Platanthera Chlorantha Research Articles

ДИНАМІКА РОСЛИННОГО ПОКРИВУ НА БОТАНІЧНИХ ПРОБНИХ ПЛОЩАХ ПРИРОДНОГО ЗАПОВІДНИКА «МЕДОБОРИ»

The work highlights the issue of using the mapping method in studies on botanical test plots of the geobotanical profile in the “Medobory” nature reserve. It examines the dynamics of changes that have occurred in the last 10 years in the grass cover, undergrowth, and forest within the botanical test areas in the Krasnianske nature protection research department. Experimental sites were established in 1996–1997 by A. V. Onishchenko, and since then, geobotanical descriptions have been conducted annually by scientific employees of the reserve. Since 2011, the mapping method has been used for a more detailed study of the flora in the test areas, which helps clarify the floristic composition in each trial area. Taxation indicators of the forest are also measured. The dynamics of the main taxation indicators were analyzed in four botanical test areas (BA) in fresh hornbeam groves. The forests are indigenous, of seed origin, characterized by high productivity, growing according to the first credit rating, high quality, with significant reserves (316–443 m3/ha). Carpinus betulus (L.) Moench dominates in the forest, except for trial area BA-4 where Carpinus betulus (L.) Moench is equally joined by Fraxinus excelsior L. and Acer platanoides L. In all test areas, a drop in weakened and dead trees has occurred, which is explained by natural processes. On BA-4 and BA-11, the loss is so significant that there has been a thinning of the crown and natural renewal is beginning to form the lower tier. According to the results of the work and processed materials, it was established that in the spring synusias in the botanical test areas two species prevail: Anemone nemorosa L. and Isopyrum thalictroides L. In summer, Carex pilosa Scop. dominates in three test areas, while Asarum europaeum L. is dominant in relation to Stellaria holostea L., Mercurialis perennis L., Glechoma hirsuta Waldst et Kit., and Galium odoratum (L.) Scop. In the undergrowth, Euonymus verrucosa Scop., Euonymus europaea L., Swida sanguinea Opiz., and Sambucus nigra L. are present in small numbers, with coverage from 0.1 to 0.9. Acer platanoides L. dominates the undergrowth in all test plots. Ulmus glabra Huds., Tilia cordata Mill., and Carpinus betulus (L.) Moench are also recovering, along with Acer campestre L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., and Cerasus avium (L.) Moench. With a certain periodicity in the annual geobotanical descriptions on trials in the areas of BA-9 and BA-11, rare species of plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine were found in single specimens. In the first area, Platanthera chlorantha (Cust.) Reichenb. was found in 2011–2014, and Listera ovata L. R. Br. in 2013–2015, 2018, and 2022; Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich. was found in 2015. In the second area, Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz was found in 2012 and Epipactis purpurata Smith in 2020–2022. This frequency of sightings of these species is probably connected with the cyclical development of orchids and their state of rest, as well as possibly weather conditions.

ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ РІДКІСНИХ ЛІСОВИХ ВИДІВ СУДИННИХ РОСЛИН У СИСТЕМІ ПРИРОДООХОРОННИХ ЗАХОДІВ МЕЗИНСЬКОГО НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ПАРКУ

