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Warunki środowiskowe i paleogeograficzne znaczenie osadów torfowiska Błonie (środkowa Polska)

Author(s): Weronika Janas,Jacek Forysiak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 22/2023

The area of the studied peatland is a fragment of a complex of wetlands occupying the floor of the Warsaw-Berlin ice-marginal valley in the region of Łęczyca. The specificity of this part of the valley and the peatland in Błonie is influenced by the watershed location and the Kłodawa rock salt dome of the Permian age. The thickness and lithology of biogenic deposits were identified, and the physicochemical parameters of the sediments and their dating were determined in the selected research profile. This made it possible to reconstruct the most important phases of wetland development, reflecting the natural and anthropogenic changes in the conditions of the geographical environment that prevailed in the area of the Warsaw-Berlin ice-marginal valley in the section between Łęczyca and Błonie

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Morphometric and General Geomorphological Features of Kilistra (Gökyurt) Region

Author(s): Halil Mesut Baylak / Language(s): English Issue: 34/2024

The development of cities due to the increase in population, industrial activity, transportation activities, mobility in mining and energy fields, construction in ports and coastal filling areas, and erosion-excavation and accumulation-filling activities that occur as a result of tourism activities cause intense changes in the relief. With developing technology, these processes can be detected, and their distribution and effects can be evaluated with different systematic analyses. The main purpose of the research is to define and evaluate the factors that affect the geomorphology of the areas where people carry out their cultural activities in the universe of Kilistra (Gökyurt) Region. Observation studies were carried out to evaluate the geomorphological formation in the area, which is affected by geomorphological hazards and therefore exposed to risk. A mixed research method was used in the study. Geomorphological and morphometric characteristics of the research area were obtained using the quantitative research method. The data was subjected to meta-analysis and defined for the field. Anthropogenic effects have accelerated the processes affecting the geomorphology of the study area. In addition, the geomorphological feature of the region has enabled the use of the area by the local people as a result of cultural activity and increased erosion. For example; It has enabled tuffaceous land to be used for human activities such as allowing it to be used for defense purposes, allowing the construction of religious elements (such as chapels, churches, etc.), and being used for purposes such as cellars or dwellings. Today, these landforms continue to be used as haystacks, warehouses and barns.

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Identification of gelodok fish (Perciformes, Gobiidae) in a coastal mangrove ecosystem, based on morphological and molecular characteristics

Author(s): D. W. K. Baderan,R. V. Aydalina,M. S. Hamidun,N. V. Panti / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

Gelodok fish (mudskippers) are a subfamily of amphibian fish commonly found living in mangrove ecosystems, one of which is in Tabongo Village, Dulupi District, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo Province. It is difficult to distinguish between species of this fish because they have very similar characteristics. This study aims to (1) determine the detailed morphological characteristics that distinguish gelodok fish species; and (2) determine the molecular characteristics of gelodok fish species found in coastal mangrove ecosystem of Tomini Bay, Tabongo Village, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo. This research was conducted from 2022 to 2023 using purposive sampling method. Morphological characteristics were performed for 39 characters. Geometric-morphometric analysis was performed using ImageJ software with 10 land marks. Amplification of COI sequences was carried out with F1R1 and F2R2 primers. Based on morphological characteristics, it is known that two species of gelodok fish are found in the area, namely Periophthalmus argentilineatus and P.malaccensis. COI sequencing results of the samples confirmed one species of gelodok fish found in the area, namely P. argentilineatus. The other species cannot be definitively identified as P.malaccensis due to the absence of COI sequences for that species in GeneBank.

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Characteristics of marine strain Streptomycessp. with antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity

Author(s): V. O. Ivanytsia,М. D. Shtenikov,I. V. Strashnova,N. V. Korotaіeva,N. V. Tytarenko,T. V. Gudzenko,N. Y. Vasylieva,O. G. Gorshkova,G. V. Lisіutin,K. S. Potapenko,O. V. Andriushchenko,M. M. Chaban / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

The Black Sea is a unique water basin consisting of a thin superficial oxygenic layer with moderate salinity, and a deep anoxic water mass. The microbiota of the Black Sea remains relatively understudied, which makes it interesting first of all from the most practical point of view of the search for producers of new biologically active compounds. A strain of actinobacteria Streptomycessp. ONU 561 was isolated from the surface of mussel shells collected in the coastal zone of Odesa. It demonstrated a wide range of antagonistic activity, inhibiting the growth of a set of opportunistic pathogens, including representatives of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, bacteria of this strain were able to inhibit the growth of all tested strains of mycelial fungi, including representatives of Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Fusarium oxysporum species, and Candida albicans yeast. A significant cytotoxic effect was revealed in the cell cultures of human malignant cells – human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and human laryngeal adenocarcinoma (Hep2). Analysis of the exometabolome of the strain did not explain these effects. The strain was comprehensively characterized, including physiological, biochemical, and morphological traits. The complete genome of the strain was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq 4000 (2x150) and ONT and annotated using NCBI PGAP. Its genome has a size of 8 359 197 bp. GC content – 71.59%. Using antiSMASH 7.0, 35 biosynthetic clusters were revealed. The indices of digital DNA-DNA hybridization and orthoANI for all of the type strains with Streptomyces sp. ONU 561 are much lower than threshold values for the speciesseparation. The obtained results, including a comparative analysis of the genome, indicate the possible affiliation of the strain Streptomycessp. ONU 561 to a new species and the potential ability of these actinobacteria to synthesize previously unknown antibiotic compounds.

