1.5.9. Ботаника

The article reports the discovery of a new population of the rare species Sempervivum ruthenicum Schnittsp. et C. B. Lehm. (Russian houseleek) in the Donetsk Ridge within the Rostov Region. The species was discovered in 2026 in the city of Donetsk, on rocky spurs of the right bank of the Seversky Donets River, bordering the Luhansk People’s Republic. A morphological description of the taxon is provided, and data on its distribution within Russia and adjacent territories are summarized. Based on field studies, an assessment of five cenopopulations of S. ruthenicum was carried out according to parameters such as area, density, abundance, and projective cover. It was established that the species is confined to rubbly-rocky ecotopes, occurring scattered in most communities (abundance sp2–sp3 on the Drude scale). Within the phytocoenoses with S. ruthenicum, 92 species of vascular plants were recorded, including six species listed in the Red Data Book of the Rostov Region: Elytrigia stipifolia, Pulsatilla pratensis, Serratula donetzica, Silene hellmannii, Stipa pennata and Stipa pulcherrima. The obtained findings refine the understanding of the distribution of S. ruthenicum at the eastern limit of its range and provide a basis for strengthening the protection of this species in the Rostov Region.

An analysis of vascular plants from the Red Data Books of 9 subjects of the Russian Federation in the Russian Caucasus is given. A taxonomic database of the rare and endangered gene pool of the Russian Caucasus has been compiled taking into account the APG 4 classification, including 952 taxa of vascular plants from 127 families with an indication of regional status. The level of endemism in protected flora is shown. It was found that the highest number of endangered plant species is found in two regions. In Krasnodar Krai, 17.4% of plant species are protected, and in Stavropol Krai, 15.1%. The families most at risk in the Russian Caucasus are Orchidaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Liliaceae, and Campanulaceae. Research should serve to develop specific action plans and programs in regions aimed at addressing specific plant conservation issues. Recognize the importance of preserving the genetic diversity of flora as a key element in species conservation, restoration, and reintroduction programs.

The genus Prunus L. (family Rosaceae) includes the economically important section Armeniaca (Lam.) Koch, which unites apricot species. Accurate species identification is a fundamental task for breeding, conservation of genetic resources, study of phylogeny and adaptation of cultivated forms. A high degree of morphological plasticity, widespread hybridization both in the wild and in culture, as well as historical confusion in nomenclature significantly complicate the determination of species affiliation. This article systematizes modern methods of identification of apricot species (Prunus armeniaca L., P. sibirica L., P. mandshurica (Maxim.) Koehne), emphasizing the need to integrate morphological, anatomical, phenological, biochemical and molecular genetic approaches. The advantages and limitations of each method are considered, key diagnostic features are presented and an algorithm of actions for reliable verification of the species is proposed. Particular attention is paid to the problem of distinguishing between P. armeniaca and its wild relatives, as well as the identification of hybrid forms.

The annotated list of vascular plants of the territory of the planned Mezmaysky Nature Park is given, including 828 species and intraspecific taxa from 382 genera and 92 families belonging to 40 orders and 4 classes. The general level of flora endemism is established (22%). Species of pan-Caucasian distribution prevail (68%), the share of narrow-regional endemics is 20%. 79 species are included in the Red Books of the federal and regional level. The given data can be used in the design and functional zoning of the nature park, and also become the basis for further floristic research.

For the first time, bryological studies were conducted on the territory of the Rostovsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Tsagan-Khag section). In the composition of steppe and halophytic phytocenoses, 14 species of bryophytes were identified, which constitutes 9.5 % of the composition of the bryoflora of the Rostov region (Babenko, Fedyaeva, 2001), and 48.5 % of the species of bryoflora of similar natural ecotopes of Southern Kalmykia (Doroshina, 2011): Barbula unguiculata, Bryum caespiticium, Bryum elegans, Ceratodon purpureus, Didymodon rigidulus, Entosthodon hungaricus, Physcomitrium pyriforme, Pterygoneurum kozlovii, Riccia ciliata, R. ciliifera, Syntrichia ruralis, Tortula acaulon, Trichostomum crispulum, Weissia rostellata. A comparison of the bryofloras of the Tsagan-Khag site and similar natural ecotopes of South Kalmykia, Astrakhan and Volgograd regions was conducted. A new moss species, Entosthodon hungaricus, was identified in the bryoflora of the Rostov region. A new location of Pterygoneurum kozlovii, listed in the Red Book of the Rostov region, was identified. The growth of Trichostomum crispulum, previously excluded from the list of species of the region, was confirmed.