The article characterizes the peculiarities of the formation of forest ecosystems as centers for the distribution of rare species within the territory of Mezyn National Nature Park. The research area is notable for its diverse ecotopic conditions, which support a wide variety of forest species of vascular plants and corresponding communities, including oak, linden-oak, maple-linden-oak, linden, and hornbeam-oak forests. The forest group of vascular plant flora in the territory of Mezynskyi NNP includes 18 species, with 10 species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine and 8 species having regional protection status in Chernihiv Oblast. Among the forest species from the Red Data Book of Ukraine, the non-moral group predominates, including Neottia nidus-avis, Listera ovata, Epipactis atrorubens, Epipactis helleborine, Platanthera bifolia, Platanthera chlorantha, Lilium martagon, and Allium ursinum. Among the species of vascular plants in forest ecosystems that are protected at the regional level in Chernihiv region, within the study area, 7 species of the division Polypodiophyta are distinguished, specifically: Dryopteris cristata, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Polypodium vulgare, Polystichum aculeatum, P. brauni, and Phegopteris connectilis. Anthropogenic impacts on the forest areas of Mezyn NNP, including on rare species of vascular plants, can be classified into the following groups: production and traditional economy, recreational activities, forestry activities and control measures, and violation of the protected area. The greatest impact of the recreational factor is on recreational forest areas and areas around settlements. The development of measures and plans for the protection of rare species will ensure the principles of protecting forest ecosystems as a whole (general) and their individual components (special). The article presents a system of environmental measures for the protection and conservation of rare forest species of vascular plants, and suggests measures for further conservation and monitoring of these species. To address the issues of conserving rare species, the article recommends optimizing the zoning system of the park territory, expanding the protected area, and including existing protected areas and habitats of rare flora species within its composition.

Методы экстракции иммуномодуляторов растительного происхождения

Numerous adverse factors may violate the human immune system and trigger various diseases. Immune-response modulating agents, or immunomodulators, help the immune system to function properly. Biologically active substances extracted from medicinal plants are especially promising in this respect. The article reviews traditional and novel methods for extracting biologically active immune-response modulating agents from plant raw materials.
 The review covered articles published in English and Russian in 2019–2023 and indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY. 
 Extraction efficiency depends on such factors as solvent, temperature, and particle size, but the method is the most important one. Traditional extraction methods include percolation, maceration, Soxhlet extraction, heat reflux extraction, and decoction. However, they are solvent-consuming and expensive. Modern extraction methods rely on carbon dioxide, microwave treatment, ultrasonic processing, and pressure. They proved quite efficient in extracting biologically active substances from ginseng (Panax ginseng). Carbon dioxide, or supercritical, extraction was able to isolate polyphenol quercetin from quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga) and other biologically active substances from alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Maceration with methanol was applied to meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) while Soxhlet extraction proved especially effective with smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria), moorland spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata), and greater butterfly-orchid (Platanthera chlorantha).
 Both traditional and novel extraction methods find their application in medicine and food science, where they yield plant extracts of biologically active immune-response modulating agents.

Trait analysis in a population of the Greater Butterfly-orchid observed through a 16-year period.

A large English population of the temperate tuberous Greater Butterfly-orchid, Platanthera chlorantha, was monitored through a 16-year period. Each June the number of flowering plants was counted and 60 flowering plants were measured in situ for four morphological traits, selected for both ease of measurement and their contrasting contributions to the life history of the species. Trait data were tested annually in pairwise combinations for individual plants, before mean values throughout the study period were regressed and cross-correlated against each other and against local data for four meteorological parameters. Labellar spur length proved to be more constrained than either flower number or stem height, and rarely yielded statistically significant correlations with other traits, whereas the three remaining traits reliably showed modest but significant correlations. Mean values and coefficients of variation differed only modestly among years and showed few of any meaningful trends. Spring rainfall and insolation had no detectable effect on traits of plants flowering that June; instead, they impacted on trait expression during the following year, presumably as a result of differential resourcing of replacement tubers formed during the previous year. High spring rainfall in year t-1 increased leaf area and stem height in year t, whereas the widely fluctuating number of flowering plants was highest in years immediately following those characterised by relatively dry and/or sunny springs. The "decision" to flower is taken during the previous summer, though it may be modified through winter/spring abortion of above-ground organs. The proportion of the population electing to flower is the only measured parameter that impacts significantly on annual reproductive output, emphasising the under-rated difficulty of evolving through directional selection. Any attempt to predict the behaviour of plant species in response to climate change must integrate information on demography with that on life history, habitat preference and intimate symbioses.

