scholarly journals Comparison of commonly used ecological scales with the Belgard Plant Ecomorph System

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-291
Author(s):  
B. Baranovski ◽  
N. Roschina ◽  
L. Karmyzova ◽  
I. Ivanko

There are several ecological scales developed both for phytoindication of ecological factors and plant ecomorphs. Among them, the scales of Ellenberg and Tsyganov are the most commonly used. L. G. Ramensky and P. S. Pogrebnyak had developed a phytoindication method; they also were founders of first ecological scale of plant species in relation to various environmental factors. One of first ecomorph systems was developed by Alexander Lyutsianovich Belgard. In 1947, Belgard presented a tabular ecomorph system in his doctoral dissertation, and later in monograph “Forest vegetation of the South-East of Ukraine”. In the system he used abbreviated Latin names applying terminology proposed in the late 19th century by Dekandol, Warmin and other authors. He considered ecomorphs as adaptations of plants to environmental conditions in forests of the steppe zone of Ukraine where forest cenoses are exposed to processes of steppization, prairification, swamping, salinization, and thus clarification of relationships between forest, meadow, steppe, marsh and weed plant species was essential. Therefore, development and introduction of cenomorph terms as “adaptation of plant species to phytocenosis as a whole” were an absolutely new contribution to the concept of ecomorph system. In environmental factor scales of Ellenberg and other authors, environment characteristics based on phytoindication were underlined; in the Belgard Plant Ecomorph System, ecomorphs reflect ability of plant species to grow within certain ranges of a given factor. These approaches are quite comparable, and ecomorphs of the Belgard system correspond to certain grades of the Ellenberg and Tsyganov scales. The Belgard ecomorph system has been applied in a number of fundamental and applied works on plant ecology and phytocenology. It is convenient for characterizing ecological features of plant species growing in the steppe zone with a wide range of environment factors such as lighting, humidity, and soil richness. Other authors have expanded and supplemented the Belgard Plant Ecomorph System based on its strategy. A number of ecomorphs was introduced; they reflect intermediate or extreme gradations of factors. A new cenomorph – silvomargoant – has been proposed by the authors of this paper.

2021 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-58
Author(s):  
G. N. Buzuk ◽  

Despite intensive development of instrumental methods of environmental factors analysis for plant communities their assessment with ecological scales still remains important. The main advantage of ecological scales is their ability to reflect generalized and average characteristics of ecological regimes due to significant inertia in response of plant communities composition to the change of certain characteristics of the environment. The main ways of calculation while using ecological scales are the medium-sized method and the ideal indicator method (of linear regression) including modified algorithm of calculating the level of edaphic and climatic factors of the environment with amplitude ecological scales. The aim of this work was to improve further the method for assessing the level of ecological factors (ecological space) in plant communities. For calculations and visualization of the results obtained we used Excel and our own programs written in the Matlab media. The basis of the method is finding the factor averagely weighed for the level calculated by the traditional way and by the method of the ideal indicator. It is proposed to set the weight of factors in both methods of calculation both explicitly and depending on the ecological index reflecting correspondence (adequacy) of the plant community composition to the level of ecological factors prevailing in the habitat. They can also be calculated by linear or non-linear dependencies relative to the middle of amplitude ecological scale. The conclusion is that it is possible to predict the content of secondary metabolites in plants based on assessing the level of ecological factors for plant communities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Venera Nuritdinovna Suleimanova ◽  
Tatyana Leonidovna Egoshina

In connection with the anthropogenic load on the natural habitats of many medicinal plant species, it is relevant to assess the ecological conditions of growth in order to study the relationships between species and plant communities. The paper presents the analysis of ecological features of some species of the Lily of the valley family (Convallariaceae) in the Kirov Region. To identify the ecological-phytocoenotic association of the studied species in forest communities of the Kirov Region, 45 coenotic populations (CP) of Convallaria majalis , 10 CP of Polygonatum odoratum and 20 CP of Majanthemum bifolium were studied. When analyzing the ecological conditions of the species habitats, H. Ellenberg ecological scales were used. Geobotanical descriptions of plant communities were carried out according to generally accepted methods. It has been established that the amplitudes of the ecological spaces of the studied species in the Kirov Region practically do not fit into most ranges of ecological niches calculated on the basis of H. Ellenberg scales. The species have a wide range of adaptability to the studied environmental factors. All studied species are distributed on medium-moist soils (5th level of H. Ellenberg scale). The authors have shown that the studied species are similar in environmental factors such as moisture and soil richness with nitrogen. Convallaria majalis and Polygonatum odoratum - photophilous species, Majanthemum bifolium - shade-tolerant species are distinguished with respect to illumination. In the grass-shrub layer of the studied habitats of the species, 7 rare, small, narrowly araic species are listed in the Red Book of the Kirov Region ( Pulsatilia flavescens (Zuccar.) Juz., Potentilla humifusa Willd. ex Schlecht., Centaurea sumensis Kalen., Koeleria glauca (Spreng.) DC., Eryngium planum L., Geranium sanguineum L., Carex bohemica Schreb.). And 4 species that need constant monitoring and observation in the region (Annex 2) - Campanula perscifolia L., Pulsatilia patens (L.) Mill., Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich., Iris sibirica L.).


