Maianthemum Bifolium Research Articles

Influence of Picea Abies Logs on the Distribution of Vascular Plants in Old-Growth Spruce Forests

The deadwood contributes to an increase in soil heterogeneity due to the changing the microrelief (by the formation of windthrow-soil complexes), as well as changes in physical and chemical characteristics of decaying wood directly during xylolysis. We hypothesized that fallen logs as an element of microrelief influence the species composition and cover structure of vascular plants. We studied the influence of Picea abies (L.) Karst fallen logs of moderate and advanced decay stages on the horizontal distribution and heterogeneity of vascular plant cover in different microsite types (small boreal grass type, blueberry type, small boreal grass-blueberry type, herbs, and blueberry type) in old-growth middle taiga spruce forest in the Kivach State Nature Reserve (Republic of Karelia, Russia). The fallen deadwood acts as a factor of heterogeneity, causing reversible changes in the homogeneity of the original plant cover. The decaying logs influence the horizontal distribution of small herbs by changing the occurrence and density of shoots of Oxalis acetosella L., Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt, Vaccinium myrtillus L., and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., as well as the occurrence of Luzula pilosa (L.) Willd. and Calamagrostis arundinacea (L.) Roth. Its impact on the heterogeneity parameters can be traced up to 20 cm from the log. The differences in vascular plant cover between fallen logs and the surrounding forest floor depend on the soil conditions of the microsite. The heterogeneity of conditions created by the logs smoothed out with increasing decay class, resulting in decreasing differences in the heterogeneity parameters of vascular plant cover between deadwood and forest floor. The changes in the homogeneity of the initial vascular plant cover by deadwood and the gradual smoothing of heterogeneity between the logs and the forest floor in rich and poor conditions have different, mainly opposite, trends. Finally, the structure of the vegetation cover reaches a state that is typical of particular growth conditions beyond deadwood.

Changes in radioactive contamination of living ground cover plants in black alder stands since the Chornobyl accident in the forests of Zhytomyr Polissia

The results of research conducted over the past 30 years in the forest ecosystems of Zhytomyr Polissia, in the areas affected by radioactive contamination as a result of the Chornobyl accident. In the course of the research carried out at the Poliskyi Branch of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G. M. Vysotsky, methods of forest radioecology, botany, and forestry were used, and the results were processed using statistical analysis. The peculiarities of radioactive contamination of the most common herbaceous and dwarf-shrub plants in the stands of black alder in damp fairly fertile site types were studied. As indicators characterizing these features, we used 137Cs specific activity in the aboveground part of plants and the transfer factor of radionuclide to plant phytomass from the soil. It was found that the highest values of the transfer factor of 137Cs from the soil to the aerial part of the plant phytomass in 1999 are characteristic of ferns: for Dryopteris cristata (L.) A. Gray (276.9 m2∙kg-1∙10-3), Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H. P. Fuchs (236.5 m2∙kg-1∙10-3), Thelypteris palustris Schott (171.2 m2∙kg-1∙10-3), and Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth (164.0 m2∙kg-1∙10-3). It was found that among the higher plants, the highest values of this indicator are for the Agrostis stolonifera L. (263.5 m2∙kg-1∙10-3), Galium uliginosum L. (155.8 m2∙kg-1∙10-3) and Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F. W. Schmidt (155.4 m2∙kg-1∙10-3). It was found out that the previously noted trends and interspecific differences in radionuclide accumulation persist after 22 years. It is shown, using the example of three plant species (Lysimachia vulgaris L., Galium uliginosum, and Maianthemum bifolium), that during the observation period (1991-2021) there is a gradual decrease in radioactive contamination of living ground cover plants and the intensity of 137Cs intake into them. This is explained by the decay of the radioactive element, its entry into various perennial components of forest ecosystems, some fixation in the soil, and, possibly, its removal beyond their borders. The established decrease in 137Cs specific activity in the aboveground part of plants is described by linear equations: for Lysimachia vulgaris – Am = –605.34a + 3745.6; R² = 0.98; Galium uliginosum – Am = –5107.5a + 30698; R² = 0.99; Maianthemum bifolium – Am = –4661.6 a + 28280; R² = 0.98. The identified peculiarities of radioactive contamination of various plant species, changes in 137Cs specific activity in them, and transfer factors of the radionuclide from the soil in stands of black alder in damp fairly fertile site types can be used in scientific works to predict possible changes in its redistribution within the ecosystem, as well as in the practice of harvesting medicinal plants in areas contaminated with radionuclides.

