany and their use in folk traditional being. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 150 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 References 5. M. Akhalkatsi, I. Maisaia, M. Mosulishvili, M. Kimeridze. 2006. Study of filed crop wild relatives in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Status report. 6. Beriashvili, L. 1973. Mitsadmowmedeba Meskhetshi (Agriculture in Meskheti). Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 41 pp. 7. Berishvili T, Nadareishvili Z., Chkheidze F. 2002. Mindvris kulturebi (Field Crops). In: Agrobiodiversity report 2. ELKANA, Tbilisi. 8. Bitsadze, M., Rukhadze, A. (2001). “Gadashenebis piras mkofi veluri faunisa da floris sakheobebit saertashoriso vachrobis shesakheb konventsiis” (CITES) danartebshi shetanili sakartvelos veluri faunisa da floris saxeobebi. (The species of wild flauna and flora of Georgia in the appendix lists of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of the Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Tbilisi. 9. Bregadze, N. 2004. Sakartwelo, mitsadmoqmedebis damoukidebeli kera (Georgia – Indipendent Place of Origin of Agriculture). Tbilisi, Samshoblo, 46 pp. 10. Brush, S.B. 1991. A farmer-based approach to conserving crop germplasm. Econ. Bot. 45:153-165. 11. Brush, S.B. 1995. In situ conservation of landraces in centers of crop diversity. Crop Sci. 35:346-354. 12. Chikovani, T. 1979. Meskheti. Samtskhe, Historical-Ethnographic survey. Tbilisi, Sabchota Sakartwelo, 21 pp. 13. Dolukhanov, A. 1989. Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Vegetation of Georgia). v. 1. Metsniereba, Tbilisi. 14. Gandilyan P.A., 1972. On the wild- growing species of Triticum of the Armenian SSR., Bot. Zhurn. 57 [In Russian]: 173–181. 15. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I. 1928. Opyt botaniko-geographichaskogo raionirovania Kavkazskogo kraia. (Botanical-gaographic classification of the Caucasus region). Proceed. Polytechnic Univ. Tbilissi, V. 3. 16. Gvritishvili M., Kimeridze M. 2001, V-VI-VII. Description of flora and vegetation along the Baku- Tbilisi-Ceyhan Major Export Pipeline Project Route (Preliminary description; Report on field survey; Final report). GIOC Environmental team for the pre-EIA study. USAID, PA Consulting Group. PA Government Services Inc. 17. Harlan J, de Wet J (1971) Towards a rational classification of cultivated plants. Taxon 20: 509-517 18. Iriondo, J.M., Maxted, N. and Dulloo, E. (Eds.) (2008). Conserving Plant Genetic Diversity in Protected Areas: Population Management of Crop Wild Relatives. CABI Publishing, Wallingford. 19. IUCN 2004. 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [web application]. Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org. 20. Ivanishvili, M. 1973. Flora formatsii koliucheastragalovykh tragakantikov severnogo sklona bol’shogo Kavkaza. (Flora of thorn tragacanthic formations of the northern slope of Greater Caucasus. Metsniereba, Tbilisi. 21. Jalabadze, G. 1972. Memindvreoba Samtskhe-Javakhetshi (Field Crops in Meskheti and Javakheti) – Data for ethnographic survey. Metsniereba, Tbilisi, 19 pp. 22. Javakhishvili, I. 1930. Sakartwelos ekonomikuri istoria (Economic History of Georgia). v. 1. Tbilisi, Kartuli Tsigni, Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 151 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 23. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish. Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi. 24. Ketskhoveli, N. (ed). 1969. Key of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. 25. Ketskhoveli, n. (Ed.) 1977. Sakartvelos mtsenareebi, romelta datsva autsilebelia. (Plants of Georgia Needed Protection. Metsniereba, Tbilisi. 26. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi. 27. Kihara, H. 1944. Discovery of the DD-analyser, one of the ancestors of Triticum vulgare (Japanese). Agric. & Hort. (Tokyo) 19:13-14. 28. Kikava, G, Chkhetiani, I., Jugheli N., Todua V. 1997. Veluri Khili (Wild Fruits). Tbilisi. 29. Kikodze, E. 1967. Nitraria schoberi in Georgia. Notule Syst. Geogr. Plants. Tbilisi,26:63-65. 30. Kikodze, D. 2002. Environmental baseline - BTC/SCP Pipeline Project ESIA. Dzelkva Ltd. 31. Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad. Scien. 43, 2:234-245. 32. Kimeridze, K. 1975. Sakartvelos mtianetis kolboxovani islianebi. (Tufted sedge wetlands of mountains of Georgia). Bull. Geor. State Museum. 28-a. 33. Klopotovski, B.A. 1950. K geomorphologii Meskheti (Geomorphology of Meskheti). Works Vakhushti Inst. Geograph. 1:3-41. 34. Kobayashi, S., Ishimaru, M., Hiraoka, K., Honda, C., 2002. Myb-related genes of the Kyoho grape (Vitis labruscana) regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis. Planta 215, 924–933. 35. Kvachakidze, R. 1996. Sakartvelos geobotanikuri daraioneba (Determination of geobotanical regions in Georgia). Metsniereba. Tbilisi. 36. Magakian, A.K. 1933. K kharakteristike rastitel’nosti vysokogornykh pastbishch Taparavanskogo raiona Javakhetii (Charakterization of high-mountain pastures in Taparavani district of Javakheti). In: Javakheti. Tbilisi, ZakGIZ, p. 239-278. 37. Maisaia, I., Shanshiashvili, T., Rusishvili, N. 2005. Agriculture of Kolkhis. Metsniereba, Tbilisi, 152 pp. 38. Maleev,V.P. 1940. Rastitel’nost’ prichernomorskikh stran (Evksinskoi provintsii sredizemnomoria), ee proiskhozhdenie i sviazi. (Vegetation of Black See Basin countries (Euxine province) and its origin and relations). Works Inst. Bot. Geor. Acad. Scien. Ser. 3. (Geobotany) : 135-251. 39. Maruashvili L., Astakhov N., Tskhovrebashvili Sh., Maisuradze G. 1971. Minor Caucasus. In: Geomorphology of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi, pp. 309-346. 40. Maxted, N., Ford-Lloyd, B.V. & Hawkes, J.G. (eds) (1997) Plant genetic conservation: the in situ approach. Chapman and Hall, London. 41. Maxted, N., Ford-Lloyd, B.V., Jury, S.L., Kell, S.P. & Scholten, M.A., (2006). Towards a definition of a crop wild relative. Biodiversity and Conservation, 15(8): 2673-2685. 42. Maxted N, Dulloo E, Ford-Lloyd BV, Iriondo JM, Jarvis A. 2008. Gap analysis: a tool for complementary genetic conservation assessment. Biodiversity Research, DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2008.00512.x 43. Maxted N. (2008) Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia’s Agrobiodiversity Project Mission Report. 44. McFadden, E.S. and E.R. Sears. 1946. The origin of Triticum spelta and its free-theshing hexaploid relatives. J. Hered. 37:81-89, 107-116. 45. Mellaart, J. 1975. The Neolithic of the Near East. Thames and Hudson, London, UK. 46. Menabde, V. 1948. Pshenitsi Gruzii (Wheats of Georgia). Publsh. Acad. Scien. Georg., Tbilisi, 272 pp. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 152 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 47. Mukbaniani, M. 1976. Floristicheskii sostav lesov Meskheti. (Floristical composition of Meskheti forests). Thesis Diss. Tbilisi. 