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 273-289
Author(s):  
Svitlana O. Rakhmetovа ◽  
Olena M. Vergun ◽  
Maksym I. Kulyk ◽  
Rostislav Y. Blume ◽  
Oleksandr P. Bondarchuk ◽  
...  

Background: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a promising C4-photosynthetising perennial grass and an important energy crop. It is resistant to drought, cold and winter frost, endures flooding and shows high performance at minimal energy consumption for cultivation. Methods: The purpose of the work was to develop and introduce high-yielding genotypes of switchgrass and develop effective cultivation technologies for the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. The objective of the study was to evaluate the introduction potential of switchgrass, to establish biologically productive parameters and energy values of different genotypes and the effectiveness of cultivation techniques in the specific geo-climatic zone of Ukraine. To achieve the objectives, a wide range of introductory, biological-morphological, breeding-biotechnological, and agronomic methods have been used. Results: The gene pool of P. virgatum was collected (33 accessions), ten of which have been investigated, including both introduced genotypes and newly developed breeding lines. The bio-morphological, ecological features, the biochemical composition of plants have been evaluated. The productivity of the above-ground biomass and seeds, as well as the energy value of plants, has been evaluated. High-performance forms with specified yield parameters, biomass sugars, total energy and biofuel output per unit area have been determined. Conclusion: A new variety of P. virgatum (cv. Zoriane) has been introduced for cultivation. Among the accessions of newly developed genotypes, the most productive lines have been identified. New efficient technologies have been developed to increase the yield potential of switchgrass as a source of raw materials for biofuel production.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. Baranovski

Nowadays, bioecological characteristics of species are the basis for flora and vegetation studying on the different levels. Bioecological characteristics of species is required in process of flora studying on the different levels such as biotopes or phytocenoses, floras of particular areas (floras of ecologically homogeneous habitats), and floras of certain territories. Ramensky scale is the one of first detailed ecological scales on plant species ordination in relation to various environmental factors; it developed in 1938 (Ramensky, 1971). A little later (1941), Pogrebnyak’s scale of forest stands was proposed. Ellenberg’s system developed in 1950 (Ellenberg, 1979) and Tsyganov’s system (Tsyganov, 1975) are best known as the systems of ecological scales on vascular plant species; these systems represent of habitat detection by ecotopic ecomorphs of plant species (phytoindication). Basically, the system proposed by Alexander Lyutsianovich Belgard was the one of first system of plant species that identiified ectomorphs in relation to environmental factors. As early as 1950, Belgard developed the tabulated system of ecomorphs using the Latin ecomorphs abbreviation; he also used the terminology proposed in the late 19th century by Dekandol (1956) and Warming (1903), as well as terminology of other authors. The article analyzes the features of Belgard’s system of ecomorphs on vascular plants. It has certain significance and advantages over other systems of ecomorphs. The use of abbreviated Latin names of ecomorphs in tabular form enables the use shortened form of ones. In the working scheme of Belgard’s system of ecomorphs relation of species to environmental factors are represented in the abbreviated Latin alphabetic version (Belgard, 1950). Combined into table, the ecomorphic analysis of plant species within association (ecological certification of species), biotope or area site (water area) gives an explicit pattern on ecological structure of flora within surveyed community, biotope or landscape, and on environmental conditions. Development and application by Belgrard the cenomorphs as «species’ adaptation to phytocenosis as a whole» were completely new in the development of systems of ecomorphs and, in this connection, different coenomorphs were distinguished. Like any concept, the system of ecomorphs by Belgard has the possibility and necessity to be developed and added. Long-time researches and analysis of literature sources allow to propose a new coenomorph in the context of Belgard’s system of ecomorphs development: silvomargoant (species of forest margin, from the Latin words margo – edge, boundary (Dvoretsky, 1976), margo – margin, ad margins silvarum – along the deciduous forest margins). As an example of ecomorphic characterization of species according to the system of ecomorphs by Belgard (when the abbreviated Latin ecomorph names are used in tabular form and the proposed cenomorph is used), it was given the part of the table on vascular plants ecomorphs in the National Nature Park «Orelsky» (Baranovsky et al). The Belgard’s system of ecomorphs is particularly convenient and can be successfully applied to data processing in the ecological analysis of the flora on wide areas with significant species richness, and the proposed ecomorph will be another necessary element in the Belgard’s system of ecomorphs. 


