Biosystems Diversity (E-Journal - Dnipro National University)
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Diversity of early flowering plants of the Ulytau mountains (Central Kazakhstan)
Get PDFEarly flowering plants (ephemers and ephemeroids) are an important component of the biosystem of steppes and deserts. These species form perennial pasture communities, for early grazing. The present work was conducted to evaluate the floristic checklist and ecological uniqueness of early flowering plants of Central Kazakhstan, in the forest-steppe regions of Em-Bulak region and Edige mountains, during 2021 and 2022. A total of 26 species of ephemers and ephemeroids were recorded, which belong to 16 families: Liliaceae – 3 species, Asteraceae – 3 species, Ranunculaceae – 3 species, Rosaceae – 3 species, Brassicaceae – 2 species, Boraginaceae – 2 species, the other families are represented by one species. According to ecomorphological characteristics: 8 species (31%) belong to the xerophyte group, 6 (23%) to the xeromesophyte group, 7 (27%) to the mesoxerophyte group and 5 (19%) to the mesophyte group. Also, as a result of our research we found two species of plants which are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. and Tulipa patens Agardh. ex Schult. f. The data obtained can be used for environmental monitoring and issues of rational nature management of wild plants of Central Kazakhstan
Comprehensive review of morphological adaptations and conservation strategies of cactiform succulents: A case study of Euphorbia species in arid ecosystems
Get PDFCactiform succulents, belonging to the Euphorbia genus, are distinctive species found in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Macaronesia and the Arabian Peninsula. Resembling cacti in appearance, they exhibit unique morphological characteristics, such as succulent, green-stemmed structures with ribs, accompanied by a pair of stipular spines. These plants have evolved to thrive in well-draining substrates, including both surface and rocky soils, potentially as an adaptive strategy to combat edaphic drought conditions. Although initially associated solely with arid and desert environments, it is important to note that these cactiform succulents are not exclusively specialized for prolonged dry periods. Rather, they demonstrate morphological adaptations that help them endure arid conditions. The primary objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date synthesis of knowledge concerning cactiform succulents within the Euphorbia genus. It aims to underscore their capacity to flourish in both arid and semi-arid zones, while underscoring the pressing conservation challenges that threaten these plants with degradation and potential extinction. The prevailing climatic conditions, marked by extended and recurrent droughts exacerbated by escalating temperatures, climate fluctuations, and escalating human impact, collectively pose a formidable obstacle to conserving these cactiform succulents and their respective ecosystems. All these threats jeopardize these invaluable natural resources, which hold multifaceted significance spanning environmental, socio-economic, and medicinal domains
Influence of tree-crown density on dominant plant species of the herb-shrub stratum in the zone of mixed forests
Get PDFForest ecosystems are among the most complex and dynamic biological systems of our planet. They play an important role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and preserving water resources. Furthermore, they serve as natural filters, improving the quality of soil and air, and also preventing erosive processes. Forests create unique conditions for life of various species of plants and animals, which contributes to maintenance of the natural biodiversity and supports the stability of the ecosystem. Likewise, forests are important for the carbon cycle. They absorb a large amount of carbon, thus hindering global warming. Therefore, forest ecosystems are of paramount ecological value and their preservation is crucial for a balanced functioning of the planet. Our studies were carried out in the forest ecosystems of the Desna-Starohutskyi National Park, which is in the Ukrainian Polissia. The materials and methods of the study included systematic collection of the data on density of tree crowns, and also records of diversity of plants of the herb-shrub stratum in the chosen forest areas. Those data were analyzed using statistical methods. The study results revealed that the crown density has a significant effect on diversity of herb-shrub plants in the lower forest strata. Increase in crown density correlated with decrease in the light availability in the herb-shrub stratum. Change in the crown density towards increase significantly altered the conditions for competition between herbaceous and shrub species. Decrease in light availability led to shift in the competition ratio between the species, promoting dominance of more shade-loving species. Increase