48. Nakhutsrishvili, Sh. 1966. Osnovnie cherty rastitel’nogo pokrova iuzhnogo nagoria gruzii. V kn. rastitel’nii pokrov vysokogorii i ee khoziaistvennoe ispol’zovanie (Main characters of vegetation of the southern upland of Georgia. In: vegetation of high-mountains and their sustainable utilization). v. 2, pp. 106-111. 49. Nakhutsrishvili G. (1999). The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174. 50. Neidze, V. 2003. Samtskhe-Javakheti, In: Sakartvelos sotsialur-ekonomikuri geografia, (Social-economic geography of Georgia) v. 2. pp. 256-271. 51. Nemanishvili, S. 1960. Denudatsionnie pover khnosti vostochnoi chasti Akhaltsikhskoi kotlavini. (Denudacite surfaces of eastern part of Akhaltsikhe depression). Bull. Acad. Scien. USSR. 24, 2:175-180. 52. Peña-Chocarro, L. 1996. In situ conservation of hulled wheat species: the case of Spain. Pages 129-146 in Hulled Wheats. Promoting the Conservation and Use of Underutilized and Neglected Crops. 4. Proc. of the First International Workshop on Hulled Wheats, 21-22 July 1995, Castelvecchio Pascoli, Tuscany, Italy (S. Padulosi, K. Hammer and J. Heller, eds.). IPGRI, Rome, Italy. 53. Qualset, C.O., A.B. Damania, A.C.A. Zanatta and S.B. Brush. 1997. Locally based crop plant conservation. Pages 160-175 in Plant Genetic Conservation: the in situ approach (N. Maxted, B.V. Ford-Lloyd and J.G. Hawkes, eds.). Chapman & Hall, London, UK. 54. Ramishvili, R., 1988. Dikorastushchii vinograd Zakavkazia (Wild grape of the South Caucasus). Ganatleba, Tbilisi. (Russ.). 55. Red Data Book of Georgia. (1982). – Sabchota Sakartvelo, Tbilisi. 56. Red List of Endangered Species of Georgia. 2003. Legisl. Proc. 3, Order N76, GSS Codex, GSS code- www.gss-ltd.com. 57. Red List of Georgia. 2006. Internet version, order. 58. Sakhokia, M. 1941. Aegilops. In: Makashvili A., Sosnovski D., (eds). Flora of Georgia. 1st ed. Publsh. Acad. Scien. Georg., Tbilisi, :321-325. 59. Sakhokia, M. 1969. Aegilops. In: Ketskhoveli, N., (Ed.), Key of Georgian Vegetation. Metsniereba, Tbilisi. 60. Shubitidze, I. 2000. Restoration of agricultural traditions in Meskheti. Akhaltsikhe, 309 pp. 61. Sinskaya, E. N. 1969. Istoricheskaia Georgraphia kulturnoi flory (Historical Geography of Cultivated Flora). Sankt-Peterburg, Kolos, 480 pp. 62. Sosnovski, D.I. 1933. K voprosu o floristicheskom kharaktere Javakhetia (On floristical characterization of Javakheti). In: Javakheti. Tbilisi, ZakGIZ, p. 227-235. 63. Takhtajian, A. 1986. Floristic regions of the world. Univ. Calif. Press. Berkley. 64. This, P., Lacombe, T., Thomas, M. R., 2006. Historical origins and genetic diversity of wine grapes. Trends in Genetics 22, 511-519. 65. This, P., Lacombe, T., Cadle-Davidson, M., Owens, CL., 2007. Wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) color associates with allelic variation in the domestication gene VvmybA1. Theor. Appl. Genet. 114, 723-730. 66. Troizki, N. 1927. Ostatki lesov v Akhalkalakskom uezde (Forest remnants in Akhalkalaki District). Bull. Tbilisi Bot. Garden, v. 3-4. 67. Tumanyan, M.G. 1944. Crop plants of Urartu period in Armenian SSR. Izv. Akad. Nauk. Armenia SSR, obshestv. nauki 1-2:73-82 [In Russian]. 68. Tüxen, R. 1970. Pflanzensoziologie als synthetische Wissenschaft. Misc. Papers Landbouwhogeschool Wageningen 5:141-159. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 153 “Recovery, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of Georgia's Agricultural diversity” GEF/UNDP Project # GEO/01/G41/A/1G/72- 00037324 69. Vavilov, N.I., 1931. Dikie rodichi plodovykh dereviev Aziatskoi chasti SSSR i Kavkaza i problema proiskhozhdenia plodovykh dereviev (Wild progenitors of the fruit trees of Turkestan and the Caucasus and the problem of the origin of fruit trees). Bul. Appl. Bot., Genet., Plant-Breed. 26, 85-134. (Russ.). 70. Vavilov, N.I. 1935. Theoretical Basis for Plant Breeding, Vol. 1. Moscow. Origin and Geography of Cultivated Plants. Pages 316-366 in The Phytogeographical Basis for Plant Breeding (D. Love, transl.). Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, UK. 71. Vavilov, N.I. 1951. Phytogeographic basis of plant breeding. In The origin, variation, immunity and breeding of cultivated plants (K.S. Chester, transl.). Chronica Botanica 13:1454. 72. Vavilov, N.I. 1987. Proiskhozhdenie I geografia kulturnykh rastenii. (Origin and geography of cultivated plants), Sankt-Peterburg, Nauka, 440 pp. (In Russ.) 73. Zedelmaier, 1929. Matariali k poznaniu vodno-bolotnykh formatsii ozer Javakheti (byvshego Akhalkalakskogo raiona). Works of Leningrad’s Soc. Nature Explorers. 74. Zedelmaier, 1933. Materiali k flore Javakhetia. (Materials for Javakheti flora). In: Javakheti. ZakGIZ, Tbilisi, pp. 281-300. Final Report, GSNE "Orchis" June, 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia 154 Appendix 1. CWR inventory for Georgia (extracted from PGR Forum CWR Catalogue of Europe and the Mediterranean (Kell et al., 2005, bz N. Maxted, 2008). Abies nordmanniana Abutilon theophrasti Acalypha australis Acalypha indica Acer velutinum Acer trautvetteri Acer pseudoplatanus Acer sosnowskyi Acer hyrcanum Acer tataricum Acer ibericum Acer divergens Acer campestre Acer platanoides Acer platanoides subsp. platanoides Acer laetum Adiantum capillus-veneris Aegilops neglecta Aegilops umbellulata Aegilops triuncialis subsp. triuncialis Aegilops triuncialis Aegilops tauschii Aegilops cylindrica Aegilops geniculata Aegopodium podagraria Aethusa cynapium Agrimonia pilosa Agrimonia eupatoria Agrostemma githago Ailanthus altissima Aizoon hispanicum Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia Ajuga reptans Ajuga genevensis Ajuga comata Ajuga orientalis Alcea transcaucasica Alcea sosnovskyi Alcea abchazica Alcea rugosa Alchemilla epipsila Alchemilla aurata Alchemilla oxysepala Alchemilla indurata Alchemilla microdonta Alchemilla insignis Alchemilla chlorosericea Alchemilla dura Alchemilla microdictya Alchemilla carthalinica Alchemilla holotricha Alchemilla depexa Alchemilla hirtipedicellata Alchemilla alexandri Alchemilla hypotricha Alchemilla diversipes Alchemilla hypochlora Alchemilla laeta Alchemilla obtegens Alchemilla erythropoda Alchemilla capillacea Alchemilla adelodictya Alchemilla languida Alchemilla erectilis Alchemilla sericea Alchemilla tredecimloba Alchemilla kozlowskii Alchemilla urceolata Alchemilla tamarae Alchemilla sericata Alchemilla suberectipila Alchemilla undecimloba Alchemilla georgica Alchemilla retinervis Alchemilla venosa Alchemilla pseudocartalinica Alchemilla pseudomollis Alchemilla speciosa Alchemilla pycnotricha Alchemilla subsplendens Alchemilla tephroserica Alchemilla caucasica Alchemilla sedelmeyeriana Alchemilla oligotricha Alchemilla elisabethae Alchemilla monticola Alchemilla barbatiflora