National Botanical Garden Research Articles

The history of the breeding of Clematis (Clematis L.) in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, NAS of Ukraine

Purpose. Investigate the history of Clematis breeding in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden (NBG), NAS of Ukraine, determine the main directions of hybrid Clematis breeding work. Results. It was established that the result of more than 16 years of breeding Clematis in the NBG was the selection of the 61 perspective hybrid, 42 of which, the most perspective, were assigned names. Of these, large­flowered varieties are the most numerous according to the distribution of variety groups in the current Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain classification. In particular, Late Large­flowered account for about 40% of the total and Early Large­flowered for about 29%. Small­flowered hybrids make up the smaller part, of which about 26% belong to the Viticella group and one hybrid (‘Sputnik’) to the Integrifolia. The known directions of distribution of hybrid Сlematis of the NBG breeding indicate the possibility of their successful cultivation both in continental and maritime areas with a high level of humidity in the temperate zone and in the dry Mediterranean climate of the subtropical climate zone, which reveals their significant adaptive potential. Conclusions. Obtaining varieties of hybrid Clematis of domestic breeding is important for the implementation of sustainable horticulture practices on the territory of Ukraine, since a significant part of the modern introduced assortment of Clematis raises doubts about their adaptability to the local climate, and requires additional research into their adaptive potential. A successful combination in vertical landscaping of NBG­bred Clematis belonging to different varietal groups can ensure continuous flowering from May to the end of the season. These unique characteristics of Clematis ensure the creation of not only environmentally sustainable, but also visually appealing spaces that will contribute to the overall health and beauty of the urban environment.

Photosystems functioning, the content of chemical elements, flavonoids and brassinosteroids in leaves of chimera Cornus controversa

he formation of chimera is a well-known phenomenon in variegated ornamental and wild plants, but the biochemical peculiarities of this phenomenon are not well studied. The purpose of this work was to conduct a comparative study of the photosynthetic apparatus functioning, the content of macro-, microelements, flavonoids and brassinosteroids in the variegated and green leaves of the periclinal chimera Cornus controversa plant grown in the collection of M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine. Sampling was made during the period from June to October 2022. The content of photosynthetic pigments and brassinosteroids was measured spectrophotometrically, autofluorescence of leaf tissues was studied using an inverted microscope with a multi-channel fluorescence imaging system, Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) – using GreenSeeker devices and fluorimeter, the level of macro- and microelements – using plasma emission spectrometer. Phenolic secondary metabolites were separated by HPTLC. To assess the protective capacity of flavonoids, a bioassay on the germination of radish seeds Raphanus in the presence of AlCl3 was used. It was shown that green leaves of C. controversa chimera, compared to variegated ones, had a twice as high NDVI index, maintained photosynthetic function longer in autumn, and had higher content of macronutrients (Mg, Ca and S) but lower concentration of toxic metals (Al, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ti). Instead, variegated leaves accumulated more brassinosteroids and phenolic metabolites, which were found not only to reduce the toxic effect of aluminum but also to have a growth-stimulating effect on the roots of radish seedlings. Such specialization of green and variegated leaves may contribute to better plant chimeras adaptation to environmental pollution. Keywords: brassinosteroids, Cornus controversa, macroelements, microelements, NDVI index, periclinal chimera, phenolic metabolites, photosynthetic pigments, tissue autofluorescence