Precipitation increased the proportion of non-mycorrhizal fungi in Plantathera chlorantha orchid roots

Orchids are endangered due to their extremely high ornamental and medicinal values, and their growth and development are closely related to root fungal communities. Therefore, the study of fungi in orchid roots helps in the protection and population restoration of orchids. This study compared the specificity and composition of the fungal community in the roots of the greater butterfly-orchid Platanthera chlorantha under three precipitation conditions (400–500 mm, L; 700–800 mm, M; and 1000–1100 mm, H). The results showed that non-mycorrhizal fungi accounted for >92% of the root fungal community of P. chlorantha. The proportion of non-mycorrhizal fungi Trichoderma in L (12.84%) and M (25.26%) conditions was significantly higher than that in H (2.57%), indicating that with an increase in precipitation, they play important roles in improving plant drought resistance and growth and development. The only mycorrhizal fungus Ceratobasidiaceae, which accounted for >1% of the total sequences, was significantly reduced under high precipitation habitats, indicating that it is more likely to survive in low precipitation habitats. Chao 1 and ACE index increased significantly with increased precipitation; however, there was no significant difference in Simpson and Shannon index, indicating that precipitation affects the structure of the root symbiotic fungal community of P. chlorantha, although the fungal community only revolves around some key species changes. This study provides a reference for the in-depth analysis of the relationship between fungal communities and environmental factors in orchid roots, and a theoretical basis for the protection and ecological restoration of orchid populations.

Chemical Composition and Content of Biologically Active Substances Found in Cotinus coggygria, Dactylorhiza maculata, Platanthera chlorantha Growing in Various Territories.

Medicinal plants (Cotinus coggygria, Dactylorhiza maculata, Platanthera chlorantha) growing in various territories (Kaliningrad, Moscow, and Minsk regions) were the objects of research. This paper presents a study of the chemical composition of these plants. To analyze the qualitative and quantitative composition of biologically active substances, the method of high-performance liquid chromatography was used. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to study the content of trace elements. The content of organic acids and vitamins was determined by capillary electrophoresis using the Kapel-105/105M capillary electrophoresis system with high negative polarity. Extracts of medicinal plants were obtained on a Soxhlet apparatus using 70% ethanol as an extractant. It was found that among the biologically active substances in the plants under discussion, hyperoside, rutin (C. coggygria), Ferulic acid and Gallic acid (D. maculata), triene hydrocarbon (3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene), unsaturated alcohol (3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol), and benzyl acetate (P. chlorantha) prevailed. Samples of these medicinal plants contained trace elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and sulfur) and many aliphatic organic acids (succinic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, and tartaric acid). The largest amount of biologically active substances and secondary metabolites of the studied plants from the Eastern Baltic is associated with climatic and ecological differences from other regions. The composition of these plants determines the potential of their use in feed additives for livestock and poultry as part of measures to improve the quality of livestock products. The use of medicinal plants for the production of feed additives is relevant in terms of improving regional economies, as well as improving the quality of life and nation’s health by providing ecologically clean livestock products.

Mycorrhizal Communities and Isotope Signatures in Two Partially Mycoheterotrophic Orchids.