Alchemilla debilis Alchemilla subcrenatiformis Alchemilla impolita Alchemilla grandidens Alchemilla divaricans Alchemilla grossheimii Alchemilla woronowii Alchemilla glabricaulis Alchemilla bakurianica Alchemilla abchasica Alchemilla valdehirsuta Alchemilla stellulata Alchemilla minusculiflora Alkanna orientalis Alkanna orientalis orientalis Alnus barbata Alnus incana Althaea hirsuta Althaea officinalis Althaea armeniaca Althaea cannabina Amaracus rotundifolius Amaranthus hybridus Amaranthus spinosus Amaranthus deflexus Amaranthus blitoides Amaranthus caudatus Amaranthus retroflexus Amaranthus lividus Amelanchier ovalis Ammi visnaga Amorpha fruticosa Amygdalus georgica Anagallis arvensis Anagallis foemina Anchusa leptophylla Anchusa leptophylla subsp. leptophylla Anchusa arvensis subsp. orientalis Anchusa azurea Anchusa arvensis Anchusa pusilla Anethum graveolens Angelica tatianae Angelica sylvestris Angelica adzharica Angelica purpurascens Anthriscus caucalis Anthriscus sylvestris subsp. nemorosa Anthriscus kotschyi Anthriscus cerefolium Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Anthriscus sylvestris Anthriscus ruprechtii Anthriscus schmalhausenii Anthyllis lachnophora Anthyllis macrocephala Anthyllis grossheimii Anthyllis variegata Anthyllis irenae Antirrhinum majus Aphanes arvensis Apium leptophyllum Apium graveolens Araujia sericifera Arbutus andrachne Arctostaphylos caucasica Arenaria steveniana Arenaria serpyllifolia Arenaria holostea Arenaria leptoclados Arenaria dianthoides Arenaria rotundifolia Arenaria lychnidea Aristolochia steupii Aristolochia iberica Aristolochia clematitis Aristolochia fimbriata Aristolochia pontica Arnebia decumbens Asarum europaeum subsp. caucasicum Asperula abchasica Asperula prostrata Asperula molluginoides Asperula taurina Asperula kemulariae Asperula glomerata Asperula pontica Asperula orientalis Asperula arvensis Asperula ovalifolia Asperula cristata Asplenium lepidum subsp. haussknechtii Asplenium scolopendrium subsp. scolopendrium Asplenium septentrionale Asplenium trichomanes Asplenium woronowii Asplenium viride Asplenium ceterach Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Asplenium pseudolanceolatum Asplenium ruta-muraria Astragalus brachycarpus Astragalus hamosus Astragalus campylosema Astragalus incertus Astragalus goktschaicus Astragalus pseudoutriger Astragalus asterias Astragalus caucasicus Astragalus humilis Astragalus doluchanovii Astragalus polygala Astragalus aspindzicus Astragalus schischkinii Astragalus glycyphylloides Astragalus oreades Astragalus bungeanus Astragalus hirtulus Astragalus onobrychis Astragalus atenicus Astragalus aureus Astragalus bachmarensis Astragalus ketzkhovelii Astragalus raddeanus Astragalus meskheticus Astragalus torrentum Astragalus freynii Astragalus sommieri Astragalus tanae Astragalus arguricus Astragalus microcephalus Astragalus kazbekii Astragalus kozlovsky Astragalus cyri Astragalus vavilovii Astragalus macrostachys Astragalus takhtadzjanii Astragalus striatellus Astragalus kadschorensis Astragalus adzharicus Astragalus kemulariae Astragalus argillosus Astragalus supinus Astragalus sphaerocephalus Astragalus massalskyi Astragalus cicer Astragalus fabaceus Astragalus lagurus Astragalus glycyphyllos Astragalus hyalolepis Astragalus iljinii Astragalus chordorrhizus Astragalus stevenianus Astragalus denudatus Astragalus falcatus Astragalus galegiformis Astragalus brachytropis Astragalus oxyglottis Astragalus alpinus Astragalus mollis Astragalus captiosus Astragalus magnificus Astragalus maximus Astragalus leonidae Astragalus levieri Astragalus subuliformis Astragalus fragrans Astragalus vardziae Astragalus frickii Astragalus cornutus Astragalus trichocalyx Astragalus xiphidium Astragalus troitzkyi Astrantia pontica Astrantia trifida Astrantia colchica Astrantia maxima Athyrium distentifolium Athyrium filix-femina Atraphaxis caucasica Atraphaxis spinosa Atriplex cana Atriplex rosea Atriplex micrantha Atriplex tatarica Atriplex patula Atriplex aucheri Atriplex nitens Atriplex hastata Atriplex hortensis Atropa caucasica Avena clauda Ballota nigra subsp. foetida Ballota nigra Bassia prostrata Bassia hyssopifolia Bassia scoparia Bassia sedoides Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima Beta corolliflora Betula litwinowii Betula mergelica Betula pendula Betula raddeana Betula medwedewii Bifora radians Biota orientalis Borago officinalis Brunnera macrophylla Bupleurum rotundifolium Bupleurum wittmannii Bupleurum tenuissimum subsp. gracile Bupleurum affine Bupleurum boissieri Bupleurum gerardi Bupleurum nordmannianum Bupleurum polyphyllum Bupleurum abchasicum Bupleurum baldense subsp. gussonei Bupleurum rischawii Bupleurum falcatum subsp. cernuum Bupleurum sosnowskyi Bupleurum asperuloides Buxus colchica Cachrys ferulacea Calamintha nepeta sylvatica Calamintha debilis Calamintha nepeta Calamintha grandiflora Calystegia sepium Calystegia silvatica Calystegia soldanella Cannabis sativa Cannabis sativa subsp. spontanea Caragana grandiflora Cardamine pectinata Cardamine quinquefolia Cardamine wiedemanniana Cardamine uliginosa Cardamine tenera Cardamine seidlitziana Cardamine seidlitziana Cardamine uliginosa Cardamine uliginosa Cardamine impatiens Cardamine uliginosa Cardamine tenera Cardamine seidlitziana Cardamine wiedemanniana Cardaria draba Cardaria boissieri Cardaria propinqua Carpinus caucasica Carpinus orientalis Carum carvi Carum caucasicum Carum grossheimii Carum meifolium Carum porphyrocoleon Castanea sativa Caucalis platycarpos Celtis caucasica Celtis australis Celtis glabrata Centaurium pulchellum Centaurium tenuiflorum Centaurium spicatum Centaurium erythraea Centella asiatica Cerasus incana Cerasus microcarpa Cerasus silvestris Chaerophyllum confusum Chaerophyllum rubellum Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Chaerophyllum aromaticum Chaerophyllum roseum Chaerophyllum humile Chaerophyllum bulbosum Chaerophyllum astrantiae Chaerophyllum angelicifolium Chaerophyllum temulum Chaerophyllum borodinii Chaerophyllum aureum Chamaecytisus hirsutus Chamaesyce hypericifolia Chamaesyce maculata Chamaesyce canescens Chamaesyce forskalii Chamaesyce nutans Chamaesyce humifusa Chamaesyce peplis Chenopodium rubrum Chenopodium vulvaria Chenopodium ambrosioides Chenopodium album Chenopodium sosnowskyi Chenopodium hybridum Chenopodium botrys Chenopodium urbicum Chenopodium murale Chenopodium glaucum Chenopodium polyspermum Chenopodium foliosum Chrozophora obliqua Chrysosplenium dubium Chrysosplenium albovianum Chrysosplenium alternifolium Cicer arietinum Cicer caucasicum Cicuta virosa Cistus salvifolius Cistus incanus subsp. creticus Clerodendrum bungei Clinopodium umbrosum Clinopodium vulgare Cnidium grossheimii Cnidium mandenovae Cnidium pauciradiatum Colutea cilicica Colutea orientalis Conium maculatum Conringia austriaca