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Functional diversity along disturbance and environmental gradients in Ethiopian moist Afromontane forest

Author(s): F. A. Jeldu,M. Tolera,Teshale Woldeamanuel / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

Considering multiple measures to fully capture functional diversity is important. However, the effects of disturbance gradients on diversity have been controversial, as species diversity alone may not fully capture these effects. This study aimed to evaluate trait-based diversity across disturbance gradients in the moist Afromontane forest of Ethiopia, Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve (YCFBR). Vegetation data and relevant traits related to plant-life strategies, competition, and responses to disturbances were collected. A multiple regression model was used to test the response of functional diversity to disturbances and environmental gradients. The results revealed functional diversity in plant communities, including dendrogram-based functional diversity for plot-based (FDp), functional richness (FRic), functional evenness (FEve), functional divergence (FDiv), functional dispersions (FDis), and community-weighted mean of maximum tree height (CWM.Hmax), showed decreasing patterns with increasing disturbance intensity in the YCFBR. Additionally, the findings highlighted that FDis and Hmax are themost vulnerable functional traits to anthropogenic factors and are less tolerant in disturbed ecosystem environments. Therefore, reducing disturbances is crucial to maintaining higher levels of these functional diversities. For example, the results showed that the CWM.Hmax declined from 27.25 m to 15 m, indicating a shift towards shorter plant species. In contrast, the community-weighted mean of woody density (CWM.WD), the community-weighted mean of specific leaf area (CWM.SLA), and the community-weighted mean of seed mass (CWM.SM) increased significantly with an increase in disturbance intensity. For instance, CWM.SM and CWM.SLA changed from 5 to 14.25 (g) and 90 to 130 (cm2 /g), respectively. These indices may serve as indicators of ecosystem resilience at disturbed forest ecosystem sites. Furthermore, the regression results indicated that FDp, FRic, FEve, FDiv, FDis, CWM.WD, and CWM.Hmax showed increasing patterns with increasing species richness, which suggests that protecting and promoting species diversity can contribute to maintaining high levels of functional diversity. The mixed effects model revealed that anthropogenic disturbance and elevational gradients had significant effects on functional diversity in the YCFBR. Therefore, when managing and conserving biodiversity in heterogeneous environments, both anthropogenic factors and environmental variables need to be considered. Species with low SLA and SM are recommended for the restoration of disturbed ecosystems. Overall, this study demonstrates that trait-based functional diversity is useful for predicting the adaptation potentials of species in heterogeneous environments and disturbance gradients.

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The importance of terrain factors in the spatial variability of plant cover diversity in a steppe gully

Author(s): T. Mykhailyuk,O. I. Lisovets,H. Tutova / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