Information on the algaflora species listed in the Red Book of Krasnodar Region (2017) is scarce; and monitoring has not been conducted since 2017. Based on literary and archival data, as well as the authors’ field studies carried out from 2022 to 2024 in the coastal waters of the Black Sea, three Red Book macrophyte species have been reliably recorded: (Сodium vermilara (Olivi) Delle Chiaje, 1829, Phyllophora сrispa (Hudson) P. S. Dixon, Nereia filiformis (J. Ag.) Zanardini) which are classified as rare and endangered species. A total of 12 locations were investigated. A comparative analysis of the spatial distribution of these species has been carried out in the long-term aspect of observations. Based on the results of the monitoring studies of 2024, environmental measures have been recommended, taking into account the identified limiting factors of the marine environment.

The Lamiaceae Martinov family is rich in essential oil and medicinal plants. In Rostov-on-Don, such woody plants of the family as Hyssopus officinalis L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Salvia officinalis L. have undergone a full cycle of introduction testing. They and their varieties are used in landscaping the city. Other representatives of the family: Callicarpa japonica Thunb., Elsholtzia stauntonii Benth., Vitex negundo L. and the Caryopteris × clandonensis Arthur Simmonds variety, possessing valuable economic qualities, may also be of interest for introduction into culture in our region. The aim of the work was to assess the ecological and biological properties (winter hardiness, drought resistance, resistance to pests and diseases, seed reproductive capacity) and seasonal development of three species and a variety of the family from the dendrological collection of the Botanical Garden of SFedU. The results of the research showed that in local conditions Callicarpa japonica, Elsholtzia stauntonii, Vitex negundo and Caryopteris × clandonensis Arthur Simmonds are medium winter-hardy, drought-resistant, not affected by diseases and pests, reproduce by seeds or vegetatively, do not exhibit invasive activity, and have a high degree of decorativeness. The rhythm of their seasonal development corresponds to the duration of the growing season in Rostov-on-Don (216 days). Callicarpa japonica, Caryopteris × clandonensis Arthur Simmonds, Elsholtzia stauntonii, Vitex negundo may be promising for use in regional culture and use in landscaping, taking into account their requirements for growing conditions.

The article presents the results of studying the ecological and biological features of soybeans of the northern ecotype in the conditions of the middle taiga of Western Siberia (Surgut). For the first time, a comparative assessment of the biological characteristics of soybeans of the SK Artika variety was carried out, the features of ontogenesis and biomorphological signs were revealed, the results of feed assessment and productivity were presented, the possibility of cultivating soybeans for feed in extreme soil and climatic conditions of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug was established. Materials and methods. Studies on the assessment of the biological characteristics of soybeans of the ‘SK Artika’ variety were conducted on the basis of the Botanical Garden of the Surgut State University of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. The object of study is an annual soybean bean crop, a variety of ‘SK Artika’. Results. As a result of the introduction study, it was found that due to the lengthening of the virginal period of the introducer, a high collection of green mass was noted. The height of the introduced stem and yield did not differ significantly from similar studied indicators of soybean varieties of the northern ecotype cultivated in the soil and climatic conditions of Bryansk. It was recorded that the onset of the generative phase takes place at a lower sum of active air temperatures (763 оC), unlike in Bryansk (2150-2300 оC) during the growing season. However, at the same time, there is a loss of the phase of the period of waxy and full ripeness of the beans.