Partial mycoheterotrophy, the ability of plants to obtain carbon from fungi throughout their life cycle in combination with photosynthesis, appears to be more common within the Plant Kingdom than previously anticipated. Recent studies using stable isotope analyses have indicated that isotope signatures in partially mycoheterotrophic plants vary widely among species, but the relative contributions of family- or species-specific characteristics and the identity of the fungal symbionts to the observed differences remain unclear. Here, we investigated in detail mycorrhizal communities and isotopic signatures in four co-occurring terrestrial orchids (Platanthera chlorantha, Epipactis helleborine, E. neglecta and the mycoheterotrophic Neottia nidus-avis). All investigated species were mycorrhizal generalists (i.e., associated with a large number of fungi simultaneously), but mycorrhizal communities differed significantly between species. Mycorrhizal communities associating with the two Epipactis species consisted of a wide range of fungi belonging to different families, whereas P. chlorantha and N. nidus-avis associated mainly with Ceratobasidiaceae and Sebacinaceae species, respectively. Isotopic signatures differed significantly between both Epipactis species, with E. helleborine showing near autotrophic behavior and E. neglecta showing significant enrichment in both carbon and nitrogen. No significant differences in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were observed between the two partially mycoheterotrophic orchids, despite significant differences in isotopic signatures. Our results demonstrate that partially mycoheterotrophic orchids of the genus Epipactis formed mycorrhizas with a wide diversity of fungi from different fungal families, but variation in mycorrhizal community composition was not related to isotope signatures and thus transfer of C and N to the plant. We conclude that the observed differences in isotope signatures between E. helleborine and E. neglecta cannot solely be explained by differences in mycorrhizal communities, but most likely reflect a combination of inherent physiological differences and differences in mycorrhizal communities.

Распространение видов семейства Orchidaceae Juss. в кустарниковой и лесной растительности Нахичеванской автономной республики

The results of studies on the distribution of species of the Orchidaceae Juss. family in the shrubbery and forest vegetation of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been presented in paper. The Listera ovata (L.) R. Br. species was identified in small groups (by 2–3 individuals in each) in the upper part of the Duylunchay river basin of the Ordubad districts, in the lower and middle mountains in the vicinity of the Mazra River, in formations in shady places have been revealed during the studies. Species Listera ovata (L.) R. Br., Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nevski, D. salina (Turcz. ex Lindl.) Soó, Orchis simia Lam., O. mascula (L.) L., Platanthera chlorantha (Custer) Rchb., Anacamptis laxiflora ssp. palustris (Jacq.) Kuropatkin & Efimov, of the Orchidaceae family are most often found among the shrubbery and forest vegetation of the study area.

Do fungal associates of co-occurring orchids promote seed germination of the widespread orchid species Gymnadenia conopsea?

Interactions with mycorrhizal fungi have been increasingly recognized as one of the most important ecological factors determining the distribution and local abundance of orchids. While some orchid species may interact with a variety of fungal associates, others are more specific in their choice of mycorrhizal partners. Moreover, orchids that co-occur at a given site, often associate with different partners, possibly to avoid competition and to allow stable coexistence. However, whether differences in mycorrhizal partners directly affect seed germination and subsequent protocorm formation remains largely unknown. In this research, we used in vitro germination experiments to investigate to what extent seed germination and protocorm formation of Gymnadenia conopsea was affected by the origin and identity of fungal associates. Fungi were isolated from G. conopsea and three other co-occurring orchid species (Dactylorhiza viridis (Coeloglossum viride), Herminium monorchis, and Platanthera chlorantha). In total, eight fungal associates, belonging to Tulasnellaceae, Ceratobasidiaceae, and Serendipitaceae, were successfully isolated and cultured. While all eight fungal strains were able to promote early germination of G. conopsea seeds, only fungal strain GS2, a member of the Ceratobasidiaceae isolated from G. conopsea itself, was able to promote protocorm formation and subsequent growth to a seedling. Two other fungal strains isolated from G. conopsea only supported seed germination until the protocorm formation stage. The other five fungal strains isolated from the co-occurring orchid species did not support seed germination beyond the protocorm stage. We conclude that, although G. conopsea is considered a mycorrhizal generalist that associates with a wide range of fungi during its adult life, it requires specific fungi to promote protocorm formation and growth to a seedling.