Information about the slope angle and its exposure is often given when describing plant communities. However, the slope angle should be noted to affect a complex of different phenomena and processes. The slope angle affects the albedo and thermal regime of the soil. The slope angle affects the redistribution of moisture and determines the moisture availability of a particular area. The slope angle also determines the risks of erosion processes. In turn, erosion processes determine the depth of the soil layer and the content of organic matter in it, which greatly affects the conditions for plant life and their dynamics. Therefore, the slope angle of the relief is a complex environmental indicator, which is its most important weakness. The information on the slope angle of the relief surface does not indicate which environmental factor is limiting and determines the characteristics of the vegetation cover. Similarly, the quantitative orientation of a slope using rhumb lines is a rather crude way to indicate the role of terrain in the redistribution of solar energy. With a certain degree of accuracy, rhumbs characterize incoming solar radiation, but are not sensitive to estimating the amount of diffuse radiation. Modern geoinformation technologies make it possible to determine the amount of solar radiation reaching the terrain surface using a digital elevation model. The aim of the article was to identify the role of relief factors in terms of topographic wetness index, erosion index, and solar radiation in the spatial variability of the vegetation diversity of a steppe gully. There was no linear correlation between the other predictors. Some correlations can be interpreted as the result of certain nonlinear patterns. In this sense, the geomorphological predictors are mostly linearly independent and thus each of them carries independent information for characterizing environmental conditions. The vegetation cover of the gully system was represented by 263 plant species. The analysis of the synoptic phytosociological table allowed us to find out that the vegetation cover of the studied gully system is represented by six classes of vegetation. The geomorphological predictors allowed for a classification of vegetation types with an accuracy of 23.8% to 100%. The topographic wetness index was the most important for classification. Altitude and insolation were also important for classification (94 and 95 respectively). The topographic wetness index provided an accurate identification of wetland vegetation of the Phragmito-Magnocaricetea class. Naturally, this type of vegetation preferred biotopes with the highest level of soil moisture. High insolation accurately labeled the locations where Festuco-Brometea steppe vegetation was most likely to be found. Some of the artificial tree plantations that occurred in the thalweg of the gully can be clearly identified by the high level of the topographic wetness index. Another group of artificial tree plantations is located on relatively high relief areas and should be differentiated from Galio-Urticetea communities, which prefer locations with higher light levels, and from Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, which prefer locations with a higher risk of erosion. The most arid locations are preferred by Agropyretalia intermedio-repentis vegetation. Steppe and meadow vegetation located at altitudes less than 116 meters also differ in their preferred height. Steppe vegetation is usually located at a level higher than 95 meters. Natural steppe and meadow vegetation at elevations below 116 meters differs from semi-natural Galio-Urticetea vegetation in that the latter usually prefers more well lit locations. Steppe communities are misclassified as meadow in 15.3% of cases, and meadow is misclassified as steppe in 18.5% of cases. Artificial tree plantations are misclassified as steppe in 42.9% of cases and 14.3% are misclassified as Agropyretalia intermedio-repentis. In its turn, Agropyretalia intermedio-repentisis misclassified as Festuco-Brometea in 6.7% of cases, as Molinio-Arrhenatheretea or Onopordetalia acanthii in 3.3% of cases, and as Galio-Urticetea in 10.0% of cases. The Onopordetalia acanthii community was misclassified as Festuco-Brometea, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and GalioUrticetea in 6.7% of cases, respectively.

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Estimating biomass of woody plants that grow in the different As-contaminated technosoils in the ore-bearing provinces of Eastern Germany

Author(s): V. M. Lovynska,S. Stankevich,S. A. Sytnyk,C. Montzka,K. K. Holoborodko,H. Heilmeier,О. Wiche / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

Establishing the role of woody species as an instrument for heavy metal bioaccumulation is a relevant issue today in the context of the development of the phytoremediation system. The article presents the results of studies on the influence of different Arsenic (As) concentrations in soil on the development of aboveground biomass in Betula pendula Roth. and Populus tremula L. stands under conditions of reclamation plantings. The studies were conducted in 30 locations of birch and poplar tree plantations within the ore-producing regions of Saxony (EasternGermany) in soil with different levels of As contamination. The highest As content was noted in the technosoil of the Davidschacht site, where the metalloid content was 229.3 times greater compared with a value in a conditionally uncontaminated area (Großschirma). The values of leaf area index and aboveground biomass obtained in field measurements were presented. The aboveground biomass values in the investigated plantations ranged from 189.9 ±10.16 to 201.8 ± 19.09 t/ha, and leaf area index values ranged from 1.74 ± 0.29 to 2.05 ± 0.16 m2 /m2 . Sentinel-2A multispectral images were processed for the construction of a map of the aboveground biomass distribution within the region under study. The values of the spectral indices for leaf area index were obtained with subsequent construction of the regression dependence of the aboveground biomass in the plantings on this indicator. The RMSE value for the developed model of the dependence of aboveground biomass on the leaf area index was 17.84 t/ha, which could be considered as satisfactory and can serve as a basis for practical application of the model developed. The inverse trend in relation to locations with different levels of soil contamination with As was determined for the aboveground biomass indicator. Within the region under study, the highest value of aboveground biomass in the stands was found for the area with the lowest As level. The results showed that the correlation coefficient between the highest of the optimal spectral indices, the leaf area index, and the aboveground biomass in B. pendula and P. tremula plantings was statistically significant and approached the value of 0.7. The results presented can become a theoretical basis for monitoring the accumulation of aboveground biomass of tree stands in areas with different levels of soil contamination with As. In perspective, the presented model of biomass estimation based on spectral technologies can serve as an application basis for rapid assessment of the growth and development parameters of forest stands in As-contaminated areas.