Creation of a collection fund and study of cultivars of daylilies in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Purpose. Analysis and comparative study of daylily cultivars from the collection fund of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NBG), selection of assortment for decorative horticulture and landscaping. Methods. Cultivars from the NBG daylily collection were studied. The cultivars were evaluated in terms of their aesthetic and economic attributes, and were classified according to their coloration and the timing of their flowering. The author of the cultivar, country of origin, year of creation and introduction into the NBG were also identified. The cultivars were also grouped according to these parameters. Results. The NBG daylily collection is the result of 40 years of introduction and 20 years of breeding work with this crop at the NBG. It includes 174 world cultivars, 26 cultivars of Ukrainian breeding and more than 1000 hybrid seedlings. Most of the cultivars (79) were introduced in 2000–2009. The main part of the current structure of the daylily collection consists of cultivars bred in the 1960–1970s. Most of these are hybrids from American breeders: David F. Hall (20 cultivars) and Allen Wild (46 cultivars). A total of 15 new cultivars were developed based on the original collection. These new cultivars feature double flowers, a valuable trait for hybrids in Ukraine. For effective use in ornamental horticulture and landscaping, the cultivars were grouped according to flower colour and flowering time. The yellow­flowered group is the most widely represented. A large number of cultivars with red flowers are inherent in hybrids bred between 1980 and 1999. Cultivars from modern breeding are mostly represented by the purple and pink colour group. Most of the cultivars in the collection are early and medium early. The smallest part is made up of medium­late and late hybrids. Conclusions. The modern daylily collection is representative. The cultivars introduced into the NBG illustrate the main stages of breeding work with the crop and the achievements of breeders from different countries of the world. The collection includes early and medium early, medium, medium late and late flowering cultivars. Varying in colour and flowering time, the collection can be effectively used to extend the flowering period of daylilies by three months (from the second decade of May to the second decade of August) in ornamental gardening in Ukraine and in various landscape compositions.

Mineral Composition of Fifteen Species of Asteraceae Family Growing in the Republic of Moldova Using Neutron Activation Analysis

Members of Asteraceae family have properties enabling their application for medical purposes. The major- and microelement content in 15 medicinal species of the Asteraceae family growing in the National Botanical Garden, Republic of Moldova was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. A total of 31 chemical elements, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta, Th and U, were identified in herbal samples. Potassium was found to be the most abundant major element; its content in plants ranged from 20,700 mg/kg in Artemisia lerchiana to 58,000 mg/kg in Matricaria recutita. The content of other major elements existed in the following ranges: Ca from 4700 to 14,200 mg/kg and Mg from 1710 to 3870 mg/kg. The maximum content of Mg, K and Ca in analyzed plants was higher compared to data presented in the literature. Among essential microelements the most abundant were Fe (83–910 mg/kg), Mn (23–150 mg/kg) and Zn (27–76 mg/kg). The daily intake of metal and the health risk index for selected elements (As, Ni, Sb, V, Mn, Cr, Co, U, Sr, Al, Fe, and Zn) were calculated. Health risk indexes were obtained for V and Co in Calendula officinalis, Tanacetum balsamita, Achillea clypeolata, Artemisia balchanorum, Artemisia lerchiana, Helichrysum arenarium, and Matricaria recutita. The principal component analysis showed three associations of elements, which can be defined as physiological, geological and anthropogenic sources of elements.

Ex-Situ conservation practices for some endangered plants in Ankara, Türkiye

Within the scope of this study, activities were carried out to ensure ex-situ conservation of 12 taxa, distributed Ayaş, Beypazarı and Nallıhan districts in Ankara province, in the collection garden established by the National Botanical Garden of Türkiye and to raise awareness. With this study, which includes a part of the project supported by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies with the number TAGEM/BBAD/B/20/A7/P9/1820, the habitat characteristics of 12 taxa namely Achillea ketenoglui, Aethionema dumanii, Aethionema turcica, Astragalus densifolius subsp. ayashensis, Astragalus beypazaricus, Astragalus yildirimlii, Asyneuma linifolium subsp. nallihanicum, Campanula damboldtiana, Cytisus acutangulus, Salsola grandis, Salvia aytachii and Verbascum gypsicola, were recorded and analyzes were carried out using Geographic Information Systems. In line with the analyses, the most suitable place to establish an Endemic Plants Collection Garden within the borders of the National Botanical Garden of Türkiye was selected. Among the taxa studied, 7 propagated species were adapted and protected in the collection garden. Thus, an important example study has been presented for the conservation of endangered taxa, which is one of the missions of botanical gardens.