Large-scale monitoring of vegetation phenology by remote sensing instruments equipped with spectral sensors provides unique information on the state of vegetation cover, climatic processes, and the development of ecological systems. At the same time, remote phenology of evergreen plants, in contrast to deciduous plants, has a number of problems. These include selection of vegetation indices effective for describing phenology, diagnostics of vegetation and dormancy states, and others. These problems can be solved in laboratory conditions, in which there are no problems with spatial, temporal and spectral resolution characteristic of remote sensing. At the same time, when spectral imaging of plant leaves or shoots at close range, the problem of mixed pixels combining background and plant object remains. The aim of the study was to find the optimal arrangement for hyperspectral imaging of pine shoots in laboratory conditions. The object of the study was Pinus sylvestris L. Two variants of shoot arrangement for hyperspectral imaging in the form of a separate auxiblast (the first variant) and brachyblasts stacked densely in several rows (the second variant) were tested. The method of pine shoot arrangement significantly affected the mean values of the normalized relative vegetation index (NDVI) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) but did not affect the values of the chlorophyll-to-carotenoid ratio index (CCI). Moreover, the polynomial lines of NDVI and PRI are parallel in the first and second variants and coincide for CCI. Therefore, the variant of shoot arrangement is not fundamental for determining the trend of the time series. This may have implications for quantifying pine phenological development from time series of spectral characteristics such as the beginning and end of the growing season. NDVI and SSI values in both variants are not normally distributed. The second variant of shoot arrangement brings the distribution of PRI values closer to the normal type. Therefore, the seasonal dynamics of pine can be described in the form of time series of median NDVI and CCI and time series of arithmetic mean PRI.

Common ivy (Hedera helix L.) and its varieties have long been used in landscaping cities in southern Russia. Recently, the species has become more often involved in the landscaping of Rostov-on-Don, but its cultivars are almost never found. In the Botanical Garden of the Southern Federal University, specimens of H. helix have been growing since the 50s of the last century. In addition to species specimens of H. helix, the collection also contains a bush-like form of common ivy (H. helix f. arborescens) and 14 varieties. The purpose of the research was to summarize the results of the introduction trial of H. helix in the conditions of Rostov-on-Don. The objectives of the study included: assessing the ecological and biological properties and seasonal development of the species; determine its adaptation coefficient; to clarify the taxonomic correspondence of 14 varieties of H. helix and give a preliminary assessment of their ecological and biological properties. The research results showed that in local conditions the species is moderately winter-hardy, drought-resistant, resistant to diseases and pests, and is well propagated artificially by seeds and vegetatively. The adaptation coefficient of the species is 75%, which indicates its promise for regional culture. The ivy varieties from the Botanical Garden SFedU collection are combined into 7 of 9 garden groups based on the shape and color of the leaves of vegetative shoots. Of the 14 varieties, five are the most resistant and may be promising for culture, these are: 'Mandas Crested', 'Parsley Crested', 'Asterisk', 'Green Ripple', 'Brokamp'.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the flora of higher plants of Adygea, which can be observed during the passage of summer field practices conducted by the Southern Federal University. The materials contain a list of thematic excursions during the practical training of students of the Academy of Biology and Biotechnology of the Southern Federal University, as well as the results of a taxonomic, biomorphological, ecological, phytocenotic, geographical analysis of the summer flora in the vicinity of the practice base. The summer flora of higher plants includes 400 species from 77 families of 5 classes and 4 divisions. It has been established that representatives of the dicotyledonous class predominate in the composition of the flora. The biomorphological analysis of the flora showed a significant dominance of perennial grasses; it has a pronounced mesophilic character. The main florocenotypes are forest, meadow and petrophytic. The core of the flora is made up of geoelements of the boreal group, among which species of Caucasian origin predominate, as well as species with a wide range. The boreal and Mediterranean floristic centers play a significant role in the formation of a complex of endemic species of the studied flora, which includes 46 relict and 19 protected taxa. Many plants are of economic importance. The whole complex of species serves as a clear example of the richness and diversity of the Caucasian flora.

