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This paper discusses the abundance and morphogenetic parameters of the species Adonis villosa Ledeb., which is vulnerable in the Altai Republic (AR). Genetic differentiation has been identified in six A. villosa coenopopulations (CPs) using ISSR markers and the variability of its morphometric parameters has been determined in individuals from four CPs inhabiting the AR for the first time. It is established that the studied CPs are similar in variability of morphometric parameters, and the number of mature generative individuals in them has decreased 1.5–2.0 times over the period from 2017 to 2023. The genetic structure is examined using six primers: M 9, UBC 834, UBC 830, UBC 857, UBC 840, and UBC 811; UBC-857 turned out to be the most informative one. Four variants of the distribution of ISSR markers are identified in representatives of the six studied A. villosa CPs that feature a high (88–99%) similarity in the distribution of ISSR markers. Intrapopulation similarity between individuals of this species is also high (97%). Apparently, this is due to the small numbers of mature generative individuals (up to ten) in the studied CPs and their spatial isolation. In the Northern Altai region, A. villosa individuals feature a homogeneous genetic structure, which makes this species vulnerable and necessitates a special approach to its conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of natural coenopopulations of the rare medicinal species Rhodiola rosea is of highest relevance for conservation of this valuable plant species. Analysis of the adaptive response of the species growing under different environmental conditions is basically used to elaborate recommendations for its protection and rational use. The aim of this work was to study the anatomical and morphological features of the leaf blades of Rh. rosea growing under different environmental and coenotic conditions of the Altai Mountains. We studied the anatomical features of leaves of Rh. rosea from 7 coenopopulations (in one coenopopulation, both female and male plants were studied) and assessed the adaptive response of plants to different growing conditions by conventional methods. The values of indicators from different coenopopulations were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the correlation coefficient was calculated to estimate the correlation between different indicators. The study revealed a reserve of adaptive plasticity for Rh. rosea, which allows the species to grow under different light and water conditions. For specimens from one geographic location studied, statistically significant differences in the indicator values were fewer compared with specimens from different areas. Heliophytic and xerophytic adaptations of the studied plants varied depending on coenopopulation. The analysis of male and female Rh. rosea species from the Kurai ridge (CP 3) revealed that the most photosynthetically active layer and vascular tissue are better developed in leaves of females compared to males. It was found that Rh. rosea growing in the mountains bear shorter and thicker leaves; the thickness of integumentary tissue with cuticle increases at higher altitudes, the number of stomata and cells on integumentary tissue per epidermis unit area decreases, and the thickness of photoassimilating tissue grows. Changes in anatomical and morphological characteristics are adaptive responses to increased insolation at higher altitudes and, probably, to decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

Fritillaria meleagris L. is a рalearctic species with a disjunct distribution. It is protected at the national level in Ukraine, listed as "vulnerable" in the Red Data Book. Most of the data on the species distribution, as well as on the status and stability of its populations, have been obtained for the Carpathian region. Much less information is available for F. meleagris in the Forest Steppe, especially for its left-bank part. The article presents the results of the study of the peculiarities of F. meleagris distribution in the Kharkiv Region and provides information on the structure of coenopopulations and their ecological and coenotic preferences. Problems and prospects for this species conservation are also considered. The studies cover the biotopes of the Merla River valley and its tributary, the Merchyk River (the Dnipro River basin) in an area of more than 35 square km. In the Kharkiv Region, the F. meleagris coenopopulations were found mainly in grass-type biotopes. These are usually secondary post-forest meadows of the MolinioArrhenatheretea Tx. 1937 class. Only one coenopopulation is located in a tree-type biotope (mixed floodplain forest with Quercus robur L., Ulmus laevis Pall., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Salix alba L., Padus avium Mill., Populus аlba L., P. deltoides Marshall, P. tremula L., Acer negundo L., А. tataricum L., A. campestris L., without a pronounced dominant). The specificity of the ecological regimes of the studied localities of F. meleagris has been clarified by the phytoindication method. As a rule, they are damp (less often, fresh) forest-meadow habitats with full, but uneven (temporarily excessive) wetting of the root layer of the soil. The soils are moderately aerated, weakly acidic (pH 5.5– 6.5), enriched with salts, but with insignificant carbonate content, and often relatively poor in terms of mineral nitrogen. The climate is characterized by submicrothermal conditions with signs of subaridity and subcontinentality. We have not detected any significant variability of conditions (both edaphic and climatic) in the studied localities. They