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Using normalised difference vegetation index in classification and agroecological zoning of spring row crops

Author(s): P. V. Lykhovyd / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

Remote sensing is an important branch of modern science and technology with various applications in different branches of life sciences. Its application in agriculture is focused mainly on crop monitoring and yield prediction. However, the value of remote sensing in the systems of automated crop mapping and agroecological zoning of plant species is increasing. The main purpose of this study is to establish the possibility of using normalised difference vegetation index in the main spring row crops, namely maize, soybeans, sunflower, to precisely classify the fields with each crop, and to evaluate the best agroecological zones for their cultivation in rainfed conditions in Ukraine. The study was carried out using the data on the normalised difference vegetation index for the period May – November 2018 from 750 fields and experimental plots, randomly scattered over the territory of Ukraine with equal representation by every administrative district of the country. The index values were calculated using combined Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 images, with further generalisation for every crop and region. Multiclass linear discriminant analysis and canonical discriminant analysis were applied to determine whether it is possible to distinguish between the studied crops using the values of the normalised difference vegetation index as the only input. As a result, it was established that the best zone for crop cultivation is the west of the country: NDVI values for the growing season averaged to 0.34 for sunflower, 0.36 for soybeans, and 0.36 for maize, respectively. The worst growing conditions, based on the lowest NDVI values, were observed in the east for sunflower (0.26) and maize (0.25), but the minimum NDVI for soybeans (0.27) was observed in the south. Regarding the classification problem, it was found that the highest importance for the classification of crops is attributed to the values of the normalised difference vegetation index, recorded in August. The supervised learning using canonical discriminant function resulted in mediocre predictive performance of the multiple linear function with general classification accuracy of 56.5%. The best accuracy of classification was achieved for sunflower (70.4%), while it is difficult to distinguish between maize and soybeans because these crops have quite similar intra-seasonal dynamics of the vegetation index (classification accuracy was 46.8% and 52.4%, respectively; the total number of incorrectly predicted samples in the “maize-soybeans” group was 134 or 26.8%). The main limitation of this study is its single year basis, notwithstanding the fact that the year of the study was characterized as a typical one for most territory of Ukraine in terms of meteorological conditions. Therefore, more studies are required to clarify the possibility of a classification between maize and soybeans based on remote sensing data.

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Contribution to the knowledge of the mosses of Megriss Mountain (Algeria)

Author(s): A. Mazari,N. Boulaacheb / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

Due to the limited knowledge on bryophytes in Algeria, this study aimed to update the Algerian bryophyte flora. Megriss Mountain (also called Jbel or Djebel Megriss), which is a part of the High Plains of Setif, was chosen as a study area for its interesting biological and landscape diversity. The inventory was carried out in different habitats (rocks, trees, soils and streams). Samples were collected from minimum survey areas of 100 cm2 (from soil and rocks), but the sample area was sometimes increased depending on the availability of species; the trees were mostly sampled between heights of 1 and 2 meters. As a result, a preliminary list of 55 moss species were identified, including 44 acrocarpous and 11 pleurocarpous, belonging to 13 families and 29 genera. The most species-rich families were Pottiaceae, Orthotrichaceae, Brachytheciaceae, and Bryaceae, while the most diverse genera were Lewinskya and Syntrichia. Epilithic mosses were dominant, followed by terricolous mosses and finally epiphytic mosses. The most frequent species in the study area were Orthotrichum diaphanum, Lewinskya acuminate, Didymodon insulanus, Grimmia pulvinata, and Tortella squarrosa. The study also highlights the presence of a new species that had never been recorded in Algeria -Orthotrichum scanicum. A comprehensive description, microphotographs of the species are provided and its ecology is also discussed. This discovery will contribute to the enrichment of the Algerian bryophyte flora in general and of the Orthotrichaceae in particular, within the genus Orthotrichum, which now has a total of 11 species recorded in the country.

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Landsat archive for detection of change in Mediterranean ecosystems: The case of Northern Morocco

Author(s): Y. Bouziani,S. Lahssini,S. Moukrim,A. Azedou,H. Mharzi-Alaoui,A. Benabou,L. Zidane / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2023

The study of changes in land cover provides a better understanding of the interactions between humans and natural ecosystems. In this context, the present study focused on the dynamics of natural ecosystems in the Rif region of Northern Morocco. The methodology was based on the inspection and visual interpretation of Landsat and Google Earth image captures, the time series of five Landsat 4-8 image bands, and the Tasseled Cap indices for a random sample of 500 points from 1984 to 2022. The study found that changes affected practically the whole study region over the study period, with around a third of them being ignored due to their very tiny magnitudes or being false positives. The findings demonstrated a general declining trend in the measured changes, indicating a reduction in pressure on different ecosystems. Furthermore, this tendency may be due in part to the availability of Google Earth images during the 2000s, which has significantly reduced the number of false positives. In terms of the year of first change, only 5.7% of pixels experienced their first events after the year 2000, implying that these pixels underwent no change for at least the first 16 years of the study period. On the other hand, 2.5% of the pixels had their last events during the first ten years and have thus remained unmodified for at least 27 years. For the year 2020, the confidence rating of the visual land cover categorization is medium to high for 88.9% of pixels using high-resolution Google Earth photos, whereas the classification quality was inadequate for 64% of pixels in 1984. Despite the stresses on the ecosystems structured by shrubs/shrubs, forests, and herbaceous/shrubs caused by the different disturbances identified, the majority of these ecosystems have not been converted to new land cover classes. According to the study, agriculture is the primary driving force underlying the conversion of forests, herbaceous/shrublands, and even shrublands/shrublands. The area increases for the latter three ecosystems represent, on the one hand, their ability to regenerate themselves and, on the other, Morocco's restoration efforts.

