Development of agricultural plant biotechnology in the higher education system of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to conduct a review and analytical assessment of the development of agricultural plant biotechnology within the higher education system of the Republic of Moldova during the period 1990-2025. The study focuses on the formation of scientific and educational directions, research conditions, and the transformation of the material and technical infrastructure. It is shown that during the 1990s-2020s the development of plant biotechnology occurred under conditions of limited instrumental support. Nevertheless, classical methods of plant tissue and cell culture, microclonal propagation, development of new in vitro-derived somaclonal maize lines, as well as biochemical approaches for plant genome identification based on protein markers, were successfully adapted and implemented. These approaches contributed to the establishment of a scientific and educational school and to the training of specialists in the field. Particular attention is paid to educational approaches aimed at developing stable practical skills in mastering in vitro methodologies.