are more or less optimal for the existence of F. meleagris. In all the F. meleagris localities studied, the change in the hydrological regime due to the reclamation of floodplain remains a risk factor but does not pose an immediate threat. The existence of forest coenopopulations in glades is threatened by overgrowth of trees and shrubs (the invasion of Populus tremula and Acer negundo is particularly dangerous). The decrease in the number of meadow coenopopulations is a result of plowing and burning. Currently, in the Kharkiv Region, F. meleagris is protected in Slobozhanskyі National Nature Park (1 locality) and in Kapranskyі Botanical Reserve of local importance (11 localities). Monitoring of the existing localities outside the protected areas and their inclusion into the expansion zone of the Slobozhanskyі National Nature Park is an important condition for their preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the zone of broad-leaved forests of the European Russia, steppe meadows have been preserved showing rich floristic composition and making a significant contribution to the biological diversity of the territories. Bryansk oblast is one of the forest regions in Russia where such meadows are found. Here, steppe meadows with high floristic diversity and a large number of rare plant species have survived. Trees from surrounding forest areas are constantly encroaching on these meadows. Most of the young trees die from regular grass fires and economic activity. However, some individuals survive and reach a generative state, becoming relatively resistant to ground fires. The influence of single trees on the floristic diversity of steppe meadows was studied at two levels of living system organization – coenotic and population levels. Polydominant steppe meadows and polydominant steppe meadows with single generative trees were studied at the coenotic level; and coenopopulations of Iris aphylla, Anemone sylvestris, and Anthericum ramosum were studied at the population level. Collecting the material, we used different methods: geobotanical, demographic, and measurements of environmental factors (illumination, slope steepness, and the frequency of grass fires). Polydominant steppe meadows were found to be were preserved in the middle part of steep slopes unsuitable for haymaking and grazing and subjected to infrequent grass fires. These communities have high floristic diversity and stable coenopopulations of model species. Ontogenetic spectra of Anemone sylvestris, Anthericum ramosum, and Iris aphylla are of the complete left-hand type with the maximum number of individuals. Single trees (Quercus robur, Tilia cordata) have controversial influence on the vegetation of polydominant steppe meadows. On the one hand, with the introduction of trees, species diversity of communities increases. This is due to the fact that trees offer resting places and shelter for birds that spread plant diaspores. On the other hand, mature trees shade the herb cover. This leads to cover reduction and occurrence of steppe and dry meadow species, as well as affects their population structure. The ontogenetic spectrum of Anemone sylvestris is still complete, whereas that of Iris aphylla becomes incomplete, and the spectrum of Anthericum ramosum becomes unfinished.

Steppe meadows preserved in the zone of deciduous forests of European Russia. These meadows have rich floristic composition and contribute significantly in biological diversity of territories. Bryansk region is one of the forest regions, where steppe meadows are sustained. There are meadows with high floristic diversity and big numbers of rare plant species. Trees from the surrounding forest areas insinuate constantly into these meadows. Most of the young trees die from regular fires and human agricultural activity. However, some individuals survive and pass into a generative state, in which they are relatively resistant to ground fires. The influence of single trees on the floristic diversity of steppe meadows was studied at two levels of organization of living systems – coenotic and population. Polydominant steppe meadows and polydominant steppe meadows with single generative trees were studied at the coenotic level. Coenopopulations of Iris aphylla, Anemone sylvestris and Anthericum ramosum were investigated at the population level. Different methods were used in the work: geobotanical, demographic, measuring environmental factors (luminance, steepness of slopes and frequency of fires). The study showed, that polydominant steppe meadows are supported on steep slopes unsuitable for haymaking and grazing and subjected to infrequent fire. These communities have high floristic diversity. Coenopopulations of model plants (Anemone sylvestris, Anthericum ramosum and Iris aphylla) are sustained there. Their ontogenetic spectra belong to left-hand type with maximum number of individuals. Single trees have controversial influence on polidominant steppe meadow vegetation. On the one hand, the species diversity of steppe meadows increases with the appearance of single generative trees because birds use adult trees like habitats and birds carry plant diasporas. On the other hand, mature trees shade grass canopy. It leads to decline of cover and occurrence of steppe and dry-meadow species. Also it affects plants coenopopulation structure. Ontogenetic spectrum of Anemone sylvestris stays full-stages but numbers of individuals is low. Ontogenetic spectrum of Iris aphylla loses ontogenetic stages (g1, g3) with numbers of individuals twice lower than on polidominant steppe meadows. Ontogenetic spectrum of Anthericum ramosum becomes incomplete with extremely low numbers of individuals.