Biodiversity of the spruce forest of the Tsuman Forestry (Kivertsi National Nature Park "Tsumanska Pushcha", Ukraine)

According to the results of field research during the vegetation period of 2022, 60 species of vascular plants and representatives of 35 taxa of invertebrates during the vegetation period of 2022 were found in the spruce forest of the Tsuman Forestry in the Kivertsi National Nature Park «Tsumanska Pushcha», Volyn Region. Three sites survey in sq. 4, ed. 18 of Tsuman forestry were carried out on 14.05.2022, 28.05.2022, 11.06.2022 and 25.09.2022. The tree layer was represented by Picea abies (L.) Karst. plantation in adding of Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L. The shrub layer was poorly developed, represented by singles Corylus avellana L. and Rubus idaeus L. In the grass layer of the test-аrea 16 Dentaria bulbifera L. was common, while in micro-lowering Geum rivale L., Myosoton aquaticum (L.) Moench, Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt as well as Galeobdolon luteum Huds. were spread. In test-areas 17–18 Oxalis acetosella L. with constant for this area species Urtica dioica L., Glechoma hederacea L. and Chelidonium majus L. were spread. The research area remoteness both from the town of Tsuman and highways contributed to the plant covering preservation. All types of forest plants were represented by aboriginal flora with typical nemoral (31 species; 51.8% of all plants under research) and boreal (15 species; 25.0%), boreal-nemoral species (5 species; 8.3%). The synanthropic fraction was represented by only 9 species (15.0%), among which 8.3% belonged to apophytes, 3.3% belonged both to archaeophytes and chenophytes. To sum up, this indicates significant preservation of the spontaneous flora. The eudodominant group of invertebrates were representatives of various orders of the class Insecta (41.65 %) from the total number of collected specimens. Dominant (DI ≥ 10.00 %) were Collembola (19.46 %) of the orders Poduromorpha and Symphypleona, sarcoptiform mites Sarcoptiformes (19.06 %), in particular shell mites Oribatida, Araneae. The subdominants (DI 1 – 9.99 %) include Myriapoda such as millipedes and centipedes, Arachnida are represented by harvest spiders Opiliones. Insects of this group include Aphidoidea, Heteroptera, Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Curculionidae, Hymenoptera and Diptera. Recedents (DI ≤ 1,00 %) are earthworms Lumbricidae, crustaceans Malacostraca, in particular woodlices Oniscidea, false scorpions Pseudoscorpiones. Among the insects, that occasionally fell into soil traps were Lepismatidae, Blattellidae, Neuroptera, Cicadellidae, Forficulidae, трипси Thysanoptera, Psocidae, Cerambycidae, Geortupidae, Elateridae, Chrysomelidae, Buprestidae, Raphidioptera, Hystrichopsyllidae from the genus Palaeopsylla and Lepidoptera. The greatest faunal diversity according to the Margalef index (3,74 та 3,72) is characteristic of the illuminated areas of the spruce forest within the dry area and the "window". The highest index of fauna similarity is found in areas of spruce forest with oak admixture and in the spruce forest "window".

Forest herb species with similar European geographic ranges may respond differently to climate change

Many phenological studies have shown that spring geophytes are very sensitive to climate change, responding by shifting flowering and fruiting dates. However, there is a gap in knowledge about climatic drivers of their distributions and range shifts under climate change. Here we aimed to estimate climate niche shifts for four widely distributed and common geophytes of the nemoral zone of Europe (Anemone nemorosa, Anemone ranunculoides, Convallaria majalis and Maianthemum bifolium) and to assess the threat level under various climate change scenarios. Using MaxEnt species distribution models and future climate change scenarios we found that the precipitation of the warmest quarter was the most important factor shaping their ranges. All species studied will experience more loss in the 2061–2080 period than in 2041–2060, and under more pessimistic scenarios. M. bifolium will experience the highest loss, followed by A. nemorosa, A. ranunculoides, and the smallest for C. majalis. A. ranunculoides will gain the most, while M. bifolium will have the smallest potential range expansion. Studied species may respond differently to climate change despite similar current distributions and climatic variables affecting their potential distribution. Even slight differences in climatic niches could reduce the overlap of future ranges compared to present. We expect that due to high dependence on the warmest quarter precipitation, summer droughts in the future may be particularly severe for species that prefer moist soils. The lack of adaptation to long-distance migration and limited availability of appropriate soils may limit their migration and lead to a decline in biodiversity and changes in European forests.

