Ukraine
Європейська організація біології рослин (European Plant Science Organisation, EPSO) спільно із більш ніж 60 Національними Координаторами по всьому світу із гордістю анонсують VII Міжнародний День Рослин (Fascination of Plants Day, FoPD), який офіційно буде відзначатись 18 травня 2026, але різні події, присвячені Дню рослин, можна буде відвідати і в інші дати. Запрошуємо людей усіх вікових категорій приєднатись до святкування FoPD та взяти участь у захоплюючих інтерактивних подіях та заходах, присвячених рослинам, які буде організовано науковими установами, університетами, ботанічними садами, музеями, школами, фермерами та компаніями по всьому світу.
День Рослин (FoPD) – це подія, що відзначається один раз на 2 роки, започаткована Європейською організацією Біології Рослин (EPSO) з метою популяризації та висвітлення важливості різних галузей науки про рослини для вирішення глобальних викликів сьогодення. З 2012 року FoPD перетворився на глобальний рух, який залучає спільноти по всьому світу до заходів, що сприяють підвищенню обізнаності та розумінню виняткової важливості різноманітного світу рослин.
A game consisting of three stages: compiling an interactive map of Red Book species, forming food chains, and art therapy. The event is aimed at developing a caring attitude towards nature, increasing the ecological awareness of children and youth, and raise their awareness of the vulnerability of Red Book species.
The Botanical Garden is developing a new area of work – therapeutic gardening – among various sections of the public, and is putting into practice the principles of mental rehabilitation for people who have experienced psychological trauma, including as a result of war. This year, as part of the 8th International Day of Plants and a new line of work in therapeutic horticulture, the arboretum of the Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine will host a charity “Lilac Weekend” for students from the “University of the Third Age”. The event will feature an open-air painting session entitled “Colours of Spring” and a variety of guided tours around the botanical garden, all of which will conclude at the collection of syringa and tree-like peonies. Syringas and peonies will envelop visitors in their incomparable aromas and delight them with a rich array of colours, whilst a lively warm-up session and traditional “botanical tea” served with tasty treats will lift everyone’s spirits. The event will be enhanced by musical performances from two Kryvyi Rih orchestras: the municipal orchestra and the orchestra of the 4th Music School.
During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of forest biotechnology, design and prepare a nutrient medium, learn the technique of working in a laminar flow, subculture different types of in vitro plant explants onto regeneration media, and adapt ex vitro plants to environmental conditions.
“The Pine Tree – A Symbol of Longevity and Wisdom” The “Olexandria” Dendropark is one of the oldest parks in Ukraine, founded in 1788. Exotic plants have been introduced into the park’s landscapes since its founding – pines are among the oldest plants in the park. The modern pine collection at the “Olexandria” Dendropark comprises 19 species and 17 varieties. These evergreen beauties have adorned the park since the late 18th century, and the “Branicki Family Tree” is a symbol of strong family ties. During the tour, visitors are invited to explore the pine collection at the “Coniferetum” exhibition area and the centuries-old beauties of Olexandria Park, and to stroll along the romantic alleys in the historic part of the park accompanied by experienced guides. They can listen to interesting stories, take part in a photo session, and answer questions in the “What Do You Know About Pine Trees?” quiz.
For Fascination of Plants Day, the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the NAS of Ukraine, as part of the “Fest of Science and Plants”, will present an exhibition offering visitors a closer look at the world of plants and algae. Researchers from the Department of Phycology, Lichenology and Bryology will demonstrate cultures of microalgae, which visitors will be able to observe under a microscope. Herbarium specimens and samples of algae from the Black Sea and other water bodies will also be presented. In addition, the exhibition will introduce the diversity of plant communities and biotopes of Ukraine. Researchers from the Department of Geobotany and Ecology will present books and materials on urban vegetation and natural ecosystems, speak about the biodiversity around us, and show some of the most interesting and widespread plant species that can be found in different habitats.
For the exhibition within the Fest of Science and Plants, we are going to present a brief overview of our expertise, including modern wheat varieties and microbial preparations for plant inoculation. Also, an information poster, and scientific literature highlighting current research in agronomy, plant physiology and microbiology will be demonstrated.
Demonstrations will include extraction and analysis of biomolecules of plant origin, plant symbionts, impact of microgravitation on plant growth.
At the location of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine, experimental plant samples from the departments of the Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of the NAS of Ukraine will be presented. Young scientists of the Institute will introduce visitors to various methods of plant genetic transformation and show the results of such transformations. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the use of medicinal and agricultural plants in modern research, see examples of successful transformations, and try themselves as researchers.