Ecological-coenotic features of rare flora species of pine-oak stands of Volyn Polissya

Anthropogenic influence on the natural vegetation of Volyn Polissya threatens the existence of habitats of rare and endangered species of flora. Therefore, the region, unique in botanical and geographical terms, is gradually losing its specific vegetation characteristics. Having analyzed the literature data, herbarium data and materials of our own field studies in 2016-2019, we have compiled a list of rare and endangered species of pine-oak stands. In the habitat of pine-oak stands 89 rare species were found, 29 of which are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, while Silene lithuanica is included in the European Red List. 3 species (Cypripedium calceolus, Trapa natans та Caldesia parnassifolia) are included into appendices of “The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora”. 10 species are subject to protection according to the appendix of “Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats” 56 species are regionally rare species for the flora of the Volyn region, 4 species are rare species of pine-oak stands. In our research we have analyzed the age range, density and recovery index for the species studied. The study found that for 63 rare species the dynamics of species abundance and distribution are satisfactory. The area of distribution and the number of 7 species is increasing: Allium ursinum, Galanthus nivalis, Platanthera chlorantha, Anemone sylvestris, Campanula persicifolia, Corydalis cava, Isopyrum thalictroides In the study area 14 species grow sporadically: Juniperus communis, Potentilla alba, Digitalis grandiflora, Gymnocarpium dryoptheris, Daphne mezereum, Neottia nidus-avis, Epipactis helleborine, Scorzonera purpurea, Asparagus officinalis, Iris sibirica, Adonis vernalis, Cephalanthera damasonium, Gentiana cruciate, Gentiana pneumonanthe. Dissemination information for Caldesia parnassifolia, Succisella inflexa, Genistella sagittalis, Salix myrtilloides, Ophioglossum vulgatum is insufficient for establishing species dynamics and needs further investigation. The conservation of pine-oak stands in Volyn Polissya will help to create the conditions for the growth of rare and endangered species of flora.

The complete plastome sequence of Platanthera japonica (Orchidaceae): an endangered medicinal and ornamental plant

Platanthera japonica (Thunb. ex A. Marray) Lindl belongs to the genus Platanthera within family Orchidaceae, is an endangered herbal species in the East Asia area. In this study, the complete plastome sequence (cpDNA) of P. japonica was determined by next-generation Illumina sequencing. The cpDNA of this herbal plant is 155,409 bp in size, with a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,933 bp that separate a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,049 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,494 bp. The GC content in plastome is 36.9%, and the IR region (43.2%) is higher than that of the LSC and SSC region (34.4% and 29.7%, respectively), which is similar with other Orchidaceae plastomes. The assembled plastome encoded 133 genes, which included 38 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 87 protein-coding genes. A total of 24 species were used to construct the phylogenetic relationships among P. japonica and other related species within Orchidaceae. The results showed that P. japonica is closely related to Platanthera chlorantha.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Platanthera chlorantha (Orchidaceae)

Here, we report the first complete chloroplast genome of Platanthera chlorantha (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae). The circular genome with the length of 154,260 bp possesses the typical structure consisting of a large single copy region (LSC) of 83,279 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 17,759 bp, separated from each other by two copies of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,611 bp. The plastome encodes 134 genes, of which 88 were protein-coding, eight encoded ribosomal RNA, and 38 transfer RNAs. The overall GC content was 36.74%. The plastome sequence provided here constitutes a valuable resource for analyzing genetic diversity of the Orchidaceae family.

Fragrance components of Platanthera bifolia subsp. osca and Platanthera chlorantha collected in several sites in Italy

Platanthera bifolia subsp. osca sample collected at Grisolia showed as main components linalool (17.8%), benzyl benzoate (55.8%), and benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate (6.7%). Four samples of P. bifolia subsp. osca were collected at Pignola: the main components of the aroma are lilac derivatives (49.02–79.00%), mainly lilac alcohols B (7.41–13.52%), C (10.10–18.45%), and D (7.50–34.28%). Three samples were analyzed from the site of Marsico Nuovo. The main components of the scent found in this site were linalool (1.54–10.00%), lilac aldehydes (3.98–11.15%), and mainly lilac alcohols (50.68–61.51%). The main components of the sample collected at Palena were methyl benzoate (9.04%) and benzyl benzoate (74.72%). The analysis of the composition of the aroma of a Platanthera chlorantha plant has been performed. The main components were lilac derivatives. The reported behavior could be explained admitting an adaptive modification of the scent considering the nature of possible pollinating agents due to different habitats.

