Creating Rare Species Artificial Populations of the Genus Hedysarum L. (Fabaceae)

Abstract

In connection with the intensive mineral resource development, it is now topically relevant to 3cinserve the gene pool of plant rare species, whose populations find themselves within the exclusion zones (quarry mining, disposal of overburden and waste rocks, etc.). However, methods for moving plants from such zones to safe places in order to create artificial populations are still poorly developed. In Bashkortostan, tests are being undertaken to develop the methods for creating rare species artificial populations, including tick trefoils, such as Hedysarum grandiflorum Pall. and H. razoumovianum Fisch. et Helm. These species are included into the Red Data Books of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Russian Federation. The works are being performed in the Natural Botanical Garden (natural protected area “Gurovskaya Gora” near Ufa). The aim of the research is to develop the methods for evacuating rare species and to create artificial populations and source nurseries for obtaining seeds and planting materials in order to conduct reintroduction works in the crucially endangered populations. In the test with H. grandiflorum we used 15 specimens from different places of Bashkortostan, among them from two sites where mining works are planned to be launched. The number of testing plots created since 2006 is 53. Seedlings are recorded during the first 4-6 years of observation. A massive loss of young plants is observed. Generative plants and self-seeding occur in the majority of the tests. Six specimens of H. razoumovianum are under investigation. Starting in 2005, 17 tests have been undertaken. Seedlings are recorded during 4-6 years. Generative plants emerge in the fourth or fifth year of observation. These plants bloom, produce fruits and self-seed every year. By 2014, two self-reproducing micropopulations have been formed. In 2017, 487 plants were recorde4d in one of them, with 24 maternal plants. The tests suggest the possibility to create artificial populations of these species and to conserve them under eco-phytocoenotic conditions comparable to those in nature. Even now they can serve as the seed source for the reintroduction works.