Regenerating and Developing a National Botanical Garden (NBG) in Khartoum, Sudan: Effect on Urban Landscape and Environmental Sustainability

This research focuses on the National Botanic Garden in Khartoum, Sudan, proposing tools and methods to assess botanical garden quality from multiple perspectives. It explores the related concepts between national botanical gardens and landscapes, regeneration landscapes and their components such as botanical gardens, their effects on urban regeneration in cities, urban environments, and environmental sustainability. This study aims to: regenerate and develop a National Botanical Garden in the Almogran area of Khartoum, Sudan, and highlight the importance of establishing a national botanical garden for each climatic region in Sudan. The study used questionnaires to identify the necessary needs for regeneration, and the opinions of employees of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry were surveyed about the purposes of: (1) evaluating the garden’s total area and interior design; (2) building regeneration; (3) establishing constructions, such as a library, seed gene bank, tissue culture laboratory, etc.; (4) emphasizing the need for modern technology to enhance quality. The study summarizes five regeneration technology methods: environmental plant restoration, water body restoration, building and facility restoration, reconstruction technology, and resource utilization; (5) botanical gardens were proposed for each climatic region in Sudan, and we studied the effects of establishing a botanical garden for each climate region in Sudan on environmental resilience, the effect of the botanical gardens’ regeneration on gardens within the cities, and effect of a national botanical garden on the urban landscape and environmental sustainability. These findings suggest that the comprehensive regeneration of the National Botanical Garden, integrating it with the urban regeneration of cities, especially urban greening regeneration, is important for enhancing urban landscapes, enhancing environmental resilience, environmental sustainability, climate change, and achieving land development goals, thus helping to address actual requirements and develop sustainable cities.

The name for a well-known crop: Rumex kioviensis, a hybridogenous taxon derived from R. patientia × R. tianschanicus (Polygonaceae)

The new crops developed at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv from the initial artificial interspecific crosses Rumex patientia × R. tianschanicus are variously known in botanical and agricultural literature under the hybrid formula or informal names “Shchavnat”, “Hybrid Dock”, “Rumex K-1”, “Rumex OK-2”, or names of cultivars cv. ‘Kyivskyi Ultra’, cv. ‘Shpinat Uteusha’, cv. ‘Nastavnyk’, etc. A brief overview of the history of development of these cultivars is provided. These robust perennial plants are cultivated at present as spinach greens, fodder, and high-yield biomass producers for bioenergy applications in several European and other countries (Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Romania, etc.). Numerous agricultural, horticultural, and biotechnological publications about these new crops are now available, including various aspects of and data on their biochemistry, physiology, genetics, morphology, propagation, agrotechniques, biomass and biofuel production potential, nutritional value, etc. Also, these hybrid cultivars were reported in several regions of Central Europe as potentially invasive weeds escaped from cultivation. Considering the growing popularity of the Hybrid Dock as a green leaf vegetable, a biomass and biofuel producing crop (among other uses), and a potentially invasive alien, we think that a proper botanical name should be assigned to that taxon. Here it is described as a new hybridogenous species Rumex kioviensis Rakhmetov, A. Mosyakin & Mosyakin. Diagnostic characters distinguishing this new taxon from its parent taxa and other related species are indicated. Some remaining taxonomic and nomenclatural problems regarding Asian taxa related to R. patientia are briefly discussed.

Statistical characteristics and correlations of morphometric traits of Asparagus officinalis L. fruits in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

The current research was conducted in 2020–2023 on the botanical-geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine and was focused on ripe fruits of Asparagus officinalis. This study aimed to find out the main statistical characteristics of morphometric traits of A. officinalis fruits: fruit diameter, number of locules per fruit, number of seeds per fruit, number of seeds per locule, and to confirm or deny the hypothesis of positive pairwise correlations of the first three traits. Eighteen combinations of four morphometric traits were found in the A. officinalis fruits. For each morphometric feature of A. officinalis fruits, ten statistical characteristics were determined: arithmetic mean, median, mode, range of variation, oscillation coefficient, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standard error of the mean, coefficient of skewness, and coefficient of kurtosis. The coefficient of variation showed that the number of seeds per fruit is the most variable of the studied morphometric traits of A. officinalis fruits, and the fruit diameter is the least variable. According to the comprehensive assessment of the coefficients of skewness and kurtosis, the distributions of the number of seeds per fruit and the diameter of the fruits are closest to the normal distribution. It was established that the correlations between pairs of such traits as fruit diameter and number of locules per fruit, fruit diameter and number of seeds per fruit, number of locules per fruit and number of seeds per fruit are positive, direct, and strong. Thus, considering the economic feasibility, it is more practical to collect A. officinalis fruits of a larger size to obtain a larger number of seeds. The results of this work are of interest for the morphology and biometrics of A. officinalis and its cultivation.