Pollination biology of Maianthemum s.s. (Asparagaceae) in different parts of its range

Maianthemum F.H. Wigg. is a genus of perennial plants inhabiting temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia and North America. Maianthemum sensu stricto includes just a few species that have a wide geographic distribution, are morphologically close, and possess open flowers adapted for a wide range of flower visitors. The present study is aimed at investigating the pollination biology of Maianthemum s.s. A comparison of the pollination biology of these species growing in the same area allows us to clarify ecological differences between the species. Investigation of the pollination biology of the same species in different parts of its range allows for the specification of variation in range of pollinators due to the environmental conditions. We studied pollination of M. bifolium in two far-apart locations (Moscow Region and Primorye Territory); also, in parallel, we studied three species M. bifolium, M. dilatatum, and M. intermedium in the same location in Primorye Territory. Proterandry is typical of all Maianthemum ssp. populations studied here. The studied species have a wide range of flower visitors. All of them can contribute to pollination, but the most stable and effective pollinators of Maianthemum s.s. are bees (Anthophila) and hoverflies (Syrphidae). Geographical position of population is the most important factor defining the range of pollinators of Maianthemum bifolium. The range of pollinators is weakly specific to the three species of Maianthemum s.s.

Phytocoenotical behaviour of boreal plant species in broadleaved-forest zone communities

Phytocoenotic behaviour of 11 species of boreal vascular plants and mosses is analyzed within the broadleaved-forest zone in comparison with that in different subzones of the boreal-forest zone, based upon the set of 1417 relevés made in European Russia in 1996–2017. The significance of differences in species cover is estimated by means of the one-way ANOVA. The cover of species like Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, andHylocomium splendens in broadleaved / spruce forests of zonal types is constantly decreasing southwards. On the contrary, the cover of Luzula pilosain Scots pine forests and Pleurozium schreberi and Dicranum polysetum in paludified Norway spruce forests is subject to southward increase. Finally, Oxalis acetosella and Equisetum sylvaticum demonstrate maximae of their cover in forests of zonal types in the southern-boreal and hemiboreal subzones. The dark-coniferous boreal forest “cortege” of species is breaking down into several different floristic elements in the broadleaved-forest zone. These are: “vaccinietal” species p. p. sensu Yu. D. Kleopov (like Vaccinium myrtillus), “quasi-boreal” species sensu V. B. Sochava (Oxalis acetosella, Maianthemum bifolium, Trientalis europaea), hygromesophytes with aged areas (Equisetum sylvaticum), associated species with European-Ancient-Mediterranean nemoral (Luzula pilosa) or East-Asian boreal-montane (Rubus saxatilis) origins. Phytocoenotical behaviour of species is not always different in the intrazonal and the zonal community types but is rather similar in many cases like those of Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Equisetum sylvaticum. The more distinct differences in species positions are found in the extrazonal communities. The statistically proved differences are lacking in phytocoenotical behaviour of Maianthemum bifolium and Trientalis europaea in different zones and subzones due to either florogenetical, or purely methodical reasons, the latter connected with low abundance but high constancy of these species. Disintegration of vegetation “corteges” and individualization of coenotic patterns of species previously growing together are usually observed at the climatically determined (zonal / subzonal or altitudinal) distribution limits.

БИОТОПИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЯ И УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ К АНТРОПОГЕННОМУ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЮ LISTERA OVATA (L.) R.BR. В КИРОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Stash ovate (Listera ovata (L.) R. Br.) – herbaceous short-rooted perennial. The purpose of the study is to identify the environmental preferences of Listera ovata and its resistance to anthropogenic impact on the territory of the Kirov region. As a result of phytoindication of the studied Listera ovata habitats, ecological characteristics were obtained using six H. Ellenberg scales (1974). According to the illumination scale, which evaluates the ratio of plants to the relative illumination prevailing in the habitat of the species, Listera ovata grows at different levels of illumination: as in open habitats with 60–80 % illumination. In relation to the thermoclimatic factor that evaluates heat / cold resistance, the studied species is an inhabitant of a temperate climate (the 5th stage of the Ellenberg scale). On the continental scale Listera ovata is characterized as a suboceanic species (4th stage of the Ellenberg scale), which corresponds to the geographical distribution zone of the species within the Kirov region. In relation to soil moisture, the distribution of the species in habitats with soils ranging from medium-wet (5th stage of the Ellenberg scale) to wet (6th stage of the Ellenberg scale) was noted. On the scale of soil acidity, which determines the dependence of species on acid-base soil conditions, Listera ovata occupies habitats characterized from moderately acidic (5th stage of the Ellenberg scale) to weakly alkaline soils (7th stage of the Ellenberg scale). According to the nitrogen richness scale, which shows the total supply of nutrients (N, K, P, Mg) in the soil, the species is confined to habitats with moderately provided basic nutrients (5th stage of the Ellenberg scale). Analysis of hemerobicity by species composition in plant communities showed that the studied plant communities with Listera ovata are mainly represented by oligo and meso-hemerobic species: from 30.56 to 37.78 %. These are species of communities that are close to natural, that tolerate irregular weak influences, and species of semi-natural communities that are resistant to extensive influences (Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Fragaria vesca, Asarum europaeum, Pimpinella saxifraga, Melica nutans, Maianthemum bifolium, Vaccinium myrtillus). The share of species of natural communities that do not tolerate anthropogenic influence is 1.65 %. About 21 % are occupied by species far from natural communities that are resistant to intensive use (Melilotus albus, Pastinaca silvestris, Calamagrostis epigeios). Weed species of natural and anthropogenic communities that suffer regular severe disturbances account for 7.67 % (Trifolium repens, Galium odorata, Taraxacum officinale). The share of specialized weed species of intensive crops is 4.06 % (Chamaenerion angustifolium, Tussilago farfara, Cirsium arvense, Galium aparine, Anthriscus sylvestris). Types of completely disturbed ecosystems in the studied habitats were not identified. All studied phytocenoses with L. ovata are dominated by anthropophobic species: from 62 to 77 %. The percentage of anthropotolerant species is not high and varies from 23 to 38 %.

