Departments
“Institute of Botany after A. Takhtajyan National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia” SNCO
The initiation of floristic studies in the Republic of Armenia is intricately tied to the groundbreaking contributions of Alexander Shelkovnikov (1870 – 1933).
In 1922, he established the Natural History Museum of Armenia, where the herbarium (1925), alongside the Botanical Garden’s collection, served as the cornerstone for botanical studies. These invaluable collections laid the foundation for the creation of the Department of Botany, in 1931, within the Institute of Biology. Subsequently, the Department of Botany evolved into the Institute of Botany in 1938. Following the formation of the National Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR in 1943, it seamlessly transitioned into one of the principal institutes under the umbrella of the National Academy of Sciences of the ASSR.
In 1922, he established the Natural History Museum of Armenia, where the herbarium (1925), alongside the Botanical Garden’s collection, served as the cornerstone for botanical studies. These invaluable collections laid the foundation for the creation of the Department of Botany, in 1931, within the Institute of Biology. Subsequently, the Department of Botany evolved into the Institute of Botany in 1938. Following the formation of the National Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR in 1943, it seamlessly transitioned into one of the principal institutes under the umbrella of the National Academy of Sciences of the ASSR.
The Department of Higher Plant Taxonomy and Geography
The Department of Higher Plant Taxonomy and Geography focuses its studies on the following principal research directions:
Plant Taxonomy Group – Head: leading researcher M.E. Hovhannisyan, Ph.D. This group is actively engaged in researching and conserving the flora of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), with a special focus on critical taxa in the Caucasus region. Simultaneously, alongside the finalization of the last volume of the “Flora of Armenia,” the group has initiated the development of the “Determinant of Vascular Plants of Armenia.” This determinant is slated for publication in three languages: Armenian, Russian, and English. Anatomy Group – Head: Dr. G.H. Oganezova, PhD, Professor. At the Institute of Botany, comprehensive anatomical-morphological investigations are undertaken to elucidate taxonomic issues related to flowering plants. Currently, Professor G.H. Oganezova leads the anatomical group within the Department of Plant Taxonomy and Geography at the institute, where ongoing studies employing the method of comparative anatomy are being conducted. Concerted efforts are underway to discern the primary adaptive properties of Potentilla genus species at both macro- and micro-levels. Additionally, there is an emphasis on the exploration and analysis of morphological characteristics within various tribes of the Boraginaceae and Malvaceae families, aimed at resolving contentious taxonomic issues. Palynology Group – Head: Dr. A.M. Hayrapetyan, PhD, Leading Researcher. The group engages in detailed studies of pollen morphology among specific groups of contemporary flowering plants, utilizing both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for comprehensive analysis. The palynological group focuses on several key directions:
Plant Taxonomy Group – Head: leading researcher M.E. Hovhannisyan, Ph.D. This group is actively engaged in researching and conserving the flora of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), with a special focus on critical taxa in the Caucasus region. Simultaneously, alongside the finalization of the last volume of the “Flora of Armenia,” the group has initiated the development of the “Determinant of Vascular Plants of Armenia.” This determinant is slated for publication in three languages: Armenian, Russian, and English. Anatomy Group – Head: Dr. G.H. Oganezova, PhD, Professor. At the Institute of Botany, comprehensive anatomical-morphological investigations are undertaken to elucidate taxonomic issues related to flowering plants. Currently, Professor G.H. Oganezova leads the anatomical group within the Department of Plant Taxonomy and Geography at the institute, where ongoing studies employing the method of comparative anatomy are being conducted. Concerted efforts are underway to discern the primary adaptive properties of Potentilla genus species at both macro- and micro-levels. Additionally, there is an emphasis on the exploration and analysis of morphological characteristics within various tribes of the Boraginaceae and Malvaceae families, aimed at resolving contentious taxonomic issues. Palynology Group – Head: Dr. A.M. Hayrapetyan, PhD, Leading Researcher. The group engages in detailed studies of pollen morphology among specific groups of contemporary flowering plants, utilizing both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for comprehensive analysis. The palynological group focuses on several key directions:
- Palynophylology
- Compilation of the “Atlas of Pollen of Trees and Shrubs of Armenia”
- Investigation of pollen from allergenic and honey-bearing plant species
- Analysis of pollen characteristics within the rare and endemic flora of Armenia
- Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Papaveraceae, Hypericaceae, and Chenopodiaceae,
- rare and endangered species in Armenia,
- endemic species documented in the Red Book of Armenia.