Predation on Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) by Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus) in National botanical garden, Bangladesh

Predation on Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) by Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus) in National botanical garden, Bangladesh

Allothonous medicinal asteraceae species introduced and studied in the National Botanical Garden (institute) ,,Al. Ciubotaru”

The article presents data on allochthonous medicinal species from the Asteraceae family introduced and studied in the National Botanical Garden (Institute) „Al. Ciubotaru”, USM (Collection of Medicinal Plants), the growth dynamics of the number of taxa in the last two decades. In the period 2003-2023 the collection was enriched with 32 new taxa from the Asteraceae family obtained through the international exchange of seeds (Index Seminum). The list of species with their scientific names, distribution area, institution and year of obtaining the germplasm source, information on uses and therapeutic effects is presented. The largest numbers of investigated taxa have a high adaptive potential to local conditions with a perspective of exploitation in the economic sector.

Conservation and Landscape Evaluation of Some Endangered Species in Türkiye

In addition to in-situ conservation activities related to endangered taxa, it has a great importance to provide ex-situ conservation activities to increase awareness and to determine their usage areas by examining reproduction methods. In the line with, the aim of the study is to prevent the extinction of some endangered endemic taxa in Ayaş, Beypazarı and Nallıhan regions of Ankara province in Türkiye, to evaluate the taxa within the framework of sustainable conservation and use principles by raising awareness, and thus to protect the biodiversity in the region. For these purposes, during their vegetation periods throughout the years 2020-2022, some observations were recorded in landscape point of view from the habitats of 9 Critically Endangered (CR) and 3 Vulnerable (VU) taxa. Moreover, all the taxa are photographed and have been archived in the Collections of National Botanical Garden of Türkiye (NBGT) as National Herbarium (TC), DNA and Tissue Banks. Also, samples have been kept in 70% EtOH for Microscobic Slide Collection of NBGT. In addition, the possibilities of using taxa in the landscape area were evaluated. The results of the habitat observations for years serve as a basis for future conservation and landscape gain efforts for the taxa.

CHECKLIST OF VASCULAR PLANTS FLORA OF THE “ZALISSIA” NATIONAL NATURE PARK

The aims of the study. To determine the species composition of the vascular plants flora of the «Zalissya» National Nature Park (Kyiv and Chernihiv Oblasts). Methodology. The research is based on the results of the authors' original research, which was carried out by route on the territory of the «Zalissia» NPP during 2021–2023. In the work also used literature the herbarium material from the National herbarium of Ukraine of the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, NAS of Ukraine (KW), including the A. Rogovich personal collection, herbariums of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, NAS of Ukraine (KWHA) and acad. O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden of Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv (KWHU), as well as data’s from the iNaturalist database (https://www.inaturalist.org/). Classification of alien species is given by J. Kornaś (1968). The species names are given according to POWO (2024).Scientific novelty. The species composition of the flora of vascular plants of the «Zalissya» National Nature Park, which includes 778 species and subspecies, was established, and an its annotated checklist was complied. Conclusions. It was established that most taxa of the studied flora, namely 612 species and subspecies (78.7%) belong to the natural component. A rather high percentage is a group of alien taxa - 166 species and subspecies (21.3%). In modern flora, its adventitization is increasing due to the high percentage of non-native species. Current tasks include: a) monitoring of the state of the flora, b) search and confirmation of rare species, which were previously mentioned for the territory of the Park (e.g. Astragalus arenarius, Dactylorhiza sambucina, Echium russicum, Lycopodium annotinum, Orchis sambucina, Thesium ebracteatum), c) research on the distribution of alien species, including invasive (e.g. Acer negundo, Amelanchier spicata, Amorpha fruticosa, Cytisus scoparius, Phragmites altissimus, Prunus serotina, Solidago canadensis) and pose a threat to phytodiversity.

Wavelength-modulated photoacoustic spectroscopic instrumentation system for multiple greenhouse gas detection and in-field application in the Qinling mountainous region of China

We present a sensitive and compact quantum cascade laser-based photoacoustic greenhouse gas sensor for the detection of CO2, CH4 and CO and discuss its applicability toward on-line real-time trace greenhouse gas analysis. Differential photoacoustic resonators with different dimensions were used and optimized to balance sensitivity with signal saturation. The effects of ambient parameters, gas flow rate, pressure and humidity on the photoacoustic signal and the spectral cross-interference were investigated. Thanks to the combined operation of in-house designed laser control and lock-in amplifier, the gas detection sensitivities achieved were 5.6 ppb for CH4, 0.8 ppb for CO and 17.2 ppb for CO2, signal averaging time 1 s and an excellent dynamic range beyond 6 orders of magnitude. A continuous outdoor five-day test was performed in an observation station in China’s Qinling National Botanical Garden (E longitude 108°29’, N latitude 33°43’) which demonstrated the stability and reliability of the greenhouse gas sensor.