During the master class, the visitors could investigate plants and natural micro-objects using the live light microscopy. Participants will be able to observe the cellular structure of a leaf, chloroplasts, stomata, pollen grains, moss fragments, and microscopic components of natural samples collected directly on the territory of the botanical garden. The main idea of the activity is to show that plants and their surrounding environment have several levels of organization: from the visible organism to cells and microscopic communities.
In addition, the in vitro collections of plant cultures, beneficial and phytopathogenic soil bacteria, and edible and phytopathogenic fungi of the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics of the NAS of Ukraine will be presented. Visitors will also be introduced to recent developments in nanotechnology and the application of nanoparticles in plant biotechnology.
The lecture will address the ecosystem-based approach to water resource management, the possibilities offered by management plans, as well as the distinction between the terms renaturalization and revitalization. International examples of river restoration will also be considered, with particular attention to the role of riparian vegetation in these processes.
Syrets Dendrological Park was founded in 1949. Coniferous species occupy a significant place in the park’s landscape compositions. Some trees from the first plantings have survived to the present day and are now over one hundred years old; among them are the oldest representatives of certain species in Kyiv. Coniferous species included in the Red Book of Ukraine are of particular scientific and conservation value within the dendroflora of the park.
The lecture will consider various examples of biotopes, including those located in the Irpin River basin, and will explain how vegetation affects bird diversity.
An interactive online photo exhibition serving as a pilot digital scientific and educational initiative dedicated to the ancient oak trees of the “Khutir Chubynskoho” landscape reserve – unique elements of the biocultural heritage of the forest-steppe zone of the Middle Dnipro region. The project integrates approaches from contemporary environmental science, conservation biology, and science communication, presenting natural heritage through visual materials and short scientific-interpretative descriptions.
The initiative highlights the value of preserved fragments of natural landscapes as relict ecosystems that have survived under strong anthropogenic pressure in close proximity to a major urban area. Special attention is given to ancient oak trees as living witnesses of the historical evolution of regional forest ecosystems and as important elements of local natural identity.
The project aims to enhance environmental awareness, foster a value-based attitude toward natural heritage, and engage the public in its conservation. In the longer term, the initiative is considered a foundation for the development of a digital platform for environmental education and citizen science, aligned with Green Transition principles and contemporary European practices in biocultural and biodiversity communication.
The collection of tropical and subtropical plants was established during the first years of the Botanical Garden’s existence. Today, this collection is one of the largest in the world: the greenhouses contain more than 4,000 species, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants originating from different parts of the world. Participants will enjoy an interesting guided tour of the tropical and subtropical greenhouse, whose walls preserve the remarkable history of the Botanical Garden. Visitors will see rare specimens of the southern Livistona palm, which is over 200 years old, the Chilean wine palm, which is 150 years old, and Bunya pine, which is over 180 years old. The guide will speak about typical and endemic plant species, plants with different life forms, as well as species with interesting morphological features. In addition, the greenhouses contain little-known, rare and endangered plants in their natural habitats, as well as useful exotic plants whose fruits can commonly be found on store shelves.
On 21 May 2026, on the occasion of Science Day and Fascination of Plants Day, and within the framework of partnership with the State University of Trade and Economics, a visit of first-year SUTE students to the Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of the NAS of Ukraine is planned. The programme will include a lecture entitled “Plant Genetic Engineering: Improving Traits, Increasing Cultivation Efficiency and Meeting Human Needs.” An overview tour of the Institute is also planned to introduce students to the achievements of Ukrainian scientists in the field of plant genetic engineering.
The Competition “The Amazing World of Plants” will be held at the Department of Biology of Mykola Gogol Nizhyn State University on the occasion of the International Day of Plants.
Primary school students, as well as students of gymnasiums, lyceums, and general secondary schools (levels I–III), and students of professional pre-higher and higher education institutions are eligible to participate.
Research projects should be presented in the form of a lapbook (for primary school students) or a poster/booklet (for students of gymnasiums, lyceums, general secondary schools of levels I–III, and students of professional pre-higher and higher education institutions).
Based on the review and evaluation by the jury members, winners will be determined in each category. Competition winners will be awarded diplomas, and teaching and academic staff who prepared the winners of the Competition will be recognized with certificates of appreciation.
The О.V. Fomin Botanical Garden of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Ukraine. Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in an interesting and informative guided tour of the scientific section of the Botanical Garden. The guide will speak about the landmark plants of the Botanical Garden and show a collection of living specimens that are more than 150 years old. During the tour, participants will visit the open-ground plant collection areas, learn about the history of the establishment and development of the Botanical Garden, and hear about the prominent scientists who worked there.