The Department of Geobotany and Ecophysiology
The Department of Geobotany and Ecophysiology stands as one of the oldest departments within institute. It was formed as a result of the merger of the previous 2 departments: Geobotany and Plant Physiology.
Since its establishment, this Department has been at the forefront of conducting and advancing comprehensive research addressing critical issues related to vegetation of Armenia, its classification and mapping, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem dynamics, as well as physiological adaptations of plants and the impacts of human activities on the natural ecosystems. Key areas of the research interest of the department include: Vegetation ecology, Conservation Biology, Invasion Biology, Biogeography, Ecophysiology. In the context of global threat impact assessment, the department’s focus covers topics such as habitat loss, climate change and other related topics. The relevance of these studies lies in the use of interdisciplinary approaches, promoting collaboration with different environmental sciences and related fields. Over the years, the department has played a key role in in the development of botanical research, both nationally and internationally. Our researchers are renowned experts in Armenia and beyond.
Since its establishment, this Department has been at the forefront of conducting and advancing comprehensive research addressing critical issues related to vegetation of Armenia, its classification and mapping, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem dynamics, as well as physiological adaptations of plants and the impacts of human activities on the natural ecosystems. Key areas of the research interest of the department include: Vegetation ecology, Conservation Biology, Invasion Biology, Biogeography, Ecophysiology. In the context of global threat impact assessment, the department’s focus covers topics such as habitat loss, climate change and other related topics. The relevance of these studies lies in the use of interdisciplinary approaches, promoting collaboration with different environmental sciences and related fields. Over the years, the department has played a key role in in the development of botanical research, both nationally and internationally. Our researchers are renowned experts in Armenia and beyond.
Head of the Department
Dr. Georgi Fayvush
Doctor of Biology, professor
Dr. Georgi Fayvush
Doctor of Biology, professor
Plant Introduction Department
Plant introduction is a distinct branch of botanical science focused on enhancing local flora through the introduction of valuable new species and varieties by humans. Essential is the ex-situ conservation of rare and endangered local flora representatives through the establishment of scientific collections. Valuable and extensive studies are carried out by the scientific team of the introduction department focused on the import of trees and flowers, climate training.
The introduction department operates across four key areas: arboriculture, the flora and vegetation of Armenia, floriculture, and the cultivation of tropical and subtropical plants in greenhouses. Head of the Introduction Department: Zhirayr Hamayaki Vardanyan, Corresponding Member of RA NAS, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor. His scientific endeavors are divers, encompassing the in-situ exploration of Armenia’s forest dendrodiversity (dendroflora), the introduction of valuable and rare tree species (ex-situ), the establishment of dendro collections in botanical gardens, and and the formulation of scientific foundations for crafting natural arboretums in arid conditions. Prof. Zh. Vardanyan has authored over 170 works, including 10 monographs. Among his significant contributions are works of great scientific value and interest, such as “Trees and Shrubs in Nature and Culture” (2003), “Tree Science” (2005), “Scientific Foundations of Woody Plant Introduction in Armenia” (2012), and “Growing Trees and Creating Decorative Plantings” (2020). In recognition of his substantial contributions to the advancement of science, he has been honored with prestigious awards, including the “Anania Shirakatsi” medal (2013), the gold commemorative medal of the RA Prime Minister (2011), accolades from the RA Ministry of Nature Protection (2012) and AAAH (2012), as well as gold commemorative medals and a certificate of merit from the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (2008).
The introduction department operates across four key areas: arboriculture, the flora and vegetation of Armenia, floriculture, and the cultivation of tropical and subtropical plants in greenhouses. Head of the Introduction Department: Zhirayr Hamayaki Vardanyan, Corresponding Member of RA NAS, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor. His scientific endeavors are divers, encompassing the in-situ exploration of Armenia’s forest dendrodiversity (dendroflora), the introduction of valuable and rare tree species (ex-situ), the establishment of dendro collections in botanical gardens, and and the formulation of scientific foundations for crafting natural arboretums in arid conditions. Prof. Zh. Vardanyan has authored over 170 works, including 10 monographs. Among his significant contributions are works of great scientific value and interest, such as “Trees and Shrubs in Nature and Culture” (2003), “Tree Science” (2005), “Scientific Foundations of Woody Plant Introduction in Armenia” (2012), and “Growing Trees and Creating Decorative Plantings” (2020). In recognition of his substantial contributions to the advancement of science, he has been honored with prestigious awards, including the “Anania Shirakatsi” medal (2013), the gold commemorative medal of the RA Prime Minister (2011), accolades from the RA Ministry of Nature Protection (2012) and AAAH (2012), as well as gold commemorative medals and a certificate of merit from the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (2008).