Biodiversity and Structure of Undisturbed Mountain Siberian Pine Taiga of the Idarsky Belogorye Ridge (East Sayan)

The structure of flora and fauna, which is a standard of the state and dynamics of the taiga forests in humid climatic facies of the Altai-Sayan mountain region, has been analyzed based on the example of the undisturbed mountain Siberian Pine taiga (Eastern Sayan mountains). The ecological–phytocenotic features and floristic and faunistic composition of the late succession stage are studied. The dominance of the green moss group of forest types is revealed across the topographic profiles. The forest stands have a complex age structure with the dominance of Pinus sibirica Du Tour. and are characterized by low productivity (quality classes IV–V prevail), high class of normality (from 0.5 to 1.0), and sufficient regeneration. A floristic, ecological–coenotic analysis of the herb–dwarf-shrub layer, the elements of undergrowth, and the moss cover indicates the dominance of humid taiga flora. The species of the taiga ecological–coenotic group (ECG) (Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex iljinii, Calamagrostis obtusata, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Phegopteris connectilis, Oxalis acetosella, Aegopodium alpestre, Trientalis europaea, Linnaea borealis, Maianthemum bifolium, Stellaria bungeana, et al.), moss–bog ECG (Ledum palustre, Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex globularis et al.), and bor-taiga ECG (Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Pyrola rotundifolia, Lycopodium annotinum et al.) form the herb–dwarf-shrub layer in the prevailing forest types. Green mosses (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi with a mixture of Ptilium crista-castrensis and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus) dominate in the moss layer. Polytrichum commune, P. strictum, Dicranum scoparium, D. polysetum, and Sphagnum sp. mosses are found in some sites. The increased role of higher spore plants characterizes the flora as well-preserved archaic features flora. The Siberian pine forest coenoflora consists of 224 species and belongs to the Cyperaceae type. In the structure of the geographical elements of the flora, the leading role belongs to the Palaearctic, European, and Siberian elements with an increased role of endemics. The species typical for the Siberia taiga complex compose the core of the fauna. The most diverse avifauna is represented by 102 species (Tarsiger cyanurus, Parus montanus, Parus ater, Luscinia calliope, Sitta europaea, Loxia curvirostra, Coccothraustes coccothraustes, Tetrastes bonasia, Phylloscopus proregulus, etc.).

A Kerka-vidék gyertyános-tölgyesei

In this study, the phytosociological characteristics of oak-hornbeam forests in the Kerka valley, sW Hungary are summarized using 50 vegetation samples. These forests grow on alluvial soils affected by high groundwater table, and thus are best regarded as extrazonal communities exhibiting some characteristics of hardwood gallery forests. The high number of submontane elements are particularly typical of them: Aco-nitum vulparia,Adoxa moschatellina, Anemone nemorosa, Anemone ranunculoides, Asarum europaeum, Athyrium filix-femina, Cardamine bulbifera, Cerastium sylvaticum, Coryda-lis cava, Coridalis solida, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Gagea spathacea, Galanthus nivalis, Galeobdolon luteum, Isopyrum thalictroides, Knautia drymeia, Lathyrus vernus, Leucojum vernum, Lilium martagon, Luzula pilosa, Maianthemum bifo-lium, Mercurialis perennis, Milium effusum, Oxalis acetosella, Paris quadrifolia, Pulmonaria officinalis, Ranunculus lanugi-nosus, Sanicula europaea, Scilla drunensis, Stellaria holos-tea, Veronica montana, etc. The high frequency of Fritillaria meleagris is particularly noteworthy. These plants are likely to be relics of the cooler and wetter, and less extreme Beech I. phase of the Holocene. The occurrence of some sub-Med-iterranean species (Carex strigosa, Helleborus dumetorum, Knautia drymeia, Vicia oroboides) suggests some degree of relatedness to the oak-hornbeam forests in the zala Hills (Helleboro dumetorum-Carpinetum). The studied woods are sharply separated from the oak-hornbeam forests of Western Transdanubia (Cyclamini-Carpinetum), and exhibit relatively closer similarity to the oak-hornbeam forests of the Mura and Drava floodplains and the Raba River valley (Veronico montanae-Carpinetum). syntaxonomically, they are best identified with the latter under the name Veronico montanae-Carpinetum scilletosum drunensis.