2006 ◽  
pp. 43-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. N. Lysenko ◽  
I. A. Korotchenko

Changes in the set of syntaxa have been traced for the plant cover of the «Mikhaylovskaya Tselina» meadow-steppe (an isolated part of the Ukrainian Steppe Nature Reserve, Sumy Region, Ukraine) with the help of the Braun-Blanquet approach. The area vegetation syntaxa prodromus includes 2 classes, 2 rders, 3 alliances, 9 associations, and 6 subasso­ciations, 2 of the latter described anew. The plant cover is highly dynamic and undergoes expressed meso­phytization, especially within the area where strict protection has been maintained since 1961. Amplitudes of the principal ecological factors and also peculiarities of their shift under exogenic regulation are determined with the help of the method of synecological phyto­indication (i. e. not single species but total species sets of communities serve as indicators). The essential transformations of the reserve meadow steppes are probably caused by the «insular» character of the reserve, its small size, also by the poorness of the set of natural grazers and hence the inadequacy of regulation by means of mowing.


2019 ◽  
pp. 3-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Kipriyanova ◽  
M. A. Kleshchev

Information on the aquatic and semiaquatic vegetation of the major watercourses of West Siberia is relatively scarce, while this of small rivers is practically absent. There are 430 rivers whose length exceeds 10 km within the Novosibirsk Region. The aim of our work was to study the phytocenotic diversity of their aquatic and semiaquatic vegetation. 130 geobotanical relevés were performed by the authors in July–August 2003–2005. The object was aquatic communities formed by true aquatic (submergent and floating-leaved) plants and semiaquatic ones with emergent plants and these of water′s edge. In total 10 watercourses were studied (Table 1): 2–3 in each of five geomorphologic regions within the forest-steppe zone (Table 2). The upper, middle and lower courses (Fig. 1, Table 1) with the length of 2–2.5 km were studied in each case to ensure the 4–5 repetition of main elements (stream pools and ridges) that would give a reliable information on their flora and vegetation. The sample plots were selected above the settlements, whenever possible in sites with no to intensive anthropogenic impact. The data were collected according to J. Braun-Blanquet (1964) approach. The relevés were done on the sample plot of 100 m2 placed in the most homogeneous part of the community or, in case of its smaller area, within the natural boundaries. The following scale was used for abundance estimation: r — the species is extremely rare; + — rare, small cover; 1 — the number of individuals is large, the cover is small or individuals are sparse, but the cover is large; 2 —cover of 5–25 %; 3 — 26–50 %; 4 — 51–75 %; 5 — more than 75 %. The date on water depth, transparency (on a white Secchi disk with a diameter of 30 cm), temperature and the flow rate were obtained. The soil mechanical composition and color, the degree and nature of anthropogenic impact on vegetation and river banks were quantified. Water samples for general chemical analysis were taken in the middle course of each river. Computer programs TURBOVEG and MEGATAB (Hennekens, 1996) were used for database. The syntaxonomic affiliation of phytocenoses was determined using modern literature (Bobrov, Chemeris, 2006; Vegetace..., 2011; Chepinoga, 2015; Landucci et al. 2015; Mucina et al., 2016, etc.). 36 associations and 3 communities belonging to 12 alliances, 9 orders, and 5 classes have been identified (Tables 3–14, Fig. 2–9). Such great syntaxonomic diversity is determined by the significant ecotopic variety, the variability of substrates, the wide range of water flow rates and the different water trophicity. For comparison, 26 associations, 13 variants, 2 communities were identified in the study of 50 rivers of Lithuania (Sinkyavichene, 1992); altogether 84 associations are known for the Upper Volga region as a whole (Bob­rov, Chemeris, 2006), while 45 ones were recorded previously in 130 watercourses of this region (Bobrov, 1999). Information on small river macroalgae cenoses in the study area is partially reflected in the paper published earlier (Bobrov et al., 2005).