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The influence of forest vegetation on the physical properties of chernozems in the steppe zone of Ukraine

Author(s): V. A. Gorban,N. A. Bilova,J. L. Poleva,A. O. Huslystyi,O. V. Kotovych,S. O. Hunko / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Targeted changes in the physical properties of soils, including through afforestation, are an important component of land use practices that are aimed at obtaining sustainable crop yields, which is especially important for potentially highly fertile chernozem soils. The physical properties of ordinary chernozems under steppe vegetation (used as a control) and plantings of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus robur L., as well as chernozem luvosol under natural forest vegetation, were studied in the field, as well as in laboratory conditions using soil samples taken from 12 areas established within Dnipropetrovsk region (Ukraine). As a result of the study, it was established that the studied ordinary chernozems and luvic chernozems are classified as silty loam according to their granulometric composition. The growth of acacia and oak plantations led to an increase in sand content and a decrease in silt content, and the growth of natural forest vegetation contributed to an increase in sand and silt content and a decrease in clay content in black soils. The influence of forest vegetation on chernozems led in the 0–20 cm layer to an increase in the content of aggregates of fractions > 2 mm and water-resistant aggregates of fractions > 0.5 mm and a decrease in the content of aggregates of fractions < 1 mm and water-resistant aggregates of fractions < 0.5 mm compared to chernozems under steppe vegetation. The growth of forest vegetation caused a decrease in the density and density of the solid phase, and an increase in the total porosity of chernozems in the layers of 0–20 and 20–40 cm. The influence of forest vegetation on ordinary chernozems and luvic chernozems contributed to an increase in the content of available water for plants and an increase in their water permeability compared to ordinary chernozems under steppe vegetation. Ordinary chernozems under acacia and oak plantations are characterized by increased electrical resistivity, and luvic chernozems under natural forest vegetation are characterized by reduced electrical resistivity compared to ordinary chernozems under steppe vegetation. The growth of forest vegetation contributed to a decrease in the dielectric constant of chernozems. The influence of natural forest vegetation leads to more pronounced changes in the physical properties of chernozems compared to the influence of acacia and oak plantings.

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East and West of the Carpathian Arc: Evidence of postglacial ecological and morphological divergence of Phytoecia tigrina metapopulations (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

Author(s): A. M. Zamoroka,A. Ruicănescu,C.-O. Manci / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Phytoecia tigrina Mulsant (1851) is recognized as a species under strict protection EU Habitat Directive, it represents a focal point for conservation efforts across Europe. However, the dearth of comprehensive understanding regarding its biology, ecology, and geographical distribution poses formidable challenges to conservation endeavors. In the current study, we have delineated eight European and two Asian distinct metapopulations of Ph. tigrina across its geographic range, with a particular emphasis on elucidating its dispersion within the Circum-Carpathian region. This delineation serves to underscore the species' distribution, niche dimensions and limits of ecological tolerance that illuminate its adaptation capacity to diverse environmental conditions within the range. Our study has unveiled notable differentials in both morphological and ecological traits among Ph. tigrina metapopulations, notably between those located on the eastern and western flanks of the Carpathian Arc. Such differentials suggest the influence of divergent evolutionary trajectories, likely influenced by historical climatic changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Significantly, specimens derived from eastern metapopulations exhibit morphological features of sufficient magnitude to warrant the proposition of a distinct subspecies, Phytoecia (Pilemia) tigrina podillica ssp. nov. This taxonomic delineation underscores the taxonomic complexity inherent within the Ph. tigrina species complex. Our investigations have further illuminated the historical dynamics of the species distribution, indicating the presence at least of two refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). These refugial enclaves, situated in the Sea of Marmara/Eastern Aegean Sea region and the Pannonian Plain, likely played pivotal roles in shaping contemporary distributional patterns. Moreover, our ecological niche modeling endeavors have elucidated rapid expansions of suitable habitat for Ph. tigrina during post-glacial epochs, notably the Preboreal and Boreal periods. These expansions aligned with the rapid dispersion of its host plant Cynoglottis barrelierisupplying colonization of new territories in the face of the fast-changing post-glacial environment. Our study underscores the intricate interplay between evolutionary history, environmental dynamics, and imperatives for conservation Ph. tigrina. By elucidating these complexities, we endeavor to furnish a robust foundation for future conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding this emblematic species and its associated habitats.