in crown density, which often reached 100%, made the competition more severe, especially for key resources (light, water, and nutrients). Because of this, species diversity in the herb-shrub stratum of the forest ecosystems was observed to decrease, and less adapted species were extruded. In general, change in tree-crown density in the forest ecosystem had a significant effect on the dynamics of herbaceous and shrub species, changing competitive relations and the structure of those plant communities. The results we obtained expand the knowledge about interactions between crown density and the structure of herb-shrub stratum, which gives perspectives for more efficient management of forest resources, and can also improve scientific identification and implementation of measures for protection of forest ecosystems
Preparation of ground sections using UV-curable acrylic adhesives
Get PDFStudy of ground sections is the most used and, in some respects, still irreplaceable method for examination the microstructure of paleontological and many other hard and friable objects. At the same time, paleontological samples are relatively difficult for preparations of high-quality thin sections. Many techniques and means, particularly embedding media, have been proposed, but they are often hardly accessible, imperfect or insufficiently studied. A promising and easily accessible non-specialized medium, UV-curable acrylic adhesive (glue for glass) was tested for embedding and mounting of objects with diverse mechanical and optical properties. It shows notably good results, in particular durability, reliable adhesion, ease of use and lack of significant birefringence, which makes it especially valuable for polarized light microscopy. Properties of such adhesives are reviewed and compared with properties of epoxy resins and a number of other media. Disadvantages of the adhesives and ways to deal with them are also elucidated. In addition, broadly accessible tools and methods of sawing, embedding, grinding, mounting and other stages of the work are discussed. Efficiency of a number of grinding agents is measured. On the basis of all these results, a technique of making ground sections using easily accessible means was developed and described step by step. The technique was designed for fossil bones, but is applicable to diverse dry samples, including paleontological, neontological and geological ones
Natural aspect of the megalithic cultural heritage area of the Bada Valley (Central Sulawesi): Vegetation composition and biodiversity analyses
Get PDFThe Bada Valley is one of the Lore Lindu Megalithic Cultural Heritage areas, which is one of the first four biosphere reserves in Indonesia. The Bada Valley area offers cultural attractions that combine with nature in the form of cultural landscapes such as handicrafts from bark, hilly landscapes that offer panoramic beauty, and preserve dozens of megalithic sites from prehistoric times as well as tourist cruising areas. The area is surrounded by densely forested mountains and forms one of the most important water catchment areas for the Watershed. However, there is a lack of studies on the vascular flora. No data on plant diversity has been reported, including plant inventory, plant identification, vegetation composition, and biodiversity analyses (diversity index, evenness index, and plant species richness index). The study aimed to determine the diversity index, evenness index, and plant species richness index in the Bada Valley cultural area, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi. This study used an exploring technique with purposive sampling. Additional information was recorded in the form of the collector’s name, collection number, collection date, location, and habitus, which were recorded in the observation sheet that had been prepared. Identification of plants was carried out using the procedure for observing plant morphological characters, which included special features in each class and family or genus down to the species level. The results of the study found the vegetation composition for herbaceous strata (555 individuals), trees (91 individuals), shrubs (64 individuals), and vines (57 individuals). The diversity index value of each stratum is different for trees (H’ = 1.20), herbs (H’ = 1.92), shrubs (H’ = 1.32), and vines (H’ = 0.62). The diversity of plants in the Bada Valley in the tree, herb, and shrub strata was moderate (1.0 < H’ < 3.0), and the encroaching plant stratum had low diversity (H’ < 1.0). The evenness index at the level of shrubs, vines, herbs, and trees has values of 0.95, 0.90, 0.83, 0.61, respectively. The species richness index of plants in the Bada Valley is in a low category (R < 3.5), with R values for herbaceous plants (1.42), trees (1.33), shrubs (0.72), and vines (0.24). Information on plant biodiversity is used as a database for ecotourism development in the Bada Valley Cultural Heritage area. Research data can be used to support the local government in regulating the utilization of the Bada Valley Cultural Heritage area
