Scientific heritage of academician O. O. Sozinov in the context of the development of genetics and breeding of cereals

Abstract

The article is devoted to highlighting the contribution of O. O. Sozinov (1930–2018), a prominent Ukrainian scientist in the field of genetics and plant breeding, whose scientific heritage played a key role in the development of modern agricultural production. In order to achieve the aim of the study, which is to analyze the research heritage of the scientist, the author used historical and chronological, analytical and synthetic, and biographical methods. The scientist’s research interests primarily focused on studying the problem of inter-locus associations, in particular for wheat reserve proteins, which was included in the world fund of general genetics; development of labeling with molecular genetic markers of different varieties, which is a fundamental point in modern variety testing; development of new concepts on the importance of protein polymorphism in genetics and selection of cultivated plants, etc. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive analysis of the scientific heritage of Academician O. O. Sozinov in the context of the modern development of genetics and breeding of cereals. The key scientific approaches proposed by the scientist and their impact on the further development of the industry are identified. The data on the contribution of O. Sozinov to the creation of theoretical foundations of genetics of qualitative traits of plants, as well as to the development of breeding methods that have increased the productivity and resistance of grain crops, are summarized. Promising directions for the application of his scientific ideas in modern breeding practice, in particular in the context of climate change and food security needs, have been identified. The role of the scientist in the development of new methods of cereal breeding and improvement of their quality is proved. It was found that O. O. Sozinov established a direct relationship between variants of protein blocks, baking qualities and flour strength, which makes it possible to purposefully select the best crop samples according to the blocks required by the breeder, to isolate the most valuable forms and to select parental forms for hybridization, which allowed for the targeted selection of the best wheat and barley varieties. His research proves that stable coadaptive associations of genes were formed by both natural and artificial selection, in particular in the process of folk selection. The priority and practical significance of his fundamental and applied research for the further development of genetics are substantiated. Thanks to these works, O. O. Sozinov became a well-known geneticist, breeder, organizer of genetic and breeding and agricultural science, and education in Ukraine during his lifetime.