The purpose of this work was an ecological assessment of the habitats of Carex brizoides L. on the Eastern border of the area on the indicator scales of D. N. Tsyganov (1983) using the computer program EcoScaleWin. To determine the ecological conditions of growth of C. brizoides, three coenopopulations were analyzed: on the margin of a mixed forest, forest of black alder and in cutting. Analysis of the ecological amplitude of the species on the scales of D.N. Tsyganov showed that the species is a stenobiont to the complex of climatic factors, a hemistenobiot to the complex of soil factors and a euryvalent for the light-shading factor. The degree of use of the ecological potentials of the species in the studied C. brizoides population is narrow in the following modes – scale of climate continentality, ombroclimatic scale of aridity and humidity, riches of the soil, nitrogen value of soils, soil acidity, Illumination-Shading (coefficient of ecological efficiency no more than 10%) and quite wide in – thermoclimatic end cryoclimatic scales, soil moisture (coefficient of ecological efficiency from 25.0% to 40.9%).

The demographic structure of 39 coenopopulations of Tulipa suaveolens Roth in the Lower Volga region was studied. It has been shown that they occupy an area from 0.01 to 20 000 ha or more. Small-area populations grow mainly closer to the northern border of the species range. The density of all individuals (1.6–240.7 PCs/m2) and the number of generative plants (0.1–58.2 PCs/m2) at the interpopulation level varied over a wide range, changing significantly over the years mainly in the populations exposed to recreational load or grazing. The percentage of generative individuals ranged from 2 to 96%. In the years 2013–2016 there was a significant negative correlation between the geographical latitude corresponding to the place of growth of a coenopopulation and the proportion of plants of the generative state therein. On the contrary, in the years 2017–2018 in the southern and western parts surveyed of the habitat the plants of the pregenerative period prevailed, while the share of flowering plants significantly decreased. The observed dynamics correlates well with the weather conditions of the growing season of tulips. In the period 2013–2016, in the southern part of the territory studied, arid conditions were formed just in the spring and seedlings fell out at an early stage of their development. The spring periods of 2017 and 2018 were wetter, and seedlings successfully passed through the early stages of ontogenesis. Thus, cyclical fluctuations of weather conditions significantly affect the demographic structure of the T. suaveolens coenopopulations. Accordingly, the contribution of different years to the renewal of populations is different. The populations in the southern regions maintain a high number of individuals and occupy larger areas mainly due to their long life. Rare seasons with favorable weather conditions provide outbreaks of juvenile plants. In the northern regions of the territory studied, more favorable conditions for the development of sprouts of this species are formed, and fluctuations in the demographic structure of coenopopulations are less pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the complex study of main biological and chemical characteristics in the endemic species Nepeta densiflora which occupies the boundary position in the distribution of Spicatae (Benth.) Pojark.section of Nepeta genus. It has been established that the ontogenesis is complete and the individuals successively pass the morphogenesis stages: primary shoot → primary bush → clump → branching particle. Assessment of coenopopulation states has identified the studied population as normal and stable. Coenopopulation stability is determined by its seed regeneration and complex ontogenesis. Species existence under the studied ecological and coenotic conditions can be successful, provided that there is no phytocoenotic environment composed of turfed lady's mantle community. In N. densiflora, the main components of the essential oil were found to be cis-trans-Nepetalactone (up to 70%), cis-β-Ocimene (4.8%), Germacrene D (3.1%) and β-Cyclocitral (2.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to compare the coenopopulation structure of two main stand-forming tree species of European northern taiga forest – Picea obovata Ledeb. and Pinus sylvestris L. at different stages of post-fire successions. Investigations were carried out in the Kola Peninsula (67°30ʹ–68°10ʹ N, 33°57ʹ–34°21ʹ E) in Siberian spruce forest of the true moss site type with fire age of 82 and 146, Scots pine forest of the lichen-true moss site type with a similar fire age (83 and 155), and in mixed pine-spruce forest of the true moss site type with fire age of 376. Five 0.1–0.2-ha permanent sample plots were surveyed. In order to register living tree individuals > 0.1 m high, the sample plots were divided into 5 x 5 m squares. Tree individuals < 0.1 m high (aged > 1 yr.) were sampled from 40–100 1x1 m squares. To analyze the age and size distributions we chose three key parameters: range of values, skewness and kurtosis. The vitality of the trees was determined on the basis of relative crown