Diagnosis of the rainfall-wheat yield relationship in the current and future climate change conditions in Eastern Algeria
Get PDFFuture projections indicate that rain-fed agriculture in North Africa is among the most vulnerable in the world in the context of future climate change. This article aims to diagnose the relationship between rainfall and wheat yield in both current and future climatic situations in a semi arid agro-climatic conditions represented by the region of Bordj Bou Arreridj. For the current situation, we used 15 years (1995–2009) of recorded rainfall and durum wheat yield series. Future rainfall projections (2071–2100) were generated by the MED-CORDEX climate model version CCLM4-8-19 under RCP 6.0 scenario. Simulated data over the observed period and that of the future on the maximum evapotranspiration (ETM) of durum wheat and the water deficit (WD) accumulated over the cycle as well as future yields are obtained using a simple agro meteorological crop simulation model, previously validated. In both current and future situations, precipitations, ETM, WD and yields data are first analyzed, then yields are related by regression to three components of rainfall: annual rainfall, cumulative rainfall over the crop cycle (November–June) and cumulative rainfall during spring (March–May). In the observed climate, annual precipitation averages 382.3 ± 96.3 mm, cumulative rainfall over the crop cycle (November–June) averages 278.3 mm and cumulative rainfall during spring is 101.9 mm. These last decrease to 303.7 ± 99.4, 232.3 and 83.3 mm in the future situation. Observed yields (1995–2009) averages1.9 ± 0.64 q/ha in the observed situation and decrease to 15.5 ± 0.54 q/ha in future climate. ETM are low and WD values are high in the current climate, with a worsening of the situation in the future climate, particularly during spring. The correlation between yields and précitations is always positive in both weather conditions, but the best R2 are 0.65 and 0.82 and concern spring rains. In semi-arid regions, cumulative rainfall towards the end of the growing season is currently impacting the grain yield of durum wheat and will become more decisive in the context of future climate change
Effect of antigibberellins on morphogenesis, photosynthetic apparatus, productivity and their residual content in tomato fruits
Get PDFThe application of growth and development regulators on crops in order to optimize their production process is one of the leading tasks of modern plant physiology. Retardants – gibberellin inhibitors are widely used for this purpose. We investigated the effect of foliar treatment with EW-250, ССС-750 and 2-СEPA on morphogenesis, leaf apparatus, content of photosynthetic pigments, indices of chlorophyll fluorescence induction, CO2 gas exchange, and residual amounts of drugs in the fruits of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Bobcat hybrid. The field experiment was laid on plots with an area of 33 m2. The treatment of the plants was carried out at the budding stage. Morphometric indices were determined at the stages of flowering and fruit formation. The chlorophylls content was determined in the raw material by the spectrophotometric method. Indices of photosystem II (PSII) photochemical activity were determined according to the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence induction after a half-hour exposure of plants in the dark using a portable single-beam fluorimeter "Floratest". The determination of the residual content of retardants in the fruits was carried out on a Shimadzu GC gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometric detector – GCMS- QP2020 EI. All gibberellin inhibitors reduced linear plant size. The number of leaves on the plants decreased under 2-CEPA treatment, and increased after the application of EW-250. Treatment with 2-CEPA decreased, EW-250 significantly increased, and CCC-750 practically did not change the leaves’ fresh and dry weight. Leaf area and leaf index decreased under 2-CEPA treatment, but practically did not change when EW-250 and ССС-750 were applied. All antigibberellin drugs increased the leaf specific leaf weight and thickened the leaf lamina due to the growth of chlorenchyma cells. At the same time, growth inhibitors increased the volume of columnar parenchyma cells and practically did not change the size of spongy parenchyma cells. Retardants increased the chlorophylls content in leaves, while the ethylene producer 2-CEPA did not change this index. The plants’ chlorophyll index after treatment with drugs increased significantly. The whole plant dry weight increased under EW-250 treatment, decreased after 2-CEPA application, and did not change under CCC-750. It was established that the photosynthetic rate increased under the EW-250 treatment, both in the flowering stage and in the stage of fruit formation, while when using 2-CEPA and