Brief Project Description
To date, the Czech Republic lacks a binding regionalization for seed provenance used in regional seed mixtures for ecological restoration, unlike the systems established in Germany. The current four arbitrary regions do not reflect the natural genetic variability of plants. Therefore, within a TA CR project, a team from the Institute of Botany of the CAS and the Faculty of Science, Charles University, is mapping the genetic structure of 14 common meadow species across the entire country (>80 populations per species) with the aim of establishing science-based seed provenance regions. The research is based on the premise that plants are adapted to local conditions, and transferring seed outside of these zones can weaken both the restored and native populations.
Project Timeline
- 2024–2025 — Field collection of populations for 14 meadow species covering the entire territory of the Czech Republic (>80 populations per species)
- 2025–2026 — Genetic analyses, processing of population structure, and evaluation of other parameters
- 2026 — Preparation of practical recommendations and background documentation for the creation of regional seed mixtures (Methodology)
Methodology for Seed Mixture Creation Based on Genetic Research
Genetic analyses are currently underway. The results will be added upon completion.