density, using a five-category classification: I – healthy individuals, II – moderately weak individuals, III – very weak individuals, IV – declining individuals, V – dead individuals. According to our data, Picea obovata and Pinus sylvestris showed similar patterns in the formation of the age, size and vitality structure of the coenopopulations during post-fire succession despite the differences in biological and ecological properties. Hence, there exist common mechanisms of coenopopulation structure transformation, based on the laws of competition among tree individuals within a population and coenotic regulation of regeneration processes. The established structural differences are not significant and mostly manifest themselves during the first half of the succession. The distinctive feature of pine coenopopulations is discontinuity of the age and diameter class distribution over a period from ~100–150 to at least 400–500 yrs. after a fire. At later stages of a post-fire succession (>350 yrs. after the fire) one observes a convergence of the age, size and vitality structure of coenopopulations of the two species. This result can be regarded as evidence of uniformity of the main tree species structural organization in subclimax and climax northern taiga forest.

This paper presents the results of a study of the ontogenesis and structural and morphological features of various life forms of Nepeta pulchella Pojark. (Lamiaceae). The environmental and coenotic features of the species habitats within the Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve have been described. It is found that N. pulchella inhabits areas from the middle part of the mountains to the subalpine belt. The status of coenopopulations in two types of plant communities has been examined. Depending on various ecological and coenotic conditions, N. pulchella individuals develop two life forms: taprooted caudex and short-rhizomatous-taprooted ones. Individuals belonging to these biomorphs go through complete sophisticated ontogenesis. The following morphogenetic phases have been described for the first biomorph: primary shoot → main axis → primary bush → clone; for the second one: primary shoot → main axis → primary bush → tillering particle → nontillering particle. The studied coenopopulations were normal, transitional to mature, resistant, and incomplete. The ecocoenotic and structural-morphological analyses made it possible to identify in the N. pulchella morphogenesis a number of features determined by phylogenetic ties with closely related taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nettle grey alder forests are a dominant forest type on lowland swamps in the Bryansk Polesie. They are formed as a result of repeated cuttings in the place of tall herb spruce forests. Tall herb spruce forests are very rare communities in the vegetation cover in this area due to clear cutting, melioration and peat extraction. An assessment of the succession status of tall herb spruce forests and nettle grey alder forests was carried out in this paper. The criteria of climax state and succession state of communities, developed for Eastern European forests, were used. These criteria are based on the degree of intensity of the following signs in the community: 1) the completeness of species composition of tree synusia; 2) the ontogenetic structure of tree species cenopopulation; 3) the gap-mosaic stand structure; 4) the diversity of microsites in soil cover; 5) the completeness of species composition and ecological-coenotic diversity of vascular species. We showed that tall herb spruce forest, as opposed to black alder forest, is close to communities of the climax type. This is evidenced by the following features of cenosis: firstly, all tree species in the area that covers the Bryansk Polesie and that are able to grow on lowland swamps are represented in the spruce forest (Alnus glutinosa, Betula pubescens, Fraxinus excelsior, Padus avium, Picea abies, Salix pentandra, Sorbus aucuparia, Ulmus glabra). Secondly, a steady turnover of generations is carried out in the cenopopulations of main edificators (Picea abies and Alnus glutinosa). This is evidenced by the complete and left-sided structure of their ontogenetic spectrum. Thirdly, a system of asynchronously developing gaps (parcels), which are formed on the site of old tree falls, is formed in the community. This ensures the continuous renewal of spruce and alder populations and creates conditions for the regeneration of other tree species. Fourthly, the structure of biogenic microsites has been formed in the soil cover: fallen logs, treefall pits and mounds, sedge tussocks, tree hummocks and substrate composed of the surface tree roots. These microsites determine the stable existence of species of contrasting ecological-cenotic species groups (from water-marsh and nitrophilous groups to wet-meadow, nemoral and boreal groups) in the community. Finally, thanks to the well-developed treefall gap structure and system of microsites, the parameters of the species and ecology-cenotic diversity of tall herb spruce forests are maximal among all forest types in the lowland swamp of the Bryansk Polesie. All this suggests that tall herb spruce forests are the climax (final) stage