Volatiles composition and timing of emissions in a moth-pollinated orchid in relation to hawkmoth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) activity

In the family Orchidaceae, many species have highly specialised floral structures and floral fragrances resulting from interactions with specific pollinators. Olfactory cues are important for the moths to locate orchids at a distance, whereas visual cues are important at a closer range. In this study, we combined a portable air entrainment kit with an automated video monitoring system for collecting volatiles and observing behaviour directly around-the-clock (24 h) in the natural habitat of our target plant–arthropod system, the orchid Platanthera chlorantha and the hawkmoth Sphinx pinastri. We found that P. chlorantha was visited almost exclusively by S. pinastri. All the visits occurred after sunset, principally between sunset and midnight. Soon after midnight, visits dropped to levels recorded at sunset, then declined further towards sunrise. The period with most visits matched the peak production of the terpenoids (Z)-β-ocimene and (E)-β-ocimene. In contrast, linalool, (E)-cinnamyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate emission continued to increase beyond the period of peak visits up to sunrise. Methyl benzoate emissions declined throughout the night from a sunset peak. As temporal emission of the two volatile ocimenes from P. chlorantha flowers matches S. pinastri foraging visits to the flowers, we propose that they play a vital role in assisting hawkmoths locate their hosts. This is the first study to show correspondence in the timing of specific scent emissions in orchids and moth activity on the scale of hours.

The vegetation of “Bila Skelya” tract (Yavoriv National Nature Park, Lviv Region)

It was found that the formation of species of “Bila Skelya” tract in the beech forest with rocky sandy outcrops counts 127 species of higher plants, including 121 species of vascular plants and 6 epigene mosses. Syntaxonomic composition (three meadow and forest plant groups), peculiarities of their ecological-coenotic structure and sozological value of the vegetation of the tract were explored. Floristic core of plant groups of comunity Pinus sylvestris – Anthericum ramosum – Teucrium chamaedrys ; comunity Pinus sylvestris – Teucrium chamaedrys – Abietinella abietina ; comunity Pinus sylvestris – Anthericum ramosum – Abietinella abietina , form xerothermophilic herbaceous species distinctive for the class Trifolio-Geranietea , order Origanetalia and alliances Geranion sanguinei and Trifolion medii . Bordered on xerothermal bows, association of Dentario glandulosae-Fagetum Klika 1927 em. W. Mat. form 1964 forest vegetation of alliance Fagion sylvaticae , order Fagetalia sylvaticae, class Querco-Fagetea . It was established that plant groups are at the stage of sylvatization and partially recreational succession followed by regressive changes in structure and species compo­sition (depletion of species diversity). The pines overgrowth on the slope is accompanied by changes in the illumination, hydrological and salt regime of the soil (acidification), which will lead to gradual displacement of xerothermophilic and psamophilic herbaceous species and a complete replacement of meadow class groups Trifolio-Ge ranietea on forest coenoses of Querco-Fagetea class . This process can be stopped only by regula­ting (limiting) the undergrowth of trees (by carrying out periodic log cabins). Among the investigated species, four rare species of vascular plants from the Red Book of Ukraine were identified, in particular Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw. (xerothermal bows), Listera ovata (L.) R. Br. (grouping of hygrophilous shrubs), Neottia nidus-avis (L.) R. Br. and Platanthera chlorantha (L.) Rich. (beech forest). Regionally rare species from the search area that require protection in Lviv region [14] contain: Alyssum gmelinii Jord., Anemone sylvestris L. and Festuca psammophila (Hacq. Ex Celak.) Fritsch, Pulmonaria mollis Wulf. ex Hornem. The species that are located on the border of their habitat or are rare for Roztochya are also of great sozological importance: Allium montanum F. W. Schmidt, Anthericum ramosum L., Gypsophila fastigiata L., Juniperus communis L. Thus, in order to preserve valuable geocomplexes of “Bila Skelya” tract of 38 ha (47th quarter of the Maidan Forestry of the Starytskyj military forestry), it is recommend to transfer it to Yavoriv NNP for a permanent use. Keywords: ecological-cenotic structure, Trifolio-Geranietea, Querco-Fagetea, species saturation, rare species

