KOSTRZYCA FOREST GENE BANK COLLECTS DNA OF ENDANGERED PLANTS IN THE BIAŁOWIEŻA FOREST
Kostrzyca Forest Gene Bank is conducting an innovative project concerning the identification and storage of DNA of the most precious plants within the Białowieża Forest area.
Kostrzyca Forest Gene Bank as the State Forests’ organizational unit, has been collecting and storing long-lastingly as seeds the genetic resourcesof the most precious and endangered objects and species of trees, shrubs and plants.
The project’s goal is to find fragments of tissues and seeds of the most precious plants within the Białowieża Forest area. Apart from vascular plants, the project also involves bryophytes and pteridophytes.
Most of the species selected for collection is currently endangered, therefore it is absolutely essential to secure their genetic resources in Kostrzyca Forest Gene Bank.
Experts claim that because of the expansive spruce stands’ dieback within the Białowieża Forest, it was the last chance to collect seeds and parts of plants from certain habitats.
Decaying tree stands will be replaced by pioneer vegetation, for example small-reed, which will gradually displace precious species’ habitats, and in effect it may lead to its complete disappearance.
Such activities are to allow the development of data base of genetic codes, that is DNA barcodes and the key to identify plant species.
Seed samples of the most precious species from the Białowieża Forest have been already deposited in specifically adjusted cold stores in temperature -10°C and -20°C, and also in cryogenic temperatures, in liquid nitrogen.
The project started last year and is financed by the forest fund.
