Genetic analysis of Rhaponticum carthamoides (Asteraceae) during restoration of natural populations in the Altai Republic

Irina Kuban,Olga Dorogina,Natasha Williams,Elena Zhmud,Altynai Achimova,V.V Chepinoga,K.P Ma

doi:10.1051/bioconf/20213800064

Abstract

Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin is a rare species for Altai Republic. It possesses medicinal and fodder properties and therefore is considered a valuable resource species. Populations of this species are regularly exposed to anthropogenic impact. The impact factors are harvesting of rhizomes and cattle grazing. We have carried out the restoration of two populations of this species. The seeds for restorative planting were collected from healthy plants in the same populations, at a distance of 10 km or less from the restoration site. The genetic analysis of DNA fragments showed a reliable similarity of genetic diversity in planted and naturally growing individuals in each of the studied populations. Comparison showed that plants in more remote locations, which are less accessible for tourism and economic activities, were characterized by higher genetic diversity.

Highlights

In the Altai Republic, since the beginning of the 21st century, the system of communications is developing rapidly, driven by the expansion of agriculture and tourism
The state of this species in natural populations is rapidly declining due to anthropogenic impact [2]. Natural populations of this species are in need of restoration. This is especially relevant to the populations in the Altai Republic at the Seminsky Pass (Ongudaysky District) and at the foot of Krasnaya Mountain (UstKoksinsky District, circa Kaitanak village), which are subject to substantial agricultural and tourism impact
I) of R. carthamoides is located on the Seminsky pass (Ongudaysky district 51°03'93" N; 85°39'43" E; altitude 1816 m above sea level; the number of individuals about 1200 specimens)

Summary

Introduction

In the Altai Republic, since the beginning of the 21st century, the system of communications is developing rapidly, driven by the expansion of agriculture and tourism. The flip side of the positive economic and social development is the reduction in plant biodiversity due to overuse of natural plant resources Such tendency can lead to the disruption of populations of the rare and especially of the valuable resource species. Natural populations of this species are in need of restoration This is especially relevant to the populations in the Altai Republic at the Seminsky Pass (Ongudaysky District) and at the foot of Krasnaya Mountain (UstKoksinsky District, circa Kaitanak village), which are subject to substantial agricultural and tourism impact. Populations at these locations were seeded with R. carthamoides in an attempt to restore the diminishing natural abundance of the species

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Results