Panax ginseng (Araliaceae) в отрогах южного Сихотэ-Алиня: Уссурийский заповедник (Приморский край)

Wild ginseng Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae) is a rare medicinal plant. The aim of this work is to assess the state of ginseng cenopopulations in the Ussuriysky State Nature Reserve, and to search of indicator species of its optimal habitats. The reserve is located on the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin ridge in the basins of the Artyomovka and Komarovka rivers. In the course of route studies in the period from 2012 to 2019, phenological observations, description of habitats, determination of the age status and morphometry of 77 plants found in 8 types of forest were carried out. A large part of the finds belong to the cedar forests hornbeam – 44.4 %. Analysis of the species composition of the immediate environment of the relic, performed on 36-meter sites, revealed 41 species of vascular plants. Based on the generalized analysis of author's and literature data, a list of 7 species–indicators of optimal habitats for ginseng reintroduction was selected: Oxalis acetosella, Phryma asiatica, Hylomecon vernalis, Thalictrum filamentosum, Maianthemum bifolium, Galium davuricum, Carex ussuriensis. The number and composition of associated species varies depending on the type of forest. Long-term observations carried out in the reserve have revealed significant changes in the phenology of P. ginseng. In recent years, there has been a shift in the beginning of the growing season, flowering and ripening of fruits to earlier dates. Modern findings of ginseng in atypical habitats are described, indicating a broader ecological amplitude of its growth than was indicated by the first researchers. The age composition of the population is normal, but incomplete, there are no senile, very few mature generative plants, the rise falls on the group of medium-generative plants. In order to construct a vitality spectrum, plants from the most numerous age group in the generative middle-aged state g2 (n = 22) are ranked according to stem height into three vitality classes: higher (> 55 cm), medium (35-55 cm) and lower (< 35 cm). Frequency distribution analysis revealed predominance plants of the higher and middle classes of vitality. The vital spectrum indicates the equilibrium state of the population. Good fruiting and renewal of ginseng indicates the preservation of the species in the protected area, and the compliance of modern conditions of natural habitats to its ecological optimum.

К ЭКОЛОГИИ CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS L. (ORCHIDACEAE) В КИРОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The object of our research was one of the most common orchids in the world – Cypripedium calceolus L. As a rare species, it is listed in the Red book of the Russian Federation (3 category of rarity) [8], the Kirov region (3 category of rarity) [9], as well as in the Red books of 59 regions of the Russian Federation [2]. Limiting factors in the Kirov region are the violation of habitats as a result of anthropogenic impacts – deforestation, recreation, collection for bouquets, digging, reducing the number of species. Studies on the study of C. calceolus in the Kirov region are isolated [10–12]. The purpose of this work is to identify phytocenotic parameters and environmental conditions of C. calceolus habitats within the southern taiga fragment of the range. Studies of ecological and cenotic conditions of C. calceolus habitats were conducted in southern taiga forest ecosystems within the Kirov region (Slobodskaya, Afanasyevsky districts) (See table 1) in the period from 2012 to 2019. The studied habitats of C. calceolus are confined to non-morally-boreal-small-grass and grass spruce forests (Melico nutantis-Piceetum abietis subass. typicum, Maianthemo-Piceetum subass. typicum var. typical) (See fig. 1), pine trees with fir and spruce of various grasses (Melico nutantis-Pinetum sylvestris var. Lathyrus vernus). The growth of C. calceolus on the technogenically disturbed substrate of an old spent limestone quarry overgrown with coniferous rocks and various grasses was also noted. All the studied biotopes are characterized by a large constancy of non-moral species with not significant coverage of mosses. The stand of spruce forest types is dominated by Picea abies, pine-Pinus sylvestris. Abies sibirica occurs as an impurity. The undergrowth layer has a diverse species composition: Sorbus aucuparia, Frangula alnus, Lonicera xylosteum, Yuniperus communis, Daphne mezereum. In this tier of most studied phytocenoses there is a Atragene sibirica. The grass-shrub layer is also very diverse, which determines the high specificity of these communities. In addition to species of boreal small grass (Maianthemum bifolium, Orthilia secunda, Luzula pilosa, Rubus saxatilis), the presence of non – morals is characteristic-Lathyrus vernus, Melica nutans, Stellaria holostea, Asarum europaeum. Moss-lichen layer is fragmentary (covering up to 45 %), Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens act as sodominants. Phyto-indication of the studied C. calceolus habitats according to ten ecological scales of D. N. Tsyganov (See table 2, Fig. 2) showed that in relation to the complex of all environmental factors, the studied species is mesovalent (MV) (It total = 0.54) and has an average level of lability in relation to the studied environmental factors. In relation to the complex of all environmental factors, C. calceolus is a mesobiont species. On a scale of soil acidity, the species is semistarvation at termokhimicheskie and apolitically scale and dial illumination-shading – metavalent on the scale of the wealth of the soil nitrogen – hemimillennial at createmotions scale and the scale of continentality of the climate avivamento. Only on the scale of soil moisture and the scale of soil salt regime, C. calceolus is stenovalent, which indicates a very limited range of possible habitats for this factor. The species, in the studied habitats, realizes from 4.61 to 23.84 % of its potential according to the studied factors. For C. calceolus, the results obtained allow us to extend the scale of soil acidity by 0.75 degrees to the right. According to the other scales, the values of the ecological space of the studied CP are placed in the ranges given by D. N. Tsyganov for this type Edaphic conditions of C. calceolus on the scale of soil moisture correspond to regimes from dry-saline to wet-forest-saline; on the factor of soil salt regime-poor soils; soil acidity – acidic-slightly acidic soils; soil richness in nitrogen – nitrogen – poor soils; moisture variability-soils with relatively stable and poorly variable moisture.