Management affects the pollinator abundance but not the reproductive success of butterfly orchids

Management of semi-natural grasslands should be based on the requirements of plants as well as their pollinators since conditions beneficial for plants are not necessarily beneficial for their pollinators and vice versa. The factors affecting the reproductive success (fruit set) of Platanthera bifolia and Platanthera chlorantha and their pollinators in agricultural landscape and woodlands were studied. In the years 2014–2016, we observed and caught moths during the flowering period of Platanthera species (late June–mid July) in four pure P. bifolia, five pure P. chlorantha and nine mixed populations under management or no management in Estonia. We determined pollinator species richness, pollinator abundance, fruit set and visibility of Platanthera plants in each population. We found that pollinator assemblages of P. bifolia and P. chlorantha did not differ between managed and unmanaged sites. Pollinator abundance had an effect on the fruit set of P. bifolia but not on that of P. chlorantha. Presence or absence of management, visibility of plants and rarefied pollinator species richness did not affect the fruit set of either plant species. Pollinator abundance was significantly higher in unmanaged populations of both plant species but rarefied pollinator species richness was higher only in unmanaged populations of P. chlorantha. Based on our findings the recommendations for management of semi-natural grasslands are to promote larger landscape diversity for the benefit of moth abundance by leaving unmanaged patches in different parts of a grassland in different years and rotational and post-fruiting management for higher reproductive success of orchids.

Інтегральна оцінка стану популяцій рідкісних видів рослин

<p>The decline in the global biodiversity and the increase in the number of threatened plant species are the extremely unfavorable trends over the past decades. These phenomena determined the need for the thorough and detailed study of the plant population resistance mechanisms, and the development of the methods to predict the risks of their extinction. In the recent years, simultaneous assessment of the ontogenetic and the vital structure of the populations has become the most recognized method of studying populations. This approach has provided a significant increase in the reliability assessment of the population status and led to improved predictions of their dynamics. However, there are a limited number of the papers containing the complex demographic analysis, including the field size of the population, the number of individuals in the population, the population density, as well as genetic, ontogenetic, and vital structure of the populations with their dynamics. The purpose of this work was to determine the current state and to predict the possible trends in the status of seven rare plant species’ populations located on the territory of the National Nature Park “Desnyansko-Starogutsky” (Sumy province, Ukraine). Rare plants <em>Epipactis helleborine</em> (L.) Crantz, <em>Lilium martogon</em> L., <em>Listera ovata</em> (L.) R. Br., <em>Platanthera chlorantha</em> (Cust.) Rchb., and <em>Pulsatilla patens</em> (L.) Mill. are the species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. Plant species <em>Circaea alpina</em> L. and <em>Pyrola chlorantha</em> Sw. are designated as the rare species on the territory of Sumy region. Integral estimation of the population status has based on the determination of such parameters as population size, population density, the ontogenetic index, and the index of the population vitality. Correlation analysis revealed a high level of correlation (r = 0. 99) not between everyone, but between some of the population parameters only. In our study, the indices that characterize the ontogenetic structure of the populations were the most frequently correlated: renewal index, generative index, as well as indexes of the population age (Δ) and the effectiveness of the population (ω). The regression analysis revealed that the long-term monitoring of the rare plant populations will be an integral character in the case of accounting for such factors as the population size and density dynamics over the years, changes in the population vitality (Q), and the annual changes of the magnitude of ω, which integrates the ontogenetic structure of the populations. It has been established that the populations of <em>L</em><em>.</em><em> martagon</em> from the phytocenoses of <em>Pinetum coryloso-maіanthemosum</em> and <em>Fraxinetum coryloso-convallariosum</em> were stable enough together with the progressive development trend. The populations of the rare species <em>C</em><em>.</em><em> alpina</em>, <em>L</em><em>.</em><em> martagon</em> (habitat between <em>Betuleta corylosa</em> and <em>Pineta corylosa-convallariosum</em>), and <em>P</em><em>.</em><em> patens</em> were estimated as the sustainable. A clear tendency toward a decrease in the individuals’ number was found in rare species represented by only one population (<em>L. ovata</em>, <em>P. chlorantha</em>, and <em>Pl. chlorantha</em>), as well as in one of the several populations of the species <em>C</em><em>.</em><em> alpina</em><em> </em>and <em>E. helleborine</em>. It was confirmed, that the dynamics of the rare plant populations is influenced not only by the internal population processes. The external ecological and coenotic factors, including the ones of a catastrophic nature, which are associated with the succession processes, as well as the level of wildlife conservation in the natural areas of Ukraine can be of decisive importance.</p>