Conringia orientalis Conringia planisiliqua Conringia perfoliata Convolvulus cantabrica Convolvulus lineatus Convolvulus arvensis Convolvulus persicus Coriandrum sativum Cornus mas Coronilla charadzeae Coronilla balansae Coronilla varia Coronilla cretica Coronilla orientallis Coronilla coronata Coronopus squamatus Coronopus didymus Corylus colchica Corylus pontica Corylus iberica Corylus imeretica Corylus kachethica Corylus avellana Cotinus coggygria Cotoneaster morulus Cotoneaster soczavianus Cotoneaster suavis Cotoneaster meyeri Cotoneaster niger Cotoneaster saxatilis Cotoneaster racemiflorus Cotoneaster integerrimus Crambe juncea Crambe maritima Crambe orientalis Crataegus meyeri Crataegus kyrtostyla Crataegus pseudoheterophylla Crataegus pontica Crataegus caucasica Crataegus microphylla Crataegus pentagyna Crataegus laciniata Crithmum maritimum Cryptotaenia flahaultii Cyclamen coum Cyclamen colchicum Cyclamen abchasicum Cyclamen adzharicum Cydonia oblonga Cynanchum acutum Cynoglossum laxiflorum Cynoglossum officinale Cynoglossum creticum Cynoglossum biebersteinii Cynoglossum glochidiatum Cynoglossum montanum Cynoglossum officinale subsp. officinale Cynoglossum germanicum Daphne mezereum Daphne pontica Daphne transcaucasica Daphne caucasica Daphne axilliflora Daphne pseudosericea Daphne glomerata Daphne alboviana Datisca cannabina Datura stramonium Datura innoxia Daucus carota Dianthus daghestanicus Dianthus caucaseus Dianthus imereticus Dianthus floribundus Dianthus transcaucasicus Dianthus abchasicus Dianthus atschurensis Dianthus armeria Dianthus subulosus Dianthus cyri Dianthus crinitus Dianthus multicaulis Dianthus ketzkhovelii Dianthus pseudarmeria Dianthus kusnezowii Dianthus barbatus Dianthus cretaceus Dianthus calocephalus Dianthus inamoenus Dianthus orientalis Dianthus ruprechtii Dictamnus caucasicus Dictamnus gymnostylis Digitalis nervosa Digitalis ciliata Digitalis ferruginea Digitalis schischkinii Diospyros lotus Diphasiastrum tristachyum Diphasiastrum alpinum Diplotaxis muralis Dracocephalum ruyschiana Dracocephalum austriacum Dracocephalum moldavica Dracocephalum thymiflorum Drosera intermedia Drosera longifolia Drosera rotundifolia Dryas caucasica Dryopteris oreades Dryopteris filix-mas Dryopteris carthusiana Dryopteris villarii Dryopteris remota Dryopteris aemula Dryopteris dilatata Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri Echium vulgare subsp. vulgare Echium italicum Echium vulgare Echium italicum subsp. biebersteinii Echium maculatum Echium plantagineum Elaeagnus angustifolia Elsholtzia ciliata Ephedra distachya Ephedra major subsp. procera Epigaea gaultherioides Epilobium anagallidifolium Epilobium ponticum Epilobium montanum Epilobium parviflorum Epilobium palustre subsp. palustre Epilobium tetragonum Epilobium prionophyllum Epilobium palustre Epilobium roseum subsp. subsessile Epilobium gemmascens Epilobium anatolicum Epilobium hirsutum Epilobium minutiflorum Epilobium confusum Epilobium lanceolatum Epilobium algidum Epilobium angustifolium Epilobium dodonaei Epilobium tetragonum subsp. lamyi Epilobium alpestre Epilobium consimile Epilobium stevenii Equisetum arvense Equisetum fluviatile Equisetum telmateia Equisetum variegatum Equisetum sylvaticum Equisetum palustre Equisetum ramosissimum Equisetum pratense Equisetum hyemale Erica arborea Erodium oxyrhynchum Erodium absinthioides Erodium ciconium Erodium ruthenicum Erodium trichomanifolium Erodium cicutarium Eruca vesicaria Eryngium giganteum Eryngium coeruleum Eryngium campestre Eryngium maritimum Eryngium planum Euonymus europaeus Euonymus leiophloea Euonymus verrucosus Euonymus latifolius Euonymus latifolius subsp. latifolius Euphorbia seguieriana Euphorbia lathyris Euphorbia stricta Euphorbia coniosperma Euphorbia palustris Euphorbia eugeniae Euphorbia condylocarpa Euphorbia macroceras Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Euphorbia scripta Euphorbia kemulariae Euphorbia szovitsii Euphorbia squamosa Euphorbia peplus Euphorbia iberica Euphorbia nicaeensis subsp. glareosa Euphorbia leptocaula Euphorbia lucida Euphorbia agraria Euphorbia paralias Euphorbia boissieriana Euphorbia falcata Euphorbia platyphyllos Euphorbia abchasica Euphorbia amygdaloides Euphorbia aleppica Euphorbia denticulata Euphorbia hirsuta Euphorbia pontica Euphorbia armena Euphorbia wittmannii Euphorbia glaberrima Euphorbia helioscopia subsp. helioscopia Euphorbia panjutinii Euphorbia petrophila Euphorbia illirica Euphorbia oblongifolia Euphorbia helioscopia Euphrasia petiolaris Euphrasia adenocaulon Euphrasia svanica Euphrasia grossheimii Euphrasia caucasica Euphrasia hirtella Euphrasia woronowii Euphrasia macrodonta Euphrasia kemulariae Euphrasia lebardensis Euphrasia pectinata Euphrasia amblyodonta Euphrasia sosnowskyi Fagopyrum tataricum Fagus sylvatica subsp. orientalis Falcaria vulgaris Faldermannia persica Fallopia convolvulus Fallopia dumetorum Festuca dmitriviae Festuca pallidula Ficus carica Filipendula ulmaria Filipendula vulgaris Foeniculum vulgare Fragaria moschata Fragaria vesca Fragaria viridis Frangula alnus subsp. alnus Frangula alnus Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa Fraxinus excelsior Fraxinus excelsior subsp. coriariifolia Galanthus platyphyllus Galanthus platyphyllus Galanthus krasnovii Galanthus lagodechianus Galanthus woronowii Galanthus rizehensis Galanthus woronowii Galanthus krasnovii Galanthus woronowii Galanthus rizehensis Galanthus alpinus Galanthus alpinus Galanthus alpinus Galega officinalis Galega orientalis Galeopsis ladanum Galeopsis bifida Galium album Galium tricornutum Galium subuliferum Galium rotundifolium Galium uliginosum Galium longatum Galium rivale Galium anfractum Galium boreale Galium valantioides Galium spurium Galium articulatum Galium palustre Galium ruthenicum Galium grusinum Galium consangineum Galium humifusum Galium odoratum Galium praemontanum Galium verum Galium tenuissimum Galium verticillatum Genista humifusa Genista kolakowskyi Genista abchasica Genista sachokiana Genista adzharica Genista transcaucasica Genista mingrelica Genista tinctoria Genista suanica Genista flagellaris Gentiana oschtenica Gentiana cruciata Gentiana kolakovskyi Gentiana aquatica Gentiana schistocalyx Gentiana paradoxa Gentiana septemfida Gentiana lagodechiana Gentiana angulosa Gentiana prostrata Gentiana pneumonanthe Gentiana gelida Gentiana rhodocalyx Gentiana pyrenaica Geranium columbinum Geranium finitimum Geranium gracile Geranium ibericum Geranium dissectum Geranium platypetalum Geranium divaricatum Geranium collinum Geranium rotundifolium Geranium gymnocaulon Geranium sibiricum Geranium pusillum Geranium psilostemon Geranium renardii Geranium pyrenaicum Geranium robertianum Geranium sanguineum Geranium tuberosum Geranium ruprechtii Geranium purpureum Geranium lucidum Geranium palustre Geranium pyrenaicum