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Palynotaxonomy of the genus Gladiolus (Iridaceae) of the flora of Armenia

Author(s): A. M. Hayrapetyan,A. H. Muradyan,H. H. Sonyan,M. Y. Asatryan,M. E. Oganesian / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

The genus Gladiolus L. (Iridaceae) includes about 250–280 species of perennial herbaceous corms, distributed in Africa, Madagascar and Eurasia. The taxonomy of the genus is not simple, since the characteristics of the species are quite confusing. Our article presents the results of a comparative palyno-morphological analysis of all 9 species and 2 subspecies of the genus Gladiolus of the Armenian flora. The purpose of the work is to identify diagnostic characteristics of pollen used to distinguish individual taxa. Six morphological characters, namely the length of the polar axis (P), as well as the length of the large and small equatorial diameters (E1 and E2, respectively), exine thickness and the number of echinae and perforations per unit area of the pollen surface were measured using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Literature data, as well as the results of our previous studies, showed that the genus is characterized by stenopalynous anasulcate pollen grains with a two-lane operculum. In the presence of significant uniformity in pollen characteristics, our studies revealed that among the species studied, G. hajastanicus and G. kotschyanus have slightly larger pollen grain sizes, and the pollen of the species G. tenuisis characterized by a minimal number of both echinae and perforations per unit surface area of the pollen grain (using SEM). A certain difference has also been established between the subspecies of the species G. kotschyanus. In particular, the sizes of pollen grains of G. kotschyanus subsp. kotschyanus (based on E1) is slightly larger than in G. kotschyanus subsp. distichus. At the same time, the number of echinae and perforations per unit surface of a pollen grain (at the SEM level) in the subspecies G. kotschyanussubsp. distichusis approximately twice as large as G. kotschyanus subsp. kotschianus.

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Diversity and features of the fauna of herpetobiont beetles (Carabidae, Tenebrionidae, Elateridae, Scarabaeidae) of the Lower Zeravshan, Uzbekistan

Author(s): L. K. Alimova,M. S. Umurzakova,D. F. Zokirova,R. A. Khamzaev,G. Normuradova,B. Otakulov,A. Pazilov,J. A. Kudratov,R. S. Urazova,F. Z. Khalimov / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

The Lower Zeravshan district of Uzbekistan is characterized by the most arid climate and is particularly affected by global warming and anthropogenic pressure. The biodiversity of herpetobiont beetles in this region has not been sufficiently studied, and this makes it difficult to monitor the fauna of the region. This work was carried out to assess the biodiversity and ecological features of some groups of herpetobiont beetles during 2019–2023. Soil and light traps, soil excavations and manual collection were used to collect material. A total of 131 species of beetles were identified. The carabid fauna of the region is represented by 43 species belonging to nine subfamilies, 19 tribes, and 28 genera. For the fauna of the Republic, two species were recorded for the first time (Syntomus obscuroguttatus (Duftschmid, 1812) and Scarites subcylindricus Chaudoir, 1843). The darkling beetle fauna includes 46 species belonging to three subfamilies, 16 tribes, and 30 genera. For the first time, five species were recorded for the fauna of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Cyphogenia lucifuga Adams, 1817, Trigonoscelis apicalis Reitter, 1907, Colpotus sulcatus (Menetries, 1838), Tribolium destructor Uyttenboogart, 1933, Pentaphyllus chrysomeloides (Rossi, 1792)). The fauna of ground beetles and darkling beetles of the Lower Zeravshan consists of two species complexes that differ sharply from each other – xerophilic (inhabiting desert biocenoses) and hygromesophilic (inhabiting agricultural landscapes). The similarity coefficients of the fauna of these two types of biocenoses are very low. The fauna of click beetles is represented by 10 species belonging to four subfamilies and seven genera. The fauna of lamellar beetles consists of 31 species (32 with subspecies), belonging to eight subfamilies, 13 tribes, and 19 genera. In agrocenoses, a significant increase in the number of herpetobionts is observed in the first days of June. But their maximum number is observed in early July. It has been established that seasonal fluctuations in the number of representatives of the families Carabidae, Elateridae, Staphylinidae, and Tenebrionidae occur almost in parallel. Fluctuations in the number of representatives of the Scarabaeidae family do not correspond to the above pattern, and the maximum value is observed at the end of July. The data obtained can be used to assess biodiversity and environmental monitoring of arid zones of Uzbekistan.