The Herbarium (RWBG) as a scientific structural subdivision of the Botanical Garden of the Southern Federal University has existed since 1992. Currently, the herbarium collection contains more than 70 000 specimens. The herbarium consists of 4 departments: the herbarium of vascular plants of the Rostov region; herbarium of introducers from the collections of the SFEDU Botanical Garden; herbarium of natural flora of the SFEDU Botanical Garden; herbarium of vascular plants of the State Natural Biosphere Reserve «Rostovsky». In the course of the inventory of scientific funds, a critical review of species of the genus Stipa L., which is an edificator of the Don steppes, was carried out. The paper presents the results of the inventory of the herbarium collection of one of the rare species of the Rostov region – Stipa ucrainica P. Smirn as of the april of 2023. The text provides a complete list of samples indicating for each of them the place and date of collection, the name of the collector, as well as the number of herbariums sheets. The total number of samples of Stipa ucrainica is 99 pieces 8 natural and 22 administrative districts of the Rostov region; in 12 specially protected natural areas; the total number of herbarium sheets of this species in the RWBG is 253 pieces.

The paper attempted to use a hyperspectral camera under controlled conditions of a laboratory experiment to obtain unique curves of seasonal dynamics of NDVI values, allowing to identify the maple species. The objects of study were samples of Acer campestre L., Acer negundo L. and Acer saccharinum L. The maple leaf was surveyed in the laboratory using a Cubert UHD-185 hyperspectral camera under artificial light. To monitor the results, the content of chlorophyll was determined by a spectrophotometric method. Studies were conducted during the growing season of maples from the phenological phase of "full leaf unfolding" to the phenological phase of "the beginning of autumn leaf coloring. It is established that the seasonal dynamics of the NDVI value is similar to the dynamics of chlorophyll a, calculated by the spectrometric method. Empirical NDVI regression lines in all three maple species are synchronous at most survey times, especially in the maximum and minimum zones. However, the difference between NDVI maple species is not as drastic as in chlorophyll a, although in most survey periods the NDVI value of A. campestre is higher than that of the other two species of maples. We assume that the NDVI signature cannot be used to separate species of the genus Acer. However, to identify genera that vary significantly in phenology, the use of NDVI signature is quite possible.

The permanent study area (experimental steppe fallow) was organized on the territory of the Botanical Garden of the Southern Federal University on the site of arable land in 2016. The area of the permanent study area is more than 700 sq. m. The steppe fallow is located in the western part of the Botanical Garden on the watershed between the Temernik River and the Sukhoi Chaltyr Beam. The indigenous vegetation of the territory of the Botanical Garden was a fragment of the Azov steppe dominated by small-turf grasses before its creation in 1927. The task of the permanent area is a comprehensive study of the process of restoring fallow lands of the steppe zone. The research is carried out by the staff of the Department of Ecology and Nature Management and Botanical Garden of the SFedU. As a result of monitoring the process of restoration of the steppe fallow, it was found that in the sixth year of demutation, the community is in a transitional state from the weedy stage to the rhizomatous stage. This is confirmed by the species composition of the community, the biomorphological, hydromorphological, phytocenotic structure of the flora. 85 species of seed plants from 27 families and 68 genera were registered in the steppe fallow community in 2021. The range of life forms of the fallow flora is quite diverse. It is significantly dominated by herbaceous plants (90,6 %), including the proportion of annuals is 34,1 %, biennials – 20,0 %, perennials – 36,5 %. Among herbaceous perennials, a significant proportion are rod-rooted (25,8 %), root-springing (19,4 %), and rhizomatous (42,0 %) plants; turf plants are represented by only one species (3,2 %). In the hydromorphological structure of the fallow flora, the leading position is occupied by a group of mesophytes (76,5 %). According to the formation structure the flora of the steppe fallow is quite heterogeneous, 5 phytocenotypes have been identified in its composition. The group of weeds is the most numerous in terms of the number of species (71,8 %). The peculiarity of the process of demutation of the steppe community is that the natural process of recovery is complicated by the influence of the introduction activity of the Botanical Garden and the influence of the surrounding urban environment.

