Comprehensive Geological–Geophysical and Botanic Study of the Tectonic Junction Zone between the Katun Ridge and Uimon Depression (Altai Mountains)

Abstract

Areas with large gradients and anomalous variations in geomagnetic and radiation fields have been revealed and mapped at the northwestern foot of the Katun ridge, within an active seismic zone of its junction with the Uimon Depression (Altai Mountains). Six micropopulations of Lonicera caerulea are specified in areas with contrast geophysical parameters. The effect of a combination of undifferentiated geological–geophysical factors related to seismotectonic activity on the intensification of mutation of L. caerulea has been analyzed. It consists of a greater variability of the genome size and higher mitotic activity and frequency of pathological mitoses of seed generation. We have revealed a significant difference between micropopulations of L. caerulea in the genome size and reproductive characteristics (pollen fertility and morphometry; fruit mass; and production, viability, and energy of germination of seeds). A teratic form of L. caerulea (with numerous disturbances of microsporegenesis, resulting in formation of sterile pollen), is revealed in the zone of concentration of the fault network, which is mapped in a magnetometric and radonic survey. Most plants here produce seeds, which cannot germinate or are characterized by very low germination energy.