Development and validation of the perceived restorative soundscape scale for children.

Prolonged exposure to noise environments can induce stress and fatigue, even impacting individuals' physical and mental health. Conversely, positive soundscapes can have a beneficial impact on health by alleviating stress and fatigue, promoting psychological recovery. To assess the restorative potential of soundscapes, various scales have been developed to create environments conducive to recovery. However, current research on perceptual restorativeness soundscape scales primarily focuses on adults, lacking a dedicated scale for children to evaluate the restorative potential of their surrounding acoustic environments from their perspective. Therefore, this study introduces the development and validation process of the Perceived Restorativeness of Soundscapes Scale for Children (PRSS-C) using survey questionnaires and data statistical analysis. The study comprises two experiments. Experiment one aims to develop an effective PRSS-C, evaluating the restorative potential of soundscapes in different environments (urban center, urban suburb, and urban peripheral forest) among 185 children aged 10-12. Through a series of analyses, a dual-factor structure scale consisting of 15 items is developed, revealing that the restorative potential of soundscapes is lower in urban centers than in urban suburbs and lower in urban suburbs than in urban peripheral forests. Experiment two aims to further validate the effectiveness of PRSS-C. 244 children aged 10-12 assess the restorative potential of soundscapes in similar environments (two city parks) using the PRSS-C developed in experiment one. Factor analysis confirms the dual-factor structure, with assessment results indicating that the restorative potential of soundscapes in Temple of Heaven Park is lower than in the National Botanical Garden. This suggests that PRSS-C enables children to differentiate the restorative potential of soundscapes in similar environments within the same city, further confirming its effectiveness. This study successfully develops and validates the PRSS-C through two experiments. The use of this scale allows for the assessment of the restorative potential of acoustic environments surrounding children, providing an effective tool for evaluating and creating positive soundscapes for children.

Biochemical and allelopathic features of Adonis vernalis, Allium ursinum, and Leucojum vernum in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

The article presents the results of a study on the content and dynamics of the accumulation of biogenic elements and brassinolides in plants of Adonis vernalis, Allium ursinum, and Leucojum vernum in Kyiv, Ukraine. Data is provided on allelopathic activity, content of macro- and microelements, phenolic compounds, and laccase activity in plants and the rhizosphere soil under the conditions of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NBG). The plants from the collection of the NBG were used as objects of study in field experiments. The content of biogenic elements in plant tissues and soil was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. The allelopathic analysis of soil was conducted using a direct bioassay method with Lepidium sativum seedlings as the test object. Phenolic compounds were extracted from the soil using the ion exchange (desorption) method. The content of brassinosteroids was measured spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 450 nm. The content of laccase was measured spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 530 nm.The results demonstrate that model plant species employ a wide range of physiological mechanisms throughout the vegetation period to enhance their resistance to abiotic factors. These mechanisms include maintaining potassium and calcium balance and utilizing hormonal compounds. Plants have been proven to have compensatory mechanisms in response to stress factors, substituting one biochemical marker of resistance with another. Both, brassinosteroids and silicon, contribute to the adaptive capacity of organisms.

Achievements in the creation of the “Vegetation of Moldova” exhibition over 50 years

A review is made of the work carried out over the course of 50 years in creating the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition at the National Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru”. From the initial plantings in 1972 until the year 2023, design, planting, and mobilization of the gene pool have been undertaken. Currently, the Moldavian present Vegetation Exhibition includes 12 micro-exhibitions of forest vegetation, 2 micro-exhibitions of meadow vegetation, 1 micro-exhibition of steppe vegetation, and 1 microexhibition of aquatic and marsh vegetation. In 2020, the exhibition area was settled, parcel divisions were elaborated, boundary markers were installed, and borders were delineated. The article presents the results of inventorying trees, tree seedlings, shrubs, and herbs for each micro-exhibition and sub-plot. Flora of the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition at the National Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru” includes 560 species of vascular plants, of which 258 species grow in 12 forest micro-exhibitions, 152 species grow in the micro-exhibition with steppe vegetation and 150 species of plants grow in meadows vegetation. For each sub-plot within the forest micro-exhibitions, data is provided on the number of specimens for each tree species, the composition of the shrub layer, and the herb layer. 61 species of rare plants are preserved ex situ, in the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition in the Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru”, of which 32 species are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova.