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Euonymus nanus (Celastraceae) in Europe and in the Caucasus Mountains: geographical distribution, habitats and modern state of populations

Author(s): V. Melnyk,O. I. Shynder,S. Didenko,L. Savchuk / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

The study of the current state of populations and habitats of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of investigation of the geographical distribution, habitats and modern state of populations of a rare species of the European and Caucasian floras Euonymus nanus M. Bieb. (Celastraceae), included in the Red Data Books of Ukraine, Moldova, the Russian Federation and the Red List of Romania. The structure of the European and Caucasian parts of its range is described. The natural range of Euonymus nanus includes Romania (the Carpathian Mountains and the Moldavian Plateau), Moldova (the Moldavian Plateau and Southern Podillia Upland), Ukraine (Podillia and Dnieper Uplands and Dnieper Lowlands, Crimean Mountains) and the Russian Federation (North Caucasus). There are near 100 localities of E. nanus in Europe and 6 localities in the Caucasus Mountains. A phytocoenotical peculiarity of European habitats of E. nanus is their confinement exclusively to deciduous forests. This is their difference from Caucasian habitats, connected with scree slopes and from Asiatic habitats, connected with coniferous forests. Biogeographical and paleontological data and some biological peculiarities of E. nanus(low reproductive potential) confirm its relic nature (Tertiary relic) in Europe. The claim that E. nanus has an alien origin in Europe is insufficiently scientifically substantiated. The current state of E. nanus populations in Europe and in the Caucasus Mountains is shown. Known local populations of E. nanus are few in number, with relatively low densities, and their gradual decline is observed everywhere. Due to the uniqueness of E. nanus populations, it must be included to the EuropeanRed List. Modelling of E. nanus populations in cultivated coenoses is an effective method of ex situ conservation for this species.

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Geospatial applications as an integral component of wildlife monitoring in the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve

Author(s): T. Melnychuk,K. Korepanova,T. Fedoniuk,A. Zymaroieva / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

The large area of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve and the inaccessibility of some areas to the reserve's staff due to radioactive contamination make geospatial data collection methods a good alternative to traditional field sampling. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness and limits of applying contemporary tools of data collection and biodiversity monitoring in the Chornobyl Reserve. We used hierarchical cluster analysis to compare how well different ways of collecting data worked by finding the distances between groups of species in the following samples: the Fauna questionnaire, the iNaturalist platform, monitoring of large mammals as part of the Polissia without Borders project, and low-resource mammal surveys using camera traps. Incorporating GIS data collection techniques into field studies or inventories in a reserve is undeniably a powerful additional source of biodiversity information. The iNaturalist platform provides reliable data on species richness as well as seasonal and topographic distribution, despite its limitations in terms of the relative abundance and structure of species communities. The data obtained with the help of the Fauna questionnaire adequately describes the situation with the relative abundance and spatial distribution of large and medium-sized mammals, approaching such an accurate method as photographic monitoring using photo traps. Increasing the quantity and quality of results is possible by expanding the competence of staff in using the questionnaire and training aimed at identifying species by indirect signs such as traces, burrows, gnawing marks, etc. Geostatistical tools are valuable for the efficient use of technology and resources for inventory identification and generation, uniformity in biodiversity data collection, and effective data dissemination.

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Morphological and molecular characterization of root-knot nematodes from Uzbekistan

Author(s): U. N. Mirzaev,A. E. Kuchboev,O. Mavlyanov,O. O. Amirov,S. B. Narzullayev / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Plant-parasitic nematodes are of great economic importance as widespread harmful plant pests of the world. Among them, rootknot nematodes, especially species of the genus Meloidogyne, cause significant damage to agriculture. In this paper the species composition, morphological and molecular genetic characteristics of root-knot nematodes in vegetable crops of the Zarafshan Valley of Uzbekistan were studied. As a result of morphological studies, three species belonging to the genus Meloidogyne were found in Samarkand region of the Zarafshan Valley; these species were Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita and M. hapla identified by concentric lines in the anal-vulvar part of sexually mature female nematodes. The results show that the anal arch of M. javanica and M. hapla is low, and that of M. incognita is high. In order to additionally characterize the species of the discovered root-knot nematodes, we carried out their molecular identification. However, nucleotide sequence analysis in the 5S–ITS2 region of rDNA showed no differences between M. javanica and M. incognita, the overall difference being to 0.6%. These data indicate that both these taxa belong to the one species based on 5S–ITS2 region, but this datum should be supplemented by additional research with other genes. The sequence differences between the species M. javanica or M. incognita with species M. hapla amounted to 23%. Species analysis based on the analysis of morphological and molecular genetic indicators of root-knot nematodes is important because it was conducted for the first time in Central Asia. The studies conducted indicate that M. hapla, M. javanica and M. incognita are common on tomato farms in Payaryk, Akdarya and Jambay districts of Samarkand region of Uzbekistan.