ЭКОЛОГО-ЦЕНОТИЧЕСКАЯ РОЛЬ ЧУЖЕРОДНЫХ ВИДОВ РАСТЕНИЙ В ЛЕСНЫХ ЭКОСИСТЕМАХ ГОРОДСКОГО ОКРУГА Г. ВОРОНЕЖ

The processes of depletion of zonal vegetation are closely related to the settlement of invasive species. Within the forest ecosystems of the urban district of Voronezh, 31 invasive species from 30 genera and 19 families were recorded. The method of ecological scales revealed the ecological-coenotic aspects of phytoinvasions. The sample involved geobotanical descriptions (grouped by formational feature) of native phytocenoses without an alien component in the flora and phytocenoses replacing them with the active participation of invasive species within the same research object. Infestations of these species are accompanied by the development of allogeneic successions, which are characterized by a decrease in the species diversity of communities and the role of native taxa in them. The processes of infestations are typical for the region and are observed in communities of floodplain forests and meadows, native and derived forests and sub-forests, broad-leaved and mixed forests, slope meadow and steppes. Plant invasions in the coniferous and deciduous forests of the district are characterized by the expansion of 3 species of woody (Acer negundo, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Robinia pseudoacacia), 5 species of shrub (Sambucus racemosa, Caragana arborescens Lam., Viburnum lantana, Amelanchier spicata, Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and 4 species of herbaceous plants (Bidens frondosa, Impatiens parviflora, Galinsoga parviflora, Solidago canadensis). Phytoindication of pine forests shows the transformation of all 10 environmental indicators for communities with invasive species. For broad-leaved forests, the introduction of biomorphologically close taxa to native species does not lead to a sharp transformation of the ecological parameters of forest biotopes. The introduction of alien species into alder forests leads to a change in the ecological parameters of their biotopes towards mesophilization. This speeds up the process of the emergence of new alien species from the number of mesophytic taxa and an increase in the role of already settled ones. From 2007 to 2017, the invasive flora of the alder forests of the Voronezh increased from one species to four. According to the degree of invasiveness, the ecosystems of the southern upland, southwest oak forest, northern upland oak forests and pine forests have average values of 6.4 %, 6.1 %, 5.1 %, 5.7 %, respectively. Alder forests are minimally invasive, the share of invasive species is 1.3 %, which does not exceed 5 % of the threshold. Minor changes cover indicators: climate thermal mode (TM), continental climate (KN), climate aridity / humidity (OM), cryoclimatic (CR), soil trophicity (TR), soil acidity (RC), moisture variability (FH). Communities with a high level of participation of invasive species are actively developing in ecotonic conditions: forest edges and alder areas of terraces. As a result of the settlement of alien species in the Alder forests, a decrease in the price activity of the following native species is observed: Impatiens noli-tangere, Humulus lupulus, Solanum dulcamara, Thelypteris palustris, Paris quadrifolia, Maianthemum bifolium. To warn of the possible expansion of Acer negundo, Parthenocissus quinquefolia and Galinsoga parviflora, a high water cut regime for alder forests is required. Under the conditions of global and climatic changes, this is a rather complicated task, requiring constant monitoring of the abiotic and biotic components of the forest, as well as the regulation of nature management regimes in the floodplains of small rivers. The implementation of ecological and cenotic strategies for invasive species in forest communities is accompanied by a restructuring of the ecology of biotopes, which is expressed in the transformation of the ecological parameters of pine forests, mesophilization of alder biotopes, increasing the moisture content and richness of oak forests, the emergence of new alien species and reducing the cenotic activity of some native taxa. The most significant changes are subject to parameters: soil moisture (HD), soil nitrogen richness (NT), illumination/shading (LC).

