PERENNIAL RYEGRASS (LOLIUM PERENNE L.) GENETIC RESOURCES IN THE CENTRAL ANATOLIA FLORA AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES ON BIODIVERSITY

This research was made in 2006-2007 to collect and develop perennial ryegrass genotypes which exist in the natural flora of Turkey. During plant collection, it was observed that perennial ryegrass genotypes were damaged due to decrease of meadows and pasture areas, and the increase of grazing pressure in these areas. Decrease of wetlands, marsh areas and drying of lakes, or decrease of their area depending on precipitation reduction and over-consnmption of water resources negatively influenced perennial ryegrass genotypes in the natural flora. Like many other plants in natural flora, perennial ryegrass genotypes are under great pressure and threat. Therefore, it must be concentrated on activities for improvement of plant varieties and protection of biological diversity of natural ryegrass resources, which has been decreasing day by day.