Fragrance components of Platanthera bifolia subsp. osca

SPME-GC-MS analysis of the scent of Platanthera bifolia subsp. osca collected during the night showed as main components lilac alcohols B, C and D and lilac aldehydes A, B and C. Other significant chemical components were linalool and caryophyllene. Some differences were found in comparison with previously reported analyses of the scent of P. bifolia and Platanthera chlorantha. The most important difference found was in the composition of the ester fraction.

Local-scale spatial structure and community composition of orchid mycorrhizal fungi in semi-natural grasslands.

Orchid mycorrhizal (OrM) fungi play a crucial role in the ontogeny of orchids, yet little is known about how the structure of OrM fungal communities varies with space and environmental factors. Previous studies suggest that within orchid patches, the distance to adult orchids may affect the abundance of OrM fungi. Many orchid species grow in species-rich temperate semi-natural grasslands, the persistence of which depends on moderate physical disturbances, such as grazing and mowing. The aim of this study was to test whether the diversity, structure and composition of OrM fungal community are influenced by the orchid patches and management intensity in semi-natural grasslands. We detected putative OrM fungi from 0 to 32m away from the patches of host orchid species (Orchis militaris and Platanthera chlorantha) in 21 semi-natural calcareous grasslands using pyrosequencing. In addition, we assessed different ecological conditions in semi-natural grasslands but primarily focused on the effect of grazing intensity on OrM fungal communities in soil. We found that investigated orchid species were mostly associated with Ceratobasidiaceae and Tulasnellaceae and, to a lesser extent, with Sebacinales. Of all the examined factors, the intensity of grazing explained the largest proportion of variation in OrM fungal as well as total fungal community composition in soil. Spatial analyses showed limited evidence for spatial clustering of OrM fungi and their dependence on host orchids. Our results indicate that habitat management can shape OrM fungal communities, and the spatial distribution of these fungi appears to be weakly structured outside the orchid patches.

Morphological variation of Platanthera chlorantha (Orchidaceae) in forest sites of NW Poland

The aim of this study was to check a hypothesis on the morphological variability of the Platanthera chlorantha growing in forests in the north-west of Poland (Dobrzany and Karnieszewice Forestries). Statistical techniques were used to analyse 16 morphological characters determined in 174 flowering specimens. A special attention was paid to the size of the spur and labellum. The following morphological characters showed statistically significant differences: spur, labellum, ovary, bract, lateral sepal, leaves and height of the specimens. The differences are most likely a result of different habitat conditions and the location of the study sites.