Does the study of plant life on every scale excite you? Then you’re standing in the right place. This is the Institute of Botany of the CAS. It is one of the main centers for botanical research in the Czech Republic.
The Institute of Botany of the CAS delves deep into the world of plants. It studies everything from individual species to entire plant communities. Their fundamental research spans all fields of botany. This includes taxonomy, biosystematics, and plant evolution. They also study fungi, ecology, ecophysiology, phytogeography, vegetation mapping, dendrochronology, wood anatomy, and karyological and population genetic studies.
The Institute of Botany of the CAS has a rich history. It officially began on January 1, 1962. The Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences established it. However, its roots stretch back to 1954. That’s when the Geobotanical Laboratory was founded in Prague and later in Brno. In 1968, the Botanical Garden was integrated into the Institute of Botany of the CAS. The Institute then took over the administration of the Park and gardens. Since 1962, the Institute of Botany has been located at the Průhonice Castle.
Within these walls, researchers use advanced tools. They have complete software for data processing and analysis. This includes ArcGIS and PCI Geomatica. They also use equipment for position measurements. Spectral Evolution Full Range Portable Spectroradiometers aid in remote sensing.
The Institute of Botany of the CAS also focuses on microclimates. One team monitors microclimates in various forest stages. They examine the effects on plant species and forest regeneration. Their database contains decadelong forest microclimate measurements from hundreds of sites. They want to protect biodiversity using microclimate data.
The Institute of Botany of the CAS is involved in international collaborations. They work with researchers from around the world. They also publish their research in significant botanical publications. Since 1966, they have coordinated the publication of Folia Geobotanica.
The Institute of Botany of the CAS also considers practical applications. They apply research findings to agriculture, nature, and environmental protection. This includes water quality. The Hydrobotanical Department was founded in 1971 in Třeboň.
So, as you explore, remember the Institute of Botany of the CAS. It is a hub of botanical research. It contributes significantly to our understanding of the plant world. Its work influences everything from agriculture to environmental protection.