Сhanges in the ground cover structure in the “forest –forest edge – cutover” ecotone in a bilberry spruce stand ten years after logging

Data of the vascular plant species composition in the ecotone “forest – forest edge – cutover” ten years after logging of a bilberry spruce stand in the north-taiga subzone of the Arkhangelsk Region are reported. Differences among zones of the ecotone complex regarding species percent covers and frequency of occurrence were revealed. Changes in the ground cover species abundance compared to earlier reforestation stages (2–5 years after logging) are discussed. Plant species were grouped according to their response to logging and subsequent tree layer restoration. The first group consists of typically forest-dwelling species whose phytosociological optimum corresponds to bilberry spruce forest conditions ( Goodyera repens , Listera cordata , Vaccinium vitis-idaea , V. myrtillus, Hylocomium splendens ). The second group includes the forest species that have demonstrated a negative response to logging and have been actively recovering their abundance since the time of tree layer formation in the cutover site ( Carex globularis , Chamaepericlymenum suecicum, Equisetum sylvaticum , Gymnocarpium dryopteris , Luzula pilosa , Maianthemum bifolium , Melampyrum pratense , Oxalis acetosella , Pleurozium schreberi , Rubus arcticus , Trientalis europaea ). The third group is made up of forest edge species ( Empetrum nigrum and Orthilia secunda ). The forth group comprised typically forest-dwelling apophytes, which responded positively to logging, but declined in abundance as the tree layer was forming ( Avenella flexuosa, Chamaenerion angustifolium , Polytrichum commune ). A separate group consists of the species whose response to logging and subsequent tree layer formation could not be detected by geobotanical, and has no statistic proof. It is shown that 10 years after logging, although the tree layer has formed, each zone of the ecotone complex has preserved their specific traits of the ground cover structure.

Эколого-ценотические позиции Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt и Linnaea borealis L. на северной периферии ареала

Эколого-ценотические позиции Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt и Linnaea borealis L. на северной периферии ареала

Ecological phytocoenotic characteristics of <i>Platanthera bifolia</i> (L.) Rich. within the territory of Nature Reserve «Bylina» in Kirov Region

Ecological-phytocoenotic confinement of Platanthera bifolia in conditions of middle taiga subzone of Kirov Region was investigated. Studied coenopopulations are restricted mostly to spruce-birch, pine and rarely to spruce phytocoenoses. Herbaceous-shrub cover includes 78 species of vascular plants with dominance of Maianthemum bifolium L., Vaccinium myrtillus L. , Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., Hieracium pilosella L., Equisetum sylvaticum L. , Pyrola rotundifolia L. , Linnaea borealis L. , Trientalis europaea L. , etc . Populations age spectres are in most cases normal and incomplete. Ontogenesis of P. bifolia has pregenerative and generative periods as well as juvenile, immature, virginile and generative age stages. Ecological positions of the species within Bylina Nature Reserve are given by Tsyganov scales. It was shown that P. bifolia is a mesobiont species. Maximum potential of P. bifolia is marked on soil acidity scale (11,54%) and illumination scale (11,51%). Estimation of habitat ecological conditions for P. bifolia was accomplished with Ellenberg scales. It was defined that P. bifolia is characterised by significant ecological amplitude. It is a subcontinental, semi-shade species which prefers semi-wet soils with moderate acidity and moderate nutritients richness. According to hemeroby parameters, P. bifolia can be considered a species that survives insignificant and moderate anthropogenic influence in the studied area.

Еловые леса Ижорской возвышенности (Ленинградская область): типология и современное состояние

Еловые леса Ижорской возвышенности (Ленинградская область): типология и современное состояние

Characteristics and Main Trends of Anthropogenic Florogenesis in the Southern Volga Uplands

The entire range of aspects of anthropogenic florogenesis in the southern part of the Volga Uplands is addressed. Trends in the anthropogenic dynamics of local flora in the last 100 years have been identified. A shift 50–100 km northward of the southern border of natural habitats of some boreal species (Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn., Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt, Pyrola rotundifolia L., etc.) has been noted. Data on the adventive flora and modern migration paths of the plants within the study area are provided. The adaptive activity of aboriginal species in relation to the entire range of anthropogenic habitats of the region is characterized. Information on findings of protected plant species in anthropogenic biotopes is provided. Overall, flora aridization and xerophytization have been noted, as has an increased role of tree and shrub life forms in the anthropogenic florogenesis. It is proposed to use a method based on the identification of anthropochorophilic elements in the aboriginal flora to forecast the adaptation of flora to the conditions of anthropogenic habitats.

