Historical origins and stages of formation of the Variety Testing Network of the Cherkasy Region

Purpose. To study the historical origins and stages of formation of the variety testing network of the Cherkasy Region, where one of the branches of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination is located. Methods. The Cherkasy branch of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination is located in the village of Dzenzelivka, Mankiv United Territorial Community, Uman district, Cherkasy Region. During the research, general scientific methods were used, in particular, hypotheses, observations, historical methods with elements of extrapolation of the source scientific database, analysis, as well as the method of synthesis to form conclusions. Results. The Cherkasy Region is a typical Ukrainian forest-steppe. Plant varieties common in the region meet the criteria of distinctness, uniformity and stabi­lity generally accepted in international practice; they meet the needs of consumers in terms of economically valuable characteristics; they do not pose a threat to the environment and human health. The Variety Testing Network of the Cherkasy Region was established in 1966 and its activities were coordinated by the Inspectorate of the State Commission for Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops in the Cherkasy Region. In 2002, the Cherkassy Regional State Centre for Expertise in Plant Varieties was established, which in 2012 became a branch of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination. Conclusions. The formation of varietal plant resources in the Cherkasy Region took place thanks to the rather long historical stages of formation and development of its varietal testing network.