A brief review on medicinal Digitalis L. species grown in the ʺAlexandru Ciubotaruʺ National Botanical Garden (Institute)

The paper presents a brief review on the medicinal importance and possibilities of capitalization of Digitalis L. taxa (D. ciliata Trautv., D. ferruginea L., D. grandifl ora Mill., D. laevigata Waldst. ex Kit., D. lanata Ehrh., D. lutea L., D. lutea subsp. australis (Ten.) Arcang., D. purpurea L., D. purpurea var. albifl ora Lej.) intro duced in the Natio nal Botanical Garden (Institute) “Al. Ciubotaru”. The main morphological characteristics of the plants are described, the bioactive components and medicinal properties are summarized. The notable presence of cardioactive glycosides in the species D. lanata and D. purpurea make them the most important drugs in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The review also indicate the therapeutic potential of other Digitalis L. species which point the way to conduct further studies in order to establish and explore their medicinal value.

Processes, mechanisms, and policy implications of spatial practices of plant translocality: The case study of South China National Botanical Garden

Processes, mechanisms, and policy implications of spatial practices of plant translocality: The case study of South China National Botanical Garden

VARIATION IN THE MACRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF LEAVES IN RESPONSE TO AUTOMOBILE POLLUTION IN SELECTED URBAN TREE SPECIES IN THE CITY OF DHAKA

The present study was carried out at National Botanical Garden, Dhaka, considered as control site and Motijheel- Sayedabad roadside areas as polluted site to compare the impact of automobile pollution on leaves macro- morphological traits of selected ten plants growingin the polluted areas with those growingin control sites. Leaf morphological characteristics including leaf abnormalities of both young and mature leaves were assessed. Variations in leaf color such as light green, dark green, browning, yellowing and change in the leaf’s shape either normal or deformed were also assessed for both the sites. All the selected plant species showed highly significant (p<0.0001) reduction at polluted site in theirall leaf macro-morphological traits(leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, leaf perimeter, specific leaf area and petiole length) when compared with control site. The findings of this study revealed that the automobile pollution stress influenced tree morphological features in the Dhaka city. This study also indicated that plants go through adaptive processes in order to survive in automobile polluted environments.

Comparative analysis of soil ecosystems of protected and artificially created beech forests

Peculiarities of soil ecosystems (algae, microbiocenosis, agrochemical and agrophysical characteristics) of the Uholsko-Shirokoluzhanskyi beech relict forests of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, as well as artificial European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) plantations located on the botanical and geographical plots "Ukrainian Carpathians" of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of NAS of Ukraine. Soil samples were collected from May to September during 2020–2021. The species composition of soil microalgae, the number of ecological and trophic groups of microorganisms, agrophysical and agrochemical characteristics of soils were analyzed. The predominance of green algae with a significant diversity of green flagellates and the complete absence of cyanobacteria are typical features of forest soils. The small number of detected species (12 in beech relict forests and 15 in artificial beech plantations) indicates shaded forest ecosystems which are typical for beech forests. Despite common features, the species composition of soil algae of both phytocenoses is quite different. The soils under the beech relict forests are characterized by a significant predominance of green algae, among which essential number of Trebouxiophyceae representatives with aerophytic ecology were found. It indicates the mountainous nature of the soil algal flora. Soils under artificial beech plantations are characterized by a richer species diversity and predominance of Chlorophyceae representatives, which is typical for lowland forests. A characteristic feature of protected and artificially created beech forests was the relative high number of micromycetes. Correlation analysis of research results showed a positive relationship between algal diversity and the abundance of two eco-trophic groups of microorganisms: actinomycetes and ammonifiers. In addition, the growth of algal diversity was positively correlated with the content of Ca and Mg, and negatively with the content of P.