Arboriculture
Arboriculture examines the taxonomic diversity of trees, delving into both their species and intraspecies compositions. The arboricultural group focuses on the comprehensive study of tree plants, exploring- morphological features such as the shape and structure of foliage, stem, bark, leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits,
- characteristics related to propagation, growth, development, fruiting, and reproduction,
- implementation of introduction, climate training endeavors in new environmental conditions, and the potential applications of tree plants in greening practices.
The Department of Conservation of Genetic Resources of the Armenian Flora
The Department of Conservation of Genetic Resources of the Armenian Flora at the Institute of Botany after A.Takhtajyan NAS RA deals with the ex situ conservation of wild plants in Armenia through the storage of seeds, tissue culture, preservation of DNA samples, as well as the creation and display of living collections.
Seeds are stored in the Seed Bank, where modern methods are used for long-term storage. In order to preserve and reproduce rare and endangered species, clonal micropropagation is carried out. In order to preserve the genetic material of the wild flora of Armenia, to carry out genetic diversity, phylogenetic studies, DNA samples are separated and stored. Field work is being done to study biodiversity. The Armenian Biodiversity Information and Education Center (Ecoepicenter), which is part of the department, provides education and public awareness, as well as contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. The department actively cooperates with foreign partners, in particular with the Millennium Seed Bank (Great Britain), and Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum (Germany), providing information and experience exchange.
Seeds are stored in the Seed Bank, where modern methods are used for long-term storage. In order to preserve and reproduce rare and endangered species, clonal micropropagation is carried out. In order to preserve the genetic material of the wild flora of Armenia, to carry out genetic diversity, phylogenetic studies, DNA samples are separated and stored. Field work is being done to study biodiversity. The Armenian Biodiversity Information and Education Center (Ecoepicenter), which is part of the department, provides education and public awareness, as well as contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. The department actively cooperates with foreign partners, in particular with the Millennium Seed Bank (Great Britain), and Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum (Germany), providing information and experience exchange.
Department of Palaeobotany
The Department of Palaeobotany was established in January 2019. At present the department has 5 employees, who are studying fossil plants and their localities of RA and Artsakh territories. Research includes ages from Holocene 1000 years old up to Devonian 400 million years old localities. The collection of fossil plants in the section at the moment includes about 25 thousand samples.
The department conducts research on fossil leaves, twigs, fruits, pollen and petrified wood. Employees specialize in leading institutions in Russia, Germany, France and Italy. At present, are deeply studied the fossil pollen, spores and fruits of lake Sevan Holocene peat, the plant macro remains of the Sisian Pleistocene diatomite, the leaves of Hortun Pliocene clays and the Devonyan first land plants of Vayots Dzor limestones are being studied in depth. On the basis of the discovery of fossil plant species are studies of the nature of the past plant habitats of the region, and the historical development of different plant groups. Based on the composition of fossil plants, the climate changes of the past are analyzed using various modern methods, which are the basis for determining the nature of future climate change.
The department conducts research on fossil leaves, twigs, fruits, pollen and petrified wood. Employees specialize in leading institutions in Russia, Germany, France and Italy. At present, are deeply studied the fossil pollen, spores and fruits of lake Sevan Holocene peat, the plant macro remains of the Sisian Pleistocene diatomite, the leaves of Hortun Pliocene clays and the Devonyan first land plants of Vayots Dzor limestones are being studied in depth. On the basis of the discovery of fossil plant species are studies of the nature of the past plant habitats of the region, and the historical development of different plant groups. Based on the composition of fossil plants, the climate changes of the past are analyzed using various modern methods, which are the basis for determining the nature of future climate change.
Lichen Research and Conservation Group
During 2020-2023, within the framework of the grant No. 20TTSG-1F001 of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the MESCS RA, Lichen Research and
Conservation Group was established at the Institute of Botany after A. Takhtajyan NAS A. It carries out lichen and fungi diversity, taxonomy, molecular phylogenetic, conservation, ethnolichenological and a number of other interdisciplinary studies. The group has also initiated an initiative of DNA barcoding of lichens and fungi, a herbarium of lichens was founded, an assessment of the conservation status of lichens is being mplemented with the aim of inclusion in the RA Red Data Book.
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