IN SITU AND EX SITU CONSERVATION OF PYRUS L. SPECIES IN THE GREATER CAUCASUS, AZERBAIJAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR POLLEN MORPHOLOGY AND FERTILITY

The conservation of wild fruit tree genetic resources is of increasing importance under conditions of climate change and anthropogenic pressure. The Greater Caucasus region of Azerbaijan hosts several wild species of the genus Pyrus L., which represent valuable ecological and genetic resources. This study evaluates in situ and ex situ conservation strategies by comparing pollen morphology and fertility as indicators of reproductive stability and adaptive potential. Field studies were conducted in natural habitats, while complementary analyses were performed on ex situ collections maintained in botanical gardens and experimental plantations. Pollen morphology was examined using light microscopy, and pollen viability was assessed through cytochemical staining. The results indicate that in situ populations demonstrate higher pollen fertility and morphological uniformity, reflecting stable environmental adaptation, whereas ex situ populations exhibit greater variability and reduced fertility. These findings confirm the importance of integrating in situ and ex situ conservation approaches and highlight pollen traits as effective bioindicators for conservation planning.