Conservation and development of agricultural biological diversity, the example of Eskişehir Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the study and research outputs intented at the protection and development of agricultural biological diversity carried out at the Eskişehir Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute from its establishment (1925) until today. Method: In the preparation of this article, annual research reports and literature information regularly published by the Institute every year were taken as basis. Findings: Eskişehir Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute; Its works for the protection and development of agricultural biological diversity started on December 13, 1925 and it still continues its activities in a total area of 646 hectares in 3 separate campuses, including the Central Campus in Eskişehir Karagözler neighboorhood Karabayır Bağları location. The study area of the institute is a basin (region) research institute and covers a total of 12 provinces, including Eskişehir, Kütahya, Afyonkarahisar, Uşak, Burdur, Isparta, Denizli, Bilecik, Bursa, Kocaeli, Sakarya and Yalova. As a result of the studies carried out at the institute, 181 plant varieties and Türkiye's first broiler chicken breed, "Anadolu T", were registered. Seeds of high-yielding varieties developed through breeding studies were produced and delivered to seed producers. In addition, the Institute has completed many projects on the collection, preservation and use of genetic resources as genetic resources in breeding studies. Since our institute was founded, cool climate grains, edible legumes, oilseed plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, meadow-pasture and forage plants, biodiversity and genetic resources, vegetable growing, soil and water resources, Türkiye’s brood broiler chicken breeding project II. It continues its activities in the fields of meat brood breeding, education and extension activities. Conclusion: As a result, Eskişehir Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute continues its efforts to ensure the sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity and food security, and to produce solutions to nutritional problems in the country and around the world, with its studies.