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Geoinformation modeling of radioactive contamination of territories on the example of mines of the “ShidGSK” mining and processing plant

Author(s): N. Neposhyvailenko,V. Gulyaev,Y. Gritsan,O. Huba / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

The aim of the study was to model the territorial distribution and statistical assessment of migration through the trophic chain of naturally occurring radionuclides released into the environment as a result of uranium ore mining. Statistical, geoinformation and experimental research methods were used in the study. Interpolation of the results of volumetric activity of natural radionuclides in environmental components and development of spatial models of their territorial distribution were performed using the ArcGIS software; statistical processing of modelling results and development of mathematical models of migration of natural radionuclides between environmental components were performed using ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst software. The paper substantiates the choice of the method of geostatistical modelling of the territorial distribution of volumetric activity of natural radionuclides 234U, 238U, 210Po, 210Pb, 226Ra in soils and plants, which allows modelling the values of probabilistic indicators of radioecological contamination in the absence of a sufficient array of initial actual research results. Based on the analysis of the data obtained, the methodology of mathematical modelling of migration of natural radionuclides between soil and plant parts was further developed, which will facilitate consideration of the specifics of migration of natural radionuclides through the trophic chain and help in determining the level of radioecological hazard to the environment. The developed territorial models allow one to obtain stochastic data for their further analytical processing and visualizing radioecological hazard zones. Based on the developed models, zones of increased radioecological hazard within the existing sources of radioactive contamination were identified.

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First records of echinoderm species in the checklist of the Algerian coast (Mediterranean Sea), found off Paloma Island

Author(s): N. Kaïdi,S. Grimes,Z. Bammoune,M. Benabdi / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

The study of echinoderms in the Mediterranean region has generated considerable interest and has led to significant advancements in systematic research. Numerous species have been identified, with 35% of them belonging to the Holothuroidea class. This paper provides pertinent information on the echinoderm fauna of the Algerian coast, specifically focusing on the sampling conducted at Plane Island in western Algeria. Additionally, it includes an updated account of previously recorded species. The recent research findings consist of a total of 288 specimens: 284 ophiuroids and 4 echinoids. The research provides a comprehensive list of all the species identified. Additional species have been discovered at Paloma (Plane) Island. Several of these species have not previously been recorded on the Algerian coastline, such as the pencil urchin Stylocidaris affinis. A map of its distribution has been created to monitor its establishment in the Mediterranean. Our findings show that S. affinisis more abundant in shallow waters ranging from 50 to 150 m. A total of 70 species were documented along the Algerian coast, with the majority belonging to the classes Holothuroidea and Ophiuroidea. The class Crinoidea, however, only counts three species: Antedon bifida moroccana, A. mediterranea, and Leptometra celtica. The majority of species (65.2%) have a distribution that spans the region of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Approximately 33% of species are potentially exclusive to the Mediterranean region, and only one species (1%) is found worldwide. Three echinoderms are now indexed as endangered or threatened in Barcelona’s Appendix II. Moreover, to provide a comprehensive understanding, this study compares the fauna of the Algerian coast with that of adjacent seas.

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Characteristic of the dried-up zone formed as a result of the breach of the Kahovka dam

Author(s): D. О. Dovhanenko,V. M. Yakovenko,V. V. Brygadyrenko,O. O. Boyko / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

The explosion at the Kahovka dam led to formation of new dried-up areas at the bottom of the Kahovka Reservoir, which have specific relief and mechanical composition of soil. Vegetation that has been forming in those dried-up areas for over one year now is already undergoing the first stages of succession and is characterized by high spatial non-uniformity. The study consisted of three main stages: analysis of dynamics of outflow from the reservoir and development of a scheme of hydrographic network at the site of the reservoir’s bed, analysis of soil cover, and analysis of formation of vegetative cover. We analyzed the possibility of combined use of the data of ground monitoring and remote sensing of the course and consequences of the drying. According to the reports of the Ukrainian Hydro-Meteorological Center of the State Service of Ukraine, a chronology of the emptying of the Kahovka Reservoir was created. The hydrological regime of the newly formed territory was identified using a series of satellite images. The dataset was compiled from Level-2 images from Landsat 8 and 9. Sentinel 2 was used as an additional resource. The images were processed using the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP). We found the effect which the debris of the Kahovka dam has had on the flood level in the area. We observed recovery of the streambed network of the Dnipro River to its state before construction of the Kahovka dam. The hydraulics of the formed floodplains is complex. There are streams with signs of yet uncompleted meandering and many arms. Clustering of spectral characteristics and interpretation of the normalized NDCI and NDWI indices revealed that the spatial non-homogenous structure of the soil cover of dried-up bed of the reservoir is formed by four types of soil: eutric relictigleyic fluvisols, eutric gleyic fluvisols, eutric fluvic gleysols, eutric fluvic subaquatic gleysols. The soils are characterized by diverse granulometric composition (sand, sandy loam, loam, and clay) and various degrees of soil moisture. In the reservoir’s bed, the commonest soils were found to be eutric gleyic fluvisols. We determined the effect of granulometric composition and soil moisture content on the intensity of overgrowth of the reservoir’s bed. We analyzed the general dynamics of the overgrowth of the reservoir’s bed.

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