CCC-750, it occurred only at the stage of fruit formation. The most significant positive changes of PSII photochemical activity indices were observed under the use of EW-250. Under the action of the drug, the maximum and actual quantum efficiency of PSII increased, the linear electron transport accelerated, and the fraction of reaction centers that did not transfer electrons from the primary acceptor QA to QB decreased, at the same time the chlorophyll fluorescence decay coefficient significantly increased, which indicates an increase in the CO2 assimilation intensity. Retardants increased the proportion of the fruit in the whole plant dry weight. All growth regulators increased net photosynthetic efficiency. A significant increase in fruit yield occurred under EW-250 treatment. When using CCC-750, the index tended to increase, while under the influence of 2-CEPA the yield decreased. The residual amounts of EW-250 and CCC-750 in the fruits did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations
Key role of phenol enzymes metabolism in the legume-rhizobial symbiosis under different water supply regimes
Get PDFThe legume-rhizobium interaction induces formation of specific reactions that take metabolism in the host plant up to a new functional level, increasing its tolerance to unfavourable cultivation conditions. Our objective was to study the participation of key enzymes – phenylalanine ammonia lyase, guaiacol peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidases – in the phenol-metabolism processes and synthesis of a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites in soybean plants that have established symbiotic interactions with rhizobia of varying effectiveness during optimal and insufficient water supplies. In our studies, we used symbiotic systems of soybean and rhizobia (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) that varied in efficiency and virulence. In the period of active nitrogen fixation by soybean, from the third-true-leaf stage until budding, we created different water-supply regimes for the plants, including optimal watering at the level of 60% of full field capacity (control) and insufficient, at the level of 30% (drought). When the soybean was flowering, we recovered the optimal level of water supply (resumed watering). In the studies, we employed microbiological, biochemical, and physiological approaches. We determined the specificity of how key enzymes of the phenol metabolism such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase in the nodules, roots, and leaves of the soybean reacted to different levels of water supply, depending on the functional efficiency of the symbiotic system involving strains of B. japonicum, varying in effectiveness and virulence. In the effective soybean-rhizobium symbiosis, there occurred insignificant changes in the activity of phenol-metabolism enzymes in the nodules, roots, and leaves during drought and after action of the stress. This evidence is that in symbiosis with effective rhizobia B1-20, soybean could realize its own defensive systems that regulate optimal functioning of phenol metabolism in dehydration conditions. In the low-effective 107 and ineffective 604k symbiotic systems of soybean, there was observed unstable dynamics of the activity of enzymes in leaves and roots, manifested in intensification or inhibition of their activity levels during drought or post-stress period. This indicates malfunctioning of the processes associated with phenol metabolism in the soybean plants. We concluded that tolerance of legume-rhizobium symbiosis to water deprivation depends on mutual involvements of the both symbiotic partners – host plant and rhizobia, their ability to fully realize the defensive systems for activation of the key enzymatic complexes taking part in regulation of phenol metabolism in plants
Diversity of hazelnut varieties and changes in plant development during introduction in the semi-arid zone
Get PDFGlobal climate change provide the emergence of new opportunities for the introduction of new crops into horticultural production in the areas of insufficient precipitation. In addition to the economic aspect, it is also of interest to the biologists of the development of this plant in a qualitatively new environment.The paper considers the variability of the main traits of plant morphometry, yield for four varieties of hazelnuts in order to identify the most promising forms for cultivating in the northern part of the Steppe of Ukraine characterized by an insufficient precipitation and harsh winters. Recent milder winter conditions and a certain balance in summer droughts have made the required horticultural production possible, thereby increasing the production of hazelnuts and addressing the dietary problems of people in terms of supply of necessary vitamins and micronutrient element from hazelnuts. Promising varieties for the production plantations have been specified, the mechanisms for the yield formation have been