The article presents the results of the re-inventory of the flora of the Krasnopartizansky cluster site of the State Nature Biosphere Reserve «Rostovsky». The primary inventory of the flora and vegetation was conducted more than 15 years ago. Over time, there have been changes in the quantitative and taxonomic composition of the floristic complex of this site. As a result of the research, a new annotated list was compiled, including 285 types of higher vascular plants, including six «Red List» taxa. – Stipa ucrainica P. Smirn., Tulipa biflora Pall., Frankenia pulverulenta L., Iris pumila L., Tulipa schrenkii Regel, Bellevalia sarmatica (Pall. ex Georgi) Woronow. For the first time, Lythrum melanospermum Savul. & Zahar. has been identified – a new species for the flora of the Lower Don. Some species are given for the Krasnopartizansky site for the first time, such as Adonis aestivalis L., Alisma gramineum Lej., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Amoria retusa (L.) Dostal, Anthemis ruthenica Bieb., Atriplex intercontinentalis Sukhor., A. rosea L., Calamagrostis epigeios (L.) Roth., Cerastium syvaschicum Kleop., Crypsis aculeata (L.) Ait., C. schoenoides (L.) Lam., Chenopodium rubrum L., Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roem. & Schult., Ferula caspica Bieb., Geranium pusillum Burm., Heliotropium ellipticum Ledeb., Lactuca saligna L., Lathyrus hirsutus L., Leymus ramosus (Trin.) Tzvel., Lycopus exaltatus L. fil., Marrubium vulgare L., Matricaria recutita L., Medicago lupulina L., Меlilotus albus Medik., Polycnemum arvense L., Polygonum novoascanicum Klok., Potentilla orientalis Jus., Rumex patientia L., R. marschallianus Reichenb., Phlomoides puberula (G.V. Krylov & Serg.) Adylov, Kamelin & Makhm., Senecio noeanus Rupr., Sisymbrium loeselii L., Trigonella monspeliaca L., Valerianella costata (Steven) Betcke, Ventenata dubia (Leers.) Coss., Verbena supina L., Viola kitaibeliana Roem. & Schult.

In the paper, an attempt was made to assess the possibility of using vegetation indices calculated from hyperspectral survey data to identify weed plant species in winter wheat agrocenoses. The objects of the study were samples of Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M. Johnst., Galium humifusum M. Bieb., Lamium amplexicaule L., Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. and Sinapis arvensis L. The study of the spectral characteristics of the selected objects was carried out using a frame hyperspectral camera Cubert UHD185. The reflected electromagnetic radiation from the samples was recorded in the range of 450–950 nm. According to the spectral survey, 80 vegetation indices were calculated for each sample. To compare the average values ​​of vegetation indices, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Random forest (RF) and Principal component analysis (PCA) were used. The results obtained confirm the possibility of using hyperspectral sensors for the identification of weed plant species in winter wheat agrocenoses according to hyperspectral survey data using vegetation indices.

The article provides an annotated list and brief results the analysis of apophytic fraction of synanthropic flora of Botanical Garden (BG) of the Southern Federal University (SFU). The annotations for each species indicate: Latin and Russian names, life form, ecotype, type of geoelement, group of apophytes according to the method of penetration, frequency of occurrence, location within the boundaries of the Botanical Garden, as well as environmental status. The apophytic flora of the SFU Botanical Garden includes 201 species of higher vascular plants from 132 genuses and 57 families, which is 25.0 % of the taxonomic composition of wild growing BG flora. The synanthropization index (proportion of synatropic species in wild flora) is 46.0 %, apophytization (proportion of apophytes in synanthropic flora) is 54.3 %, and the adventization index (proportion of adventist species in synanthropic flora) is 45.7 %. The most numerous taxa in apophytic flora are the families: Asteraceae (26 species), Poaceae and Rosaceae (16 species each), Lamiaceae (13 species), Chenopodiaceae (12 species), Brassicaceae (11 species), Apiaceae (9 species), Fabaceae (8 species). More than half (52.6 %) of all families contain one genus and one species each. The largest genuses within apophytic flora contain 4–12 species: Rosa (12 species), Cuscuta and Atriplex (6 species each), Cirsium (5 species), Veronica and Chenopodium (4 species each), the remaining genuses include 1–3 species each. In the spectrum of life forms on Serebrjakov in the composition of apophytic flora of BS is significantly dominated by herbaceous plants (82.6 %), among which the share of one-year-olds is 41.8 %, two-year-olds – 11.4%, herbaceous perennial – 29.4 %. According to the method of penetration into anthropogenic habitats, the structure of apophytic flora of BS is dominated by autopophytes (64.2 %). Among the apophytic plants of BS, six species from the genus of dodder are included in the List of quarantine objects (pests of plants, agents of plant diseases and weed plants) in the territory of the Russian Federation.  