subsp. pyrenaicum Geranium albanum Geranium pallens Geranium bohemicum Geranium molle Geum latilobum Geum rivale Geum urbanum Glechoma hederacea Glycyrrhiza aspera Glycyrrhiza glabra Glycyrrhiza echinata Gratiola officinalis Gypsophila glandulosa Gypsophila stevenii Gypsophila muralis Gypsophila acutifolia Gypsophila silenoides Gypsophila elegans Gypsophila bicolor Gypsophila robusta Gypsophila steupii Gypsophila tenuifolia Halimodendron halodendron Haplophyllum villosum Haplophyllum armenum Hedera helix Hedera colchica Hedera pastuchovii Hedysarum sericeum Hedysarum formosum Hedysarum armenum Hedysarum elegans Hedysarum turkeviczii Hedysarum ibericum Hedysarum caucasicum Helianthemum nummularium subsp. tomentosum Helianthemum buschii Helianthemum nummularium Helianthemum nummularium subsp. grandiflorum Helianthemum ledifolium Helianthemum georgicum Helianthemum salicifolium Helianthemum nummularium subsp. nummularium Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. orientale Heliotropium styligerum Heliotropium ellipticum Heliotropium dolosum Heliotropium stevenianum Heliotropium suaveolens Heracleum leskovii Heracleum ponticum Heracleum pastinaciifolium Heracleum roseum Heracleum scabrum Heracleum mandenovae Heracleum grossheimii Heracleum freynianum Heracleum egrissicum Heracleum chorodanum Heracleum wilhelmsii Heracleum ossethicum Heracleum sommieri Heracleum mantegazzianum Heracleum antasiaticum Heracleum asperum Heracleum aconitifolium Heracleum apiifolum Heracleum calcareum Heracleum sosnowskyi Hibiscus ponticus Hibiscus trionum Hippophae rhamnoides Hippuris vulgaris Holosteum umbellatum subsp. glutinosum Holosteum umbellatum Holosteum marginatum Huperzia selago Hydrocotyle ranunculoides Hydrocotyle ramiflora Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Hydrocotyle vulgaris Hyoscyamus pusillus Hyoscyamus niger Hypericum nummularioides Hypericum xylosteifolium Hypericum grossheimii Hypericum caucasicum Hypericum orientale Hypericum perforatum Hypericum origanifolium Hypericum montbretii Hypericum calycinum Hypericum tetrapterum Hypericum perforatum subsp. veronense Hypericum hirsutum Hypericum bupleuroides Hypericum montanum Hypericum mutilum Hypericum hyssopifolium Hypericum linarioides Hypericum venustum Hypericum androsaemum Hyssopus officinalis subsp. officinalis Iberis amara Ilex colchica colchica Ilex colchica Ilex colchica imerethica Impatiens noli-tangere Jasminum officinale Jasminum fruticans Juglans nigra Juglans regia Juncus heldreichianus subsp. orientalis Juncus alpigenus Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus Juniperus sabina Juniperus sabina subsp. sabina Juniperus communis subsp. saxatalis Juniperus communis subsp. communis Juniperus foetidissima Kickxia caucasica Kosteletzkya pentacarpos Lallemantia canescens Lallemantia peltata Lamium maculatum Lamium tomentosum Lamium album Lamium amplexicaule Lamium purpureum Laser trilobum Laserpitium stevenii Laserpitium affine Laserpitium hispidum Lathyrus aureus Lathyrus cicera Lathyrus pratensis Lathyrus roseus Lathyrus sphaericus Lathyrus tuberosus Lathyrus sylvestris Lathyrus incurvus Lathyrus vernus Lathyrus miniatus Lathyrus hirsutus Lathyrus aphaca Lathyrus nissolia Lathyrus annuus Lathyrus pallescens Lathyrus sativus Lathyrus inconspicuus Lathyrus laxiflorus Lavatera thuringiaca subsp. thuringiaca Lavatera thuringiaca Lavatera punctata Lens nigricans Lens culinaris Lens ervoides Leonurus marrubiastrum Leonurus cardiaca Lepidium campestre Lepidium ruderale Lepidium texanum Lepidium perfoliatum Lepidium latifolium Lepidium graminifolium Lepidium sativum Ligusticum caucasicum Ligusticum arafoe Ligusticum alatum Ligusticum physospermifolium Ligustrum vulgare Lilium monadelphum Limonium meyeri Limonium sinuatum Linaria genistifolia Linaria grandiflora Linaria reflexa Linaria pelisseriana Linaria schirvanica Linaria schelkownikowii Linaria genistifolia subsp. genistifolia Linaria simplex Linaria vulgaris Linaria meyeri Linaria kurdica Linaria armeniaca Linum hypericifolium Linum nervosum Linum austriacum Linum corymbulosum Linum bienne Linum mucronatum subsp. armenum Linum nodiflorum Linum catharticum Linum trigynum Linum usitatissimum Linum tauricum Linum tenuifolium Lithospermum officinale Lotononis genistoides Lotus palustris Lotus tenuis Lotus angustissimus Lotus corniculatus Ludwigia palustris Luzula stenophylla Luzula abchasica Luzula taurica Luzula forsteri subsp. forsteri Luzula forsteri subsp. caspica Luzula abchasica Luzula forsteri Luzula sylvatica subsp. sylvatica Lycium barbarum Lycium ruthenicum Lycopodium annotinum Lycopodium clavatum Lycopus europaeus Lycopus exaltatus Lysimachia punctata Lysimachia japonica Lysimachia dubia Lysimachia fortunei Lysimachia vulgaris Lythrum volgense Lythrum hyssopifolia Lythrum salicaria subsp. salicaria Lythrum salicaria Lythrum virgatum Malabaila dasyantha Malus orientalis Malva pusilla Malva neglecta Malva sylvestris Marrubium goktschaicum Marrubium vulgare Marrubium catariifolium Marsilea quadrifolia Matteuccia struthiopteris Medicago truncatula Medicago arabica Medicago caucasica Medicago sativa subsp. caerulea Medicago polymorpha Medicago meyeri Medicago marina Medicago minima Medicago virescens Medicago sativa subsp. glomerata Medicago rigidula Medicago lupulina Medicago hemicycla Medicago orbicularis Medicago grandiflora Medicago littoralis Medicago sativa subsp. falcata Medicago dzhawakhetica Medicago glandulosa Melilotus dentata Melilotus hirsutus Melilotus neapolitana Melilotus officinalis Melilotus albus Melissa officinalis Mentha pulegium Mentha arvensis Mentha longifolia Mentha aquatica Menyanthes trifoliata Mercurialis perennis Mercurialis annua Mespilus germanica Miscanthus sinensis Montia arvensis Morus nigra Morus alba Mosla dianthera Myosotis lithospermifolia Myosotis stricta Myosotis alpestris subsp. alpestris Myosotis alpestris Myosotis pseudopropinqua Myosotis amoena Myosotis sparsiflora Myosotis laxa Myosotis laxa subsp. caespitosa Myosotis densiflora Myosotis sylvatica Myosotis scorpioides subsp. scorpioides Myosotis sylvatica subsp. sylvatica Myosotis propinqua Myosotis scorpioides Myosotis lazica Myosotis heteropoda Myosotis arvensis Myricaria germanica Myriophyllum verticillatum Myriophyllum spicatum Nepeta nuda nuda Nepeta amoena Nepeta komarovii Nepeta grandiflora Nepeta grossheimii Nepeta biebersteiniana Nepeta iberica Nepeta mussinii Nepeta schischkinii Nepeta troitzkyi Nepeta supina Nepeta sulphurea Nepeta cataria Nicandra physalodes Nitraria schoberi Nymphaea candida Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Nymphoides peltata Oenanthe aquatica Oenanthe abchasica Oenanthe pimpinelloides Oenothera biennis Oenothera odorata Olea europaea subsp. europaea Olea europaea Onobrychis cyri Onobrychis grossheimii Onobrychis cornuta Onobrychis angustifolia Onobrychis