studied. Key traits of morphometry have been identified that condition the success of a variety under insufficient humidity. These were such traits as crown volume, leaf surface area, shell thickness, average weight of one nut, weight of dry nuts, yield, kernel yield. It has been established that the yield formation on account of large, well-shaped nuts is best in terms of yield. Some aspects of yield formation and the possibility of combining different varieties, especially when more intensive growing methods are applied, are of additional interest. High variability significantly prevents the modeling of traits, for example, such as yield per tree, from being significant in terms of the formation of high yield. Semi-intensive pruning of hazelnut bushes shows its suitability for use in modern garden plantings. Variety Barselonskiy showed extremely high variability for many key parameters, which may indicate insufficient stability of this variety from a genetic point of view and the presence of a fairly significant number of hidden biotypes, which is additionally negative for cultivation in modern semi-intensive and intensive technologies. Climate change makes it possible to continue to significantly expand the area under hazelnuts due to the previously considered unfavourable southern subzones of the Forest-Steppe and the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Such new and previously unnoticed effects have been noted as fruiting in the first year in production crops, the formation of up to 5–6 inflorescences for each nut-bearing branch in the second or third year. For further investigations, it is planned to analyze the nutritional qualities of the obtained products, in terms of the composition by microelements and the presence of biologically-active substances, to trace the dynamics of the accumulation of heavy metals and the potentially associated risks
Sensitivity of non-target groups of invertebrates to cypermethrin
Get PDFAgrogenic pollution with pyrethroid insecticides has been impacting the structure of populations of terrestrial invertebrates, causing decline in their taxonomic diversity and tolerance to critical values of environmental factors. In a laboratory experiment, we evaluated the sensitivity of 46 non-target invertebrate species to cypermethrin. In most examined species, we observed correlation between the body parameters (length and weight of body) and tolerance to this insecticide. We determined that the greater body size of the invertebrates, the better their tolerance to cypermethrin. Differences in LD50 were the highest for groups of invertebrates with the body weight of 1.0–3.9 mg (1.9 ± 0.5 g/ha) and 16.0–63.9 mg (16.4 ± 3.2 g/ha). We observed a relashionship between the trophic specialization and sensitivity to the insecticide in phytophages and zoophages. Average LD50 values for phytophages were 2.1 ± 0.5 g/ha, much lower than for zoophages – 15.6 ± 3.3 g/ha. Among zoophages, the greatest tolerance to cypermethrin was demonstrated by ground beetles Carabus coriaceus L., Pterostichus niger (Schall.), P. melanarius (Ill.), Pseudoophonus rufipes (De Geer), and earwigs Forficula auricularia L. Analysis of various taxonomic groups of insects revealed the parameter to be 24.00 ± 4.66 for Carabidae, 8.60 ± 2.72 for Formicidae, and 0.23 ± 0.08 for Staphylinidae. Among the taxonomic groups we studied, the most sensitive to cypermethrin (LD50 = 0.002–0.99 g/ha) were Philonthus decorus (0.0029), Ph. rectangulus (0.0035), Ophonus rufibarbis (0.121), Oxytelus sculptus (0.124), Myrmica ruginodis (0.39), Aleochara lanuginosa (0.49), Carabus granulatus (0.51), Oxythyrea funesta (0.52), Tachinus signatus (0.55), Cixiidae sp. (0.56), Lygus pratensis (0.56), Carabus convexus (0.71), and C. hortensis (0.83). Lower sensitivity to cypermethrin (LD50 = 1.00–9.99 g/ha) was seen in Lasius fuliginosus (1.05), Pyrrhocoris apterus (1.28), Chortippus sp. 2 (1.96), Rhyparochromus phoeniceus (2.24), Phosphuga atrata (2.25), Chironomus plumosus (2.58), Labia minor (2.86), Graphosoma italicum (2.86), Hister fenestus (3.39), Cylindroiulus truncorum (3.61), Opilio saxatilis (3.71), Chortippus sp. 1 (3.94), Epaphius secalis (4.54), Lasius niger (4.77), Silpha carinata (4.84), Aphodius foetens (4.94), Porcellio laevis (5.68), Coreus marginatus (6.50), Leistus ferrugineus (7.39), and Lasius alienus (9.73). The most tolerant to cypermethrin (LD50 = 10.00–108.00 g/ha) were Calathus fuscipes (12.14), Limodromus assimilis (12.22), Trochosa terricola (12.55), Lithobius forficatus (13.98), Calathus ambiguus (20.85), Nebria brevicollis (23.20), Ponera coarctata (27.04), Megaphyllum sp. (29.01), Pseudoophonus rufipes (41.75), Pterostichus melanarius (45.78), P. niger (58.29), Forficula auricularia (80.57), and Carabus coriaceus (107.71). The differences we found in tolerance to cypermethrin ranged 100,000 times. This evidences the necessity of further research of taxonomic differences in tolerance of invertebrates to cypermethrin