Established on May 15, 1946.
Its main lines of research activities are:
- search for physiological-and-biochemical and molecular-biological mechanisms of growth, development and resistance of plant systems;
- research into processes of photosynthesis, mineral nutrition of plants, biological nitrogen fixation, possibilities of using biologically active substances and compounds with herbicide activity;
- studies of the mechanisms of genetic processes, with a view to developing genetic and physiological fundamentals of plant breeding, preservation and rational use of plant gene pools; development of new biotechnologies, production of genetically modified plants.
Principal achievements and developments:
A model of spatial and hierarchical structure of chloroplast grans has been developed, which gives an insight into the mechanisms of activity adjustment in photosynthetic apparatus. Mechanisms of thermotolerance of photosynthetic apparatus in drought-resistant wheat cultivars, due to enhanced activity of photorespiration have been discovered. Self-regulation mechanisms of carbohydrate metabolism and the process of sugars accumulation in plant storage organs have been found.
Physiological&biochemical principles of increasing the intensity of nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants have been developed. The role of legumes lectins in regulating the activity of symbiotic apparatus during vegetation has been proved.
Highly sensitive biosensor methods have been developed; they ensure a quick determination of toxicants in the environment and screening of new herbicides.
Unique data have been obtained in the studies of the impact of the accident at Chornobyl NPP. They give evidence that even two decades after the accident the Chornobyl area is still genetically hazardous.
Applying principles of chromosome engineering and evolving the theory of dominant genes, Institute’s scientists have developed effective methods of cereals selection. On their basis, a whole new generation of winter wheat cultivars and corn hybrids has been produced, with actual genetic grain yeild potential of 124 and 160 metric centners per hectare, respectively. Merely in the last five years 20 winter wheat cultivars and 14 corn hybrids produced by the Institute were filed in the State register of plant varieties of Ukraine. Half of the registered cultivars and hybrids have been recommended for introduction in all natural zones of Ukraine (Polissya, forest-steppe and steppe), which proves their high ecological plasticity. In total, 86 plant cultivars and hybrids have been produced at the Institute, 64 of them were filed in the State register of plant varieties of Ukraine since proclamation of Independence, which is a major contribution to food security of the nation.