transcaucasica Onobrychis komarovii Onobrychis iberica Onobrychis oxytropoides Onobrychis kachetica Onobrychis meschetica Onobrychis atropatana Onobrychis inermis Onobrychis oxyodonta Onobrychis altissima Onobrychis kemulariae Onobrychis radiata Onobrychis biebersteinii Onobrychis petraea Onobrychis sosnowskyi Ononis pusilla Ononis arvensis Ononis spinosa subsp. antiquorum Opopanax hispidus Origanum vulgare Ornithopus sativus Ornithopus perpusillus Ornithopus compressus Orobus cyaneus Orobus ciliatidentatus Osmanthus decorus Osmunda regalis Ostrya carpinifolia Oxalis acetosella Oxalis violacea Oxalis corniculata Oxalis pes-caprae Oxalis stricta Paliurus spina-christi Parietaria debilis Parietaria officinalis Parietaria littoralis Parietaria kemulariae Parietaria judaica Parietaria cryptorum Parietaria lusitanica subsp. serbica Parnassia palustris Pastinaca sativa Pastinaca aurantiaca Pastinaca pimpinellifolia Pastinaca armena Pastinaca sativa subsp. urens Peganum harmala Perilla nankinensis Periploca graeca Petroselinum crispum Peucedanum paucifolium Peucedanum adae Peucedanum caucasicum Peucedanum ruthenicum Peucedanum longifolium Peucedanum pschavicum Phlomis herba-venti subsp. pungens Phlomis tuberosa Physalis peruviana Physalis ixocarpa Physalis peruviana Physalis alkekengi Physochlaina orientalis Physospermum cornubiense Phytolacca americana Picea orientalis Pimpinella tripartita Pimpinella idae Pimpinella schatilensis Pimpinella saxifraga Pimpinella rhodantha Pimpinella affinis Pimpinella aromatica Pinguicula vulgaris Pinus sylvestris subsp. hamata Pinus brutia subsp. pityusa Pinus brutia subsp. eldarica Pistacia atlantica Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica Pisum sativum Pisum sativum elatius Plantago arenaria subsp. arenaria Plantago coronopus Plantago lanceolata Plantago arenaria Plantago media Plantago major Plantago ovata Plantago tenuiflora Plantago atrata Platanus digitifolia Plumbago europaea Poa densa Polemonium caucasicum Polygala hohenackeriana Polygala albovii Polygala transcaucasica Polygala alpicola Polygala mariamae Polygala caucasica Polygala sosnowskyi Polygala anatolica Polygala amoenissima Polygala supina Polygala makaschwilii Polygonum posumbu Polygonum hydropiper Polygonum lapathifolium Polygonum cognatum Polygonum perfoliatum Polygonum carneum Polygonum persicaria Polygonum orientale Polygonum arenarium Polygonum minus Polygonum dzhawachischwilii Polygonum argyrocoleum Polygonum amphibium Polygonum aviculare Polygonum alatum Polygonum tiflisiense Polygonum viviparum Polygonum tomentosum Polygonum robertii Polygonum runcinatum Polygonum thunbergii Polygonum patulum Polygonum panjutinii Polypodium vulgare Polystichum lonchitis Polystichum setiferum Polystichum braunii Polystichum woronowii Polystichum aculeatum Populus canescens Populus euphratica Populus hyrcana Populus pseudonivea Populus alba Populus nigra Populus tremula Portulaca oleracea Potentilla svanetica Potentilla palustris Potentilla multifida Potentilla topolkae Potentilla anserina Potentilla argaea Potentilla argentea Potentilla agrimonioides Potentilla adenophylla Potentilla camillae Potentilla reptans Potentilla sosnowskyi Potentilla rupestris Potentilla ruprechtii Potentilla sommieri Potentilla fruticosa Potentilla micrantha Potentilla adscharica Potentilla caucasica Potentilla chrysantha Potentilla divina Potentilla supina Potentilla crantzii Potentilla nordmanniana Potentilla lazica Potentilla pimpinelloides Potentilla elatior Potentilla kemulariae Potentilla erecta Potentilla brachypetala Potentilla inclinata Potentilla recta Potentilla bifurca Potentilla montenegrina Prangos arcis-romanae Primula pseudoelatior Primula megaseifolia Primula ruprechtii Primula pallasii Primula amoena Primula juliae Primula woronowii Primula kusnetzovii Primula vulgaris Primula meyeri Primula cordifolia Primula auriculata Primula darialica Primula bayernii Primula komarovii Primula luteola Primula farinifolia Primula abchasica Primula veris subsp. macrocalyx Primula saguramica Primula vulgaris subsp. sibthorpii Primula algida Prunella laciniata Prunella vulgaris Prunella grandiflora Prunus persica Prunus cerasifera Prunus padus Prunus dulcis Prunus mahaleb Prunus spinosa Prunus armeniaca Prunus laurocerasus Psoralea bituminosa Psoralea acaulis Pteridium aquilinum subsp. brevipes Pteris cretica Pterocarya pterocarpa Pueraria hirsuta Pulmonaria dacica Punica granatum Pyracantha coccinea Pyrola rotundifolia Pyrola rotundifolia subsp. rotundifolia Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Pyrola minor Pyrola chlorantha Pyrola media Pyrus eldarica Pyrus balansae Pyrus fedorovii Pyrus demetrii Pyrus ketzkhovelii Pyrus caucasica Pyrus takhtadzhianii Pyrus oxyprion Pyrus sachokiana Pyrus salicifolia Pyrus georgica Quercus iberica Quercus pontica Quercus hartwissiana Quercus imperetina Quercus petraea Quercus macranthera Quercus pedunculiflora Raphanus rapinastrum Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. maritimus Rapistrum rugosum Reseda lutea Reseda globulosa Reseda luteola Rhamnus spathulifolia Rhamnus cordata Rhamnus depressa Rhamnus pallasii Rhamnus imeretina Rhamnus microcarpa Rhamnus cathartica Rhinanthus angustifolius subsp. grandiflorus Rhinanthus minor Rhinanthus colchicus Rhinanthus schischkinii Rhinanthus subulatus Rhinanthus ponticus Rhododendron caucasicum Rhododendron sochadzeae Rhododendron smirnowii Rhododendron ponticum subsp. ponticum Rhododendron ponticum Rhododendron luteum Rhododendron ungernii Rhus coriaria Ribes uva-crispa Ribes biebersteinii Ribes alpinum Ribes orientale Robinia pseudacacia Rosa tomentosa Rosa tuschetica Rosa oplisthes Rosa buschiana Rosa mollis Rosa micrantha Rosa prilipkoana Rosa rapinii Rosa pimpinellifolia Rosa pulverulenta Rosa teberdensis Rosa woronowii Rosa canina Rosa ossethica Rosa koslowskii Rosa foetida Rosa galushkoi Rosa hirtissima Rosa gallica Rosa oxyodon Rosa boissieri Rosa transcaucasica Rosa corymbifera Rosa irysthonica Rosa doluchanovii Rosa marschalliana Rosa iberica Rosa didoensis Rosa ermanica Rubia transcaucasica Rubia tinctorium Rubus adzharicus Rubus abchaziensis Rubus serpens Rubus cartalinicus Rubus candicans Rubus canescens Rubus caesius Rubus caucasigenus Rubus cyri Rubus charadzeae Rubus discernendus Rubus kacheticus Rubus ossicus Rubus miszczenkoi Rubus dolichocarpus Rubus leptostemon Rubus caucasicus Rubus mochus Rubus woronowii Rubus saxatilis Rubus georgicus Rubus piceetorum Rubus platyphylloides Rubus kudagorensis Rubus juzepczukii Rubus hirtus Rubus ponticus Rubus ibericus Rubus ochtodes Rubus nakeralicus Rubus sanguineus Rubus longipetiolatus Rubus lepidulus Rubus platyphyllos Rubus idaeus Rubus ketzkhovelii Rumex pulcher Rumex acetosa Rumex scutatus Rumex halacsyi Rumex sanguineus Rumex longifolius Rumex maritimus Rumex patientia Rumex tuberosus