A scientific expedition to study wild hops in Altai concluded on August 25. Representatives from three organizations – Altai State University, Baltika Brewery, and Magnum Hop Growing Company – joined forces to search for promising hop varieties in the Altai region. The expedition covered over 1,300 km and spanned 17 districts across Altai Krai and the Altai Republic.
The development of products and technologies for hop cultivation is a key focus within Altai State University’s strategic academic leadership program, "Priority 2030."
Project manager and Candidate of Biological Sciences Olga Mironenko explains:
"Studying the genetic resources of cultivated plants in their natural habitats, selecting promising specimens, and creating collections and gene banks form a fundamental basis for effective breeding programs. To breed new, highly productive Russian varieties, it is essential to investigate the inherent natural characteristics of the species and its adaptation to various climatic and soil conditions. Recent molecular studies have revealed significant genetic diversity among wild hops in each growing region. Wild hops constitute a rich and valuable resource for discovering new aromas, as well as drought- and disease-resistant varieties. The Altai region serves as a reservoir of genetic diversity for this promising crop, crucial for breeding efforts. It is vital that the industry shows interest in advancing domestic hop cultivation and is willing to invest in collaborative research and innovation projects."
Baltika is actively engaged in addressing the import substitution of hops by investing in its own hop cultivation program in Russia. Since 2024, Altai State University, in collaboration with Baltika, has been implementing a grant project titled "Testing the Technology of Cloning Hops for Production-Demanded Varieties," which secured co-financing from Altai Krai government following a competitive selection process. Researchers at the Altai Center for Applied Biotechnology of Altai State University propagate hop plants through clonal micropropagation technology, supplying the company with in vitro clones for subsequent seedling cultivation. The process of scaling up these scientific developments is currently being refined, with efforts focused on cost reduction, logistics optimization, and transitioning from laboratory samples to industrial-scale seedling production.
In the Altai Republic, Baltika cooperates with the Magnum Hop Farm, which grows popular hop varieties in the favorable climate of the low mountains. To expand the plantations, thousands of seedlings are needed. Scientists from the Altai Center for Applied Biotechnology and the South Siberian Botanical Garden of Altai State University also support the growing process.
During an expedition, more than 500 hop specimens were examined in both flat and mountainous areas. Herbarium samples were collected, and tests for molecular genetics and viral infections were conducted.
Rhizomes and cones from 53 promising samples exhibiting a desirable aroma, collected from eight regions, were selected for the study of biochemical parameters critical to brewing and pharmaceutical applications, as well as for their introduction and evaluation of breeding potential. These rhizomes will be planted in two distinct locations: by Baltika in Tula Oblast and by Altai State University at the South Siberian Botanical Garden in Barnaul. This will allow for the assessment of their adaptability to different climatic zones and evaluation of their brewing properties. The expedition participants also outlined plans for continued collaboration in both scientific and educational fields. The joint efforts of business and scientific communities are focused on developing and enhancing hop cultivation to a level competitive with foreign producers, ultimately contributing to raw material self-sufficiency.