Author(s):  
Cristián Raziel Delgado-González ◽  
Alfredo Madariaga-Navarrete ◽  
José Miguel Fernández-Cortés ◽  
Margarita Islas-Pelcastre ◽  
Goldie Oza ◽  
...  

Potable and good-quality drinking water availability is a serious global concern, since several pollution sources significantly contribute to low water quality. Amongst these pollution sources, several are releasing an array of hazardous agents into various environmental and water matrices. Unfortunately, there are not very many ecologically friendly systems available to treat the contaminated environment exclusively. Consequently, heavy metal water contamination leads to many diseases in humans, such as cardiopulmonary diseases and cytotoxicity, among others. To solve this problem, there are a plethora of emerging technologies that play an important role in defining treatment strategies. Phytoremediation, the usage of plants to remove contaminants, is a technology that has been widely used to remediate pollution in soils, with particular reference to toxic elements. Thus, hydroponic systems coupled with bioremediation for the removal of water contaminants have shown great relevance. In this review, we addressed several studies that support the development of phytoremediation systems in water. We cover the importance of applied science and environmental engineering to generate sustainable strategies to improve water quality. In this context, the phytoremediation capabilities of different plant species and possible obstacles that phytoremediation systems may encounter are discussed with suitable examples by comparing different mechanistic processes. According to the presented data, there are a wide range of plant species with water phytoremediation potential that need to be studied from a multidisciplinary perspective to make water phytoremediation a viable method.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1769
Author(s):  
María Noelia Jiménez ◽  
Gianluigi Bacchetta ◽  
Francisco Bruno Navarro ◽  
Mauro Casti ◽  
Emilia Fernández-Ondoño

The use of plant species to stabilize and accumulate trace elements in contaminated soils is considered of great usefulness given the difficulty of decontaminating large areas subjected to mining for long periods. In this work, the bioaccumulation of trace elements is studied by relating the concentrations in leaves and roots of three plants of Mediterranean distribution (Dittrichia viscosa, Cistus salviifolius, Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. cupanii) with the concentrations of trace elements in contaminated and uncontaminated soils. Furthermore, in the case of D. viscosa, to know the concentration of each element by biomass, the pool of trace elements was determined both in the aerial part and in the roots. The bioaccumulation factor was not high enough in any of the species studied to be considered as phytoextractors. However, species like the ones studied in this work that live on soils with a wide range of concentration of trace elements and that develop a considerable biomass could be considered for stabilization of contaminated soils. The plant species studied in this work are good candidates for gentle-remediation options in the polluted Mediterranean.


Author(s):  
Qing-Mao Zeng ◽  
Tong-Lin Zhu ◽  
Xue-Ying Zhuang ◽  
Ming-Xuan Zheng

Leaf is one of the most important organs of plant. Leaf contour or outline, usually a closed curve, is a fundamental morphological feature of leaf in botanical research. In this paper, a novel shape descriptor based on periodic wavelet series and leaf contour is presented, which we name as Periodic Wavelet Descriptor (PWD). The PWD of a leaf actually expresses the leaf contour in a vector form. Consequently, the PWD of a leaf has a wide range in practical applications, such as leaf modeling, plant species identification and classification, etc. In this work, the plant species identification and the leaf contour reconstruction, as two practical applications, are discussed to elaborate how to employ the PWD of a plant leaf in botanical research.


2009 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey S. Dukes ◽  
Jennifer Pontius ◽  
David Orwig ◽  
Jeffrey R. Garnas ◽  
Vikki L. Rodgers ◽  
...  

Climate models project that by 2100, the northeastern US and eastern Canada will warm by approximately 3–5 °C, with increased winter precipitation. These changes will affect trees directly and also indirectly through effects on “nuisance” species, such as insect pests, pathogens, and invasive plants. We review how basic ecological principles can be used to predict nuisance species’ responses to climate change and how this is likely to impact northeastern forests. We then examine in detail the potential responses of two pest species (hemlock woolly adelgid ( Adelges tsugae Annand) and forest tent caterpillar ( Malacosoma disstria Hubner)), two pathogens (armillaria root rot ( Armillaria spp.) and beech bark disease ( Cryptococcus fagisuga Lind. + Neonectria spp.)), and two invasive plant species (glossy