in the development of black alder forests in lowland swamps within the areas of Picea abies and Alnus glutinosa. We showed that the derivative nettle black alder forest, in contrast to the tall herb spruce forest, is in the first stages of restoration. This is indicated by the following signs: firstly, in the black alder forests, not all tree species that can grow on the lowland swamps of the Bryansk Polesie are present. This is often due to the fact that seed sources (generative trees) are absent in the immediate surroundings. Secondly, there is no normal turnover of generations in the cenopopulations of all tree species. Thirdly, a treefall gap structure (parcel mosaic) is not formed in the communities, which is necessary for the stable turnover of generations in tree populations. Fourthly, the system of biogenic microsite is not developed in the soil cover. Because of this, the composition of the ground cover is limited mainly by plant species of the water-marsh and the nitrophilous groups that are tolerant to the swampy substrate. Fifthly, black alder is distinguished by relatively low indicators of species richness and ecological-coenotic diversity. This is due to the undeveloped mosaic of parcels and microsites. It should be emphasised that the low age of felling (60–70 years) is the main reason for the «eternal» succession youth of black alder forests. Felling does not allow the community to reach the final stages of succession with the maximum structural, species and ecological-cenotic diversity.

The structure of 11 coenopopulations (CP) of Conioselinum tataricum Hoffm (Apiaceae) in tallherbaceosus phytocenosis of Salair ridge (south of West Siberia) was studied. The CP are generally of normal type. CP density is the highest in forest-tall-herbaceosus meadows. C. tataricum is the coenotical patient in plant communities. The biological and CP-stucture peculiarities show the low growth adaptation of C. tataricum in tall-herbaceosus phytocenosis of Salair.

Structural and functional features of E. minor, using morphometric traits and phytomass fractions of model coenopopulations are studied to determine adaptive capacity of species in different environments transformed the environment of forest, forest-steppe and steppe zones. Depending on edaphic conditions plants and organs of plants may increase several times in size and weight. The index of morphological integration of model coenopopulations indicates the uniformity of vegetative and generative organs of plants at different environmental conditions. In various conditions significant value to coenopopulations differentiation contribute signs of individual length as well as length and number of generative organs. Formation of the maximum number of spikelets (feature with the highest contribute to dispersion of data) corresponds to extreme edaphic conditions of growth combined with a high degree of recreation. However, decreasing environmental transformation is accompanied by double fulfillment of breeding potential of E. minor coenopopulations, while setting density of individuals reduce in almost 5-15 times. Thus, E. minor has mixed competitive Stress-tolerant Ruderal type as adaptation to condition of secondary areal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the study of Iris sibirica L. coenopopulations in the Crimean Mountains are elucidated. The Iris sibirica localities in the peninsula are supposed to be an exclave in the whole area. The coenotic conditions of localities, spatial and age structures of coenopopulations, morphometric parameters of Iris sibirica specimens are presented.

It has evaluated antropogenous influence on the coenopopulations of Rosa majalis Herrm. with application of morphometric methods. It was ascertained that antropogenous influence has strict impact on morphology. For example, R. majalis in Picea-Abies forests with antropogenous disturbance has more short stems and has no flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 160 species of the genus Vicia are used for food and forage. In Lithuania, narrow-leaved vetch V. angustifolia L. is considered to be the progenitor of this genus. This species is quite common and grows on various soils, in dry grasslands, forests and in cereal crops as a weed. Nineteen V. angustifolia coenopopulations were investigated in the LUA collection under identical soil and plant management conditions during the period 2001-2003. Morphological plant assessment was based on measurements of stem height, branching point, the number of branches and pods, pod length and width, seed number per pod, 1000 seed weight, air-dried weight per plant. Crude protein content was determined in air-dried mass. A great intercoenopopulation diversity of V. angustifolia was determined. The greatest variation was found in the following parameters: branching, air-dried weight per plant, the number of productive stems. Four groups of vetch earliness were distinguished according to the date of the beginning of flowering. In terms of practical relevance, the group of medium earliness is considered to be the most valuable since it is characterised by the highest leafiness and protein content in air-dried mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]