Topographic attributes and ecological indicator values in assessing the ground-floor vegetation patterns

Abstract The paper discusses the question whether geographical information systems (GIS) and digital elevation models (DEM) are useful tools for studying correlations between topographic attributes of a given area, and vascular flora requirements reflected by ecological indicator values (EIVs). The model object was a 4-km-long gorge section of the Sopot river valley (80.5 ha), the Central Roztocze Highlands, South-East Poland. Species lists for 40 ca. 200-m-long and 100-350-m-wide sections, according to the river course, separately for the left and right riverbanks, were made. The analysis of the area was based on a 3-meter resolution DEM. We applied primary topographic attributes: slope, and planar, vertical, and total curvatures and also secondary topographic attributes: solar radiation (SRAD) and topographic wetness index (TWI), as well as other terrain characters: denivelation, total, flat and upslope area of each section. Using the multivariate analyses, we analysed relationships between weighted averages of EIVs for each species and topographic attributes. The GIS and DEM became useful tools for the detection of patterns of species with different habitat requirements. The species number correlated positively with the total and flat area of a section and the TWI, while the denivelation, mean slope and upslope area had a reverse vector. Among the most frequent and abundant herb species, we found several spatial patterns of distribution, namely those of: Maianthemum bifolium, Carex remota, C. acutiformis, Filipendula ulmaria, Dryopteris filixmas, and Urtica dioica. The rarest species represented Ajuga genevensis, Scorzonera humilis, and Stachys palustris patterns.

Molecular systematics and historical biogeography of Maianthemum s.s.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms for the evolution of intercontinental disjunct patterns has long fascinated botanists. We present a molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of Maianthemum s.l. (including Smilacina) with a focus on Maianthemum s.s. species, which have a disjunct distribution between Eurasia and North America. Within this evolutionary framework, we clarify the systematic classification and biogeographical history of Maianthemum s.s. Data from two nuclear and five chloroplast DNA regions were analyzed using the programs PAUP*, RAxML, MrBayes, BEAST, and RASP. Our molecular phylogeny supports Maianthemum s.s. as monophyletic. Maianthemum bifolium and M. canadense are grouped according to their taxonomic species, but the accessions of M. dilatatum are divided into two well-defined groups, i.e., one comprising western North American accessions, and the other composed of northeast Asian accessions. Molecular dating and biogeographic reconstructions suggest a northeast Asian origin for Maianthemum s.s. and that a complicated pattern of divergent evolution began approximately in the late Miocene. Intercontinental disjunctions of Maianthemum s.s. in the Northern Hemisphere appear to have occurred two times during the Pliocene. Based on our results, two possible ways to treat Maianthemum s.s. species can be envisioned: (1) elevate Asian populations of M. dilatatum to specific rank; or (2) combine the three Maianthemum s.s. species into a broadly defined single species. We recommend treatment of Maianthemum s.s. as a single species. The biogeographic patterns of Maianthemum s.s. coupled with molecular dating suggest both vicariance and long-distance dispersal events as key mechanisms for diversification of the clade.

The flower morphology in three Convallariaceae species with various attractive traits

<p>The general morphology and micromorphology of the flower in <em>Polygonatum multiflorum</em>, <em>Maianthemum bifolium</em>, and <em>Convallaria majalis</em> were studied using light microscopy methods. Among the studied species, <em>P. multiflorum</em> and <em>C. majalis</em> have syntepalous and trimerous flowers, and in <em>M. bifolium</em> flowers are the most reduced: they are dimerous, pentacyclic, and with free tepals. Only in <em>P. multiflorum</em> stamens are considerably adnate to the floral tube. The gynoecium of <em>P. multiflorum</em> consists of synascidiate, hemisymplicate, and asymplicate zones. In the gynoecium of <em>M. bifolium</em> and<em> C. majalis</em>, synascidiate, symplicate, and asymplicate vertical zones were revealed. In <em>P. multiflorum</em> and <em>M. bifolium</em>, the style is composed of postgenitally connated carpels, while in <em>C. majalis</em> the style is formed by congenitally fused carpels (symplicate gynoecium zone). A common pattern of the venation of the floral parts was revealed in all the species.</p><p>The external flower morphology and the gynoecium inner structure are different in all three species, providing adaptations for the pollination mode. Attractive elements observed in the flower of <em>P. multiflorum</em> are the long septal nectary in the ovary and epidermal trichomes on the inner perigonium surface and on the filaments. In <em>M. bifolium</em>, a rudimentary external septal nectary was observed for the first time. No nectaries or other morphologically distinct secretory structures were found in the <em>C. majalis</em> flower, allowing considering the <em>C. majalis</em> flowers as pollen flowers.</p>