Rumex angustifolius Rumex dentatus subsp. reticulatus Rumex alpinus Rumex obtusifolius Rumex conglomeratus Rumex aquaticus Rumex alpestris Rumex hydrolapathum Rumex confertus Rumex acetosella Rumex crispus Ruta graveolens Salicornia europaea Salix elbursensis Salix alba subsp. micans Salix kazbekensis Salix caucasica Salix kuznetzowii Salix kikodzeae Salix alba Salix armeno-rossica Salix pseudomedemii Salix apoda Salix triandra Salix caprea Salix pantosericea Salix excelsa Salix pentandroides Salix wilhelmsiana Salpichroa origanifolia Salsola soda Salsola nodulosa Salsola kali subsp. tragus Salsola dendroides Salsola ericoides Salsola iberica Salvia glutinosa Salvia garedji Salvia limbata Salvia compar Salvia aethiopis Salvia sclarea Salvia verticillata Salvia verbascifolia Salvia viridis Salvia virgata Salvia nemorosa Salvia ringens Salvia armeniaca Sanguisorba minor subsp. muricata Sanguisorba officinalis Sanicula europaea Saponaria prostrata Saponaria officinalis Saponaria orientalis Saponaria cerastoides Satureja spicigera Satureja hortensis Satureja bzybica Saxifraga sibirica Saxifraga paniculata Saxifraga tridactylites Saxifraga adscendens Saxifraga exarata Saxifraga scleropoda Saxifraga caucasica Saxifraga rotundifolia subsp. rotundifolia Saxifraga trautvetteri Saxifraga cymbalaria Saxifraga colchica Saxifraga sosnowskyi Saxifraga subverticallata Saxifraga ruprechtiana Saxifraga pseudolaevis Saxifraga kolenatiana Saxifraga moschata Saxifraga kusnezowiana Saxifraga juniperifolia Saxifraga flagellaris Saxifraga abchasica Saxifraga pontica Scandix iberica Scandix stellata Scandix pecten-veneris Scopolia carniolica Scorpiurus muricatus Scorpiurus minimus Scrophularia orientalis Scrophularia lateriflora Scrophularia rutifolia Scrophularia grossheimii Scrophularia sprengerana Scrophularia sosnowskyi Scrophularia nodosa Scrophularia olympica Scrophularia scopolii Scrophularia ilwensis Scrophularia minima Scrophularia peregrina Scrophularia lunariifolia Scrophularia kotschyana Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Scrophularia umbrosa Scrophularia chrysantha Scrophularia imerethica Scrophularia ruprechtii Scrophularia macrobotrys Scrophularia chlorantha Scrophularia divaricata Scrophularia diffusa Scrophularia rupestris Scutellaria hastifolia Scutellaria pontica Scutellaria ossethica Scutellaria raddeana Scutellaria albida subsp. colchica Scutellaria albida subsp. albida Scutellaria sosnowskyi Scutellaria karatchaica Scutellaria helenae Scutellaria leptostegia Scutellaria oreophila Scutellaria altissima Scutellaria galericulata Scutellaria orientalis Scutellaria albida Securigera securidaca Sedum caucasicum Sedum tenellum Sedum involucratum Sedum spurium Sedum ruprechtii Sedum subulatum Sedum hispanicum Sedum acre Sedum gracile Sedum pallidum Sedum album Sedum caespitosum Sedum annuum Sedum stoloniferum Sedum stevenianum Seidlitzia florida Selaginella helvetica Selaginella selaginoides Sempervivum charadzeae Sempervivum caucasicum Sempervivum pumilum Sempervivum armenum Sempervivum annae Sempervivum sosnowskyi Sempervivum ermanicum Sempervivum transcaucasicum Seseli peucedanoides Seseli saxicolum Seseli foliossum Seseli alpinum Seseli grandivittatum Seseli petraeum Seseli rupicola Seseli transcaucasicum Sida spinosa Sideritis montana Sideritis montana subsp. montana Silene dianthoides Silene multifida Silene propinqua Silene solenantha Silene conoidea Silene pendula Silene supina Silene noctiflora Silene physocalyx Silene saxatilis Silene daghestanica Silene dioica Silene cyri Silene lasiantha Silene roopiana Silene coronaria Silene pygmaea Silene conica Silene lychnidea Silene latifolia Silene germana Silene alexeji Silene brotheriana Silene caucasica Silene cephalantha Silene marcowiczii Silene linearifolia Silene baccifera Silene gallica Silene lacera Silene humilis Silene lazica Silene euxina Silene compacta Silene italica Silene chlorifolia Silene wallichiana Silene iberica Silene viscosa Silene wolgensis Sinapis alba Sinapis arvensis Sison amomum Sium latifolium Sium sisarum lancifolium Smyrnium perfoliatum Solanum cornutum Solanum persicum Solanum woronowii Solanum nigrum Solanum nigrum subsp. schultesii Solanum capsicastrum Solanum carolinense Solanum transcaucasicum Solanum tectum Solanum aviculare Solanum villosum Solanum sisymbrifolium Sophora alopecuroides Sorbus caucasigena Sorbus buschiana Sorbus boissierii Sorbus graeca Sorbus colchica Sorbus velutina Sorbus migarica Sorbus torminalis Sorbus turcica Sorbus caucasica Sorbus fedorovii Sorbus subfusca Spartium junceum Spergula arvensis Spergularia marina Spergularia rubra Spergularia diandra Spergularia media Spinacia tetrandra Spiraea hypericifolia Spiraea crenata Stachys atherocalyx Stachys officinalis Stachys balansae Stachys palustris Stachys maritima Stachys annua Stachys pubescens Stachys lavandulifolia Stachys sylvatica Stachys macrophylla Stachys germanica Stachys odontophylla Stachys spectabiliformis Stachys byzantina Stachys fruticulosa Stachys trapezuntea Stachys iberica Stachys setifera Stachys spectabilis Stachys cretica Staphylea pinnata Staphylea colchica Stellaria nemorum Stellaria graminea Stellaria media Stellaria anagalloides Stellaria neglecta Stellaria persica Stellaria holostea Suaeda maritima subsp. salsa Suaeda maritima subsp. maritima Suaeda confusa Suaeda altissima Suaeda heterophylla Suaeda dendroides Swertia iberica Symphytum abchasicum Symphytum asperum Symphytum grandiflorum Symphytum ibericum Symphytum caucasicum Tamarix tetrandra Tamarix ramosissima Tamarix smyrnensis Taxus baccata Telephium imperati subsp. orientale Tetragonolobus maritimus Tetragonolobus purpureus Teucrium orientale Teucrium polium Teucrium nuchense Teucrium multinodum Teucrium hircanicum Teucrium scordium Teucrium trapezunticum Thelypteris palustris Thymus caucasicus Thymus pannonicus Thymus coriifolius Thymus ladjanuricus Thymus sosnowskyi Thymus tiflisiensis Thymus grossheimii Thymus nummularius Thymus collinus Thymus rariflorus Thymus karjaginii Thymus transcaucasicus Tilia begoniifolia Tilia cordata Tordylium maximum Trachomitum sarmatiense Trapa natans Trapa hyrcana Trapa maleevii Tribulus terrestris Trifolium incarnatum Trifolium echinatum Trifolium diffusum Trifolium canescens Trifolium fragiferum Trifolium campestre Trifolium ambiguum Trifolium fragiferum subsp. bonannii Trifolium arvense Trifolium fontanum Trifolium aureum Trifolium trichocephalum Trifolium angulatum Trifolium hirtum Trifolium physodes Trifolium apertum Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Trifolium resupinatum Trifolium subterraneum Trifolium sebastianii Trifolium retusum Trifolium micranthum Trifolium tumens Trifolium medium Trifolium scabrum Trifolium repens Trifolium rytidosemium Trifolium angustifolium Trifolium pratense Trifolium hybridum Trifolium stipitatum