5
In 1994 the VIR and IHA
continue their Cannabis germplasm preservation programme. A third partner,
the Italian ENEA Institute is involved as well. A total of more than 100 accessions
has been sown on five locations: Pavlovsk, Ekaterinino and Kuban in Russia, Ustimovka in
Ukraine and Bari in Italy.
In Russia and Ukraine plant emergence and early
growth have been slow due to cold spring wheather, but with the advent of higher summer
temperatures crop growth has accelerated. A detailed report on the results obtained
in 1994 will be presented in the next issue of this journal.
Due to inflation in Russia, the costs of the
project have doubled in 1994 relative to 1993. Donations to help continue this
project are very welcome. Persons or organisations donating US $100 or more to the
project will receive a VIR memorial medallion and/or pin and/or a copy of the VIR Cannabis
sativa descriptor list, a 34 page booklet in English and Russian.