Architectonics of the kidneys in connection with frost resistance Kidneys, like seeds, are of great importance in preserving plant life, especially in adverse environmental conditions. The structure of the kidneys consists of tissues and parts with varying degrees of thermal conductivity. A method for assessing the resistance of kidney to frost is proposed, depending on the internal structure of structures and location in space.

Location on the Caucasus Potentilla multi-advisable (Potentilla multifida L.) Location on the Caucasus Potentilla multi-advisable (Potentilla multifida L.)  O.N. Demina, L.L. Rogal'  Abstract: The paper describes the Gum-Bashi Pass, which is named after the homonymous right-bank tributary of the Kuban - the Mara River. The distribution of grass vegetation on the Gum-Bashi Pass, as on the whole Rocky Caucasus Mountains, is associated with vertical zonality or altitudinal belt ecosystems. The characteristic of indigenous subalpine vegetation is given: on gentle northern slopes and plateaus of the Rocky ridge formed lush grassy meadows; Petrophytic steppes develop on the steep slopes of the southern, southeastern, and southwestern exposures. The most common types of natural forage lands on the Gum-Bashi Pass are mountain meadow communities on mountain sod-podzolic, gray and brown forest soils, and meadow-steppe communities on leached and podzolized black soil. However, the main purpose of the work is to describe a new plant species, Potentilla multifida L., which we discovered for the first time in the territory of Karachay-Cherkessia, in the Rocky Ridge system on the Gum-Bashi Pass and confirming its growth in the Caucasus. In describing this species, it is mentioned that this herbaceous perennial reaches 40 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are green above and beloiclochic below, dissected into linear lobes. The flowers are small, on thin pedicels, pale yellow. The beginning of its flowering was recorded when the species was collected. A critical summary of references to this species and an indication of the need to describe a new Caucasian form is given. In conclusion, one more time focuses on the need for this description, studying the distribution of P. multifida in the Caucasus and its phytocenotic environment. The article is illustrated with a large number of photos.

Monitoring of adventive grassy flora of the Botanical garden of Southern Federal University Shmarayeva Antonina Nikolayevna, Shishlova Zhanna Nikolayevna, Kuzmenko Inna Petrovna Botanical garden of Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia; anshmaraeva@sfedu.ru Abstract: The annotated list and results of the comprehensive analysis of grassy fraction of adventive flora of the Botanical garden of Southern Federal University (BS) is provided in article. In a short summary for each species are specified: the Latin and Russian names, a vital form, ecotype, frequency of occurrence and location in BS borders. Adventive grassy flora contains 66 species of seed plants from 25 families and 55 genuses, that makes 9.1 % of general structure of wild-growing flora of BS and 25.0 % of structure of sinanthropic flora of BS. The most part (59.7 %) of all families of sinanthropic flora of BS contain adventive species, including 17 families presented only by adventive plants. The most numerous families by taxons number in adventive grassy flora of BS are: Asteraceae (18 species), Brassicaceae (7 species), Poaceae (6 species), Oxalidaceae (4 species). The majority of genuses (85.5 %) in adventive grassy flora contain by one species, 9.1 % of genuses – 2 species, 5.4 % of genuses – 3 species (Amaranthus, Ambrosia, Xanthoxalis). In adventivne grassy flora of BS by a drift time the euneophytes (54.5 %) prevail, to neophyte group belong 33.3 %, and archaeophyte group belong 12.2 %. On extent of naturalization as a part of grassy fraction of adventive flora of BS epecophyte (53.0 %) quantitatively prevail, kolonophyte make 24.2 %, ephemerophyte – 15.2 %, and the smallest group – argiophyte (7.6 %). On the nature of primary area in adventive flora of BS the North American species (42.4 %) prevail.