Trifolium spadiceum Trifolium bordzilovskyi Trifolium striatum Trifolium ruprechtii Trifolium lappaceum Trifolium alpestre Trifolium glomeratum Trifolium ochroleucon Trifolium tomentosum Trifolium phleoides Trigonella spicata Trigonella gladiata Trigonella arcuata Trigonella fischerana Trigonella calliceras Trigonella caerulea Trigonella monspeliaca Trigonella procumbens Trigonella orthoceras Trigonella striata Ulmus suberosa Ulmus glabra Ulmus georgica Ulmus minor Ulmus elliptica Umbilicus oppositifolius Urtica dioica Urtica urens Vaccaria hispanica Vaccinium uliginosum Vaccinium arctostaphylos Vaccinium vitis-idaea Vaccinium vitis-idaea subsp. vitis-idaea Vaccinium myrtillus Verbascum macrocarpum Verbascum songaricum Verbascum flavidum Verbascum pyramidatum Verbascum densiflorum Verbascum sessiliflorum Verbascum paniculatum Verbascum orientale Verbascum artvinense Verbascum wilhelmsianum Verbascum eriorrhabdon Verbascum georgicum Verbascum phlomoides Verbascum oreophilum Verbascum phoeniceum Verbascum chaixii subsp. austriacum Verbascum spectabile Verbascum gnaphalodes Verbascum adzharicum Verbascum gossypinum Verbascum pinnatifidum Verbascum varians Verbascum lychnitis Verbascum sinuatum Verbascum speciosum Verbascum saccatum Verbascum thapsus Verbascum formosum Verbascum alpigenum Verbascum blattaria Verbena officinalis Verbena rigida Verbena hastata Veronica multifida Veronica praecox Veronica longifolia Veronica persica Veronica biloba Veronica monticola Veronica dillenii Veronica telephiifolia Veronica gentianoides Veronica montana Veronica caucasica Veronica officinalis Veronica colchica Veronica nigricans Veronica chamaedrys Veronica orchidea Veronica galathica Veronica anagalloides Veronica verna Veronica arvensis Veronica amoena Veronica orientalis Veronica triphyllos Veronica argute-serrata Veronica magna Veronica schistosa Veronica hederifolia Veronica serpyllifolia Veronica peduncularis Veronica austriaca subsp. austriaca Veronica petraea Veronica crista-galli Veronica scutellata Veronica filiformis Veronica tumadzhanovii Veronica liwanensis Veronica beccabunga Veronica denudata Veronica armena Veronica anagallis-aquatica Veronica reuterana Veronica polita Veronica ceratocarpa Veronica imeretica Veronica charadzeae Vicia faba Vicia iberica Vicia pannonica Vicia caucasica Vicia purpurea Vicia balansae Vicia lutea Vicia meyeri Vicia truncatula Vicia sativa Vicia grandiflora Vicia peregrina Vicia sativa subsp. nigra Vicia variabilis Vicia truncatula Vicia sosnowskyi Vicia ciliatula Vicia grossheimii Vicia sativa subsp. cordata Vicia bithynica Vicia ervilia Vicia cassubica Vicia narbonensis Vicia cinerea Vicia hirsuta Vicia antiqua Vicia sepium Vicia tetrasperma Vicia akhmaganica Vicia abbreviata Vicia lathyroides Vicia villosa Vicia crocea Vinca pubescens Vinca herbacea Vincetoxicum albovianum Vincetoxicum funebre Vincetoxicum amplifolium Final Report, GSNE Orchis June, 2009 Tbilisi, Georgia Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Viola vespertina Viola hirta Viola reichenbachiana Viola arvensis Viola canina Viola rupestris Viola ambigua Viola odorata Viola oreades Viola pyrenaica Viola parvula Viola suavis Viola kupfferi Viola kitaibeliana Viola tricolor subsp. tricolor Viola alba Viola mirabilis Viola sieheana Viola minuta Viola canina subsp. montana Viola ignobilis Viola orthoceras Viola somchetica Viola mandshurica Viola biflora Viola pumila Viola occulta Viscum album Vitex agnus-castus Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris Vitis vinifera Vitis labrusca Zelkova carpinifolia Ziziphora dzhavakhishvilii Ziziphora puschkinii Ziziphora capitata Ziziphora borzhomica Ziziphora serpyllacea Ziziphora woronowii Ziziphus jujuba Zygophyllum fabago Appendix 2. The summarized data presenting the total score of the selected target species. The genera are selected as crops traditionally cultivated in SAmtskhe-Javakhete, which have CWRs in this region. The species of a genus are that distributed in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The scoring system is highlighted in Table 2. GP - gene pool, TG - taxon group, see chapter 6.1. for definition. Threat Rarity Endem GP/ Total N Crop CWR Species icity 1. Triticum 2. Hordeum 3. Secale 4. Avena 5. Vicia 6. Lathyrus 7. Linum 8. 9. Brassica Allium Aegilops cylindrica A. tauschii A. triuncialis H. bulbosum H. geniculatum H. leporinum H. spontaneum H. violaceum S. anatolicum S. segetale A. barbata A. fatua A. ludoviciana A. meridionalis A. sterilis V. akhmaganica V. angustifolia V. balansae V. bithynica V. grossheimii V. hirsuta V. iberica V. johannis V. narbonensis V. pannonica V. peregrina V. sativa V. sepium V. tetrasperma V. truncatula V. variabilis L. aphaca L. cicera L. inconspicuus L. miniatus L. pratensis L. roseus L. tuberosus L. austriacum L. hypericifolium L. humile L. nervosum L. nodiflorum L. tenuifolium B. elongata A. albidum 2 2 2 2 2 7 7 2 0 0 7 0 7 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 10 4 10 4 2 0 5 5 TG 6 6 4 6 6 6 10 6 6 10 6 6 6 6 6 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 6 6 2 2 6 2 2 2 2 6 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 10 4 2 4 2 2 8 13 11 8 6 6 19 6 15 10 15 6 6 6 6 7 2 2 4 7 2 2 10 6 2 2 6 2 2 2 2 6 2 2 2 2 2 6 4 4 22 8 12 8 4 4 10. Asparagus 11. Coriandrum 12. Lepidium 13. Satureja 14. Ribes 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. Rubus Cerasus Vitis Malus Pyrus 20. Prunus 21. 22. 23. 24. Cornus Corylus Mespilus Medicago 25. Onobrychis A. atroviolaceum A. cardiostemon A. fuscoviolaceum A. karsianum A. kunthianum A. leucanthum A. moschatum A. ponticum A. pseudoflavum A. rotundum A. victorialis A. vineale A. caspius A. officinalis A. verticillatus C. sativum L. perfoliatum L. latifolium S. laxiflora S. spicigera R. alpinum R. biebersteinii R. orientale R. idaeus C. avium V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris M. orientalis P. caucasica P. demetrii P. georgica P. salicifolia P. cerasifera P. spinosa C. mas C. avellana M. germanica M. caerulea M. caucasica M. dzhawakhetica M. hemicycla M. lupulina M. minima M. romanica M. sativa M. truncatula O. altissima O. kemulariae O. meschetica O. oxytropoides O. sosnowskyi O. transcaucasica 2 2 4 0 0 10 2 2 2 2 4 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 2 4 7 7 4 2 4 4 4 0 2 10 0 2 4 4 0 0 2 0 2 2 4 4 7 0 0 0 4 4 0 2 2 4 2 2 2 5 10 10 5 5 10 5 10 10 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 6 6 6 10 2 2 10 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 2 2 2 10 10 10 10 10 2 2 6 2 0 0 6 10 2 2 2 2 2 2 10 2 14 4 9 4 14 6 12 2 2 4 4 17 6 8 14 9 9 14 8 10 10 10 10 12 24 10 17 16 11 2 10 12 10 12 12 6 6 13 2 0 0 10 14 2 4 14 16 4 4 12

RELATED PAPERS

RELATED TOPICS

Log In

Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Related Papers

RELATED PAPERS

RELATED TOPICS