Conservation and propagation of Pyrus L. species in the greater Caucasus: integrating biodiversity strategies with “Green Economy” principles

Plant biodiversity in the Greater Caucasus is under increasing pressure from climate change and human activity. This study investigates propagation and conservation strategies for horticultural crops, with a special focus on Pyrus L. species native to Azerbaijan. The purpose of study was to identify effective Pyrus L. species in situ and ex situ propagation/conservation approaches that support long-term preservation. Wild and cultivated Pyrus L accessions were collected from multiple regions of Azerbaijan. Tissue-culture protocols, morphological trait analyses, and pollen-fertility assessments were applied to evaluate propagation efficiency and adaptive variation. Laboratory assays identified fungal pathogens, while controlled-environment trials measured plant responses to key abiotic stressors. Field observations documented anthropogenic impacts on rare tree species.Tissue culture accelerated disease-free propagation of key horticultural crops, while ex situ collections safeguarded their broad genetic diversity and reinforced in situ conservation efforts. Meanwhile, analyses of morphology and pollen fertility in Pyrus L. exposed adaptive divergence to local environmental pressures and underscored the genetic separation between wild and cultivated populations. An integrated conservation framework — combining optimized tissue-culture techniques, detailed morphological and fertility assessments, and coordinated in situ/ex situ measures—offers the most effective route to protect Pyrus L. diversity and other threatened tree species in Azerbaijan. Future work should refine propagation protocols, deepen genomic analyses, and develop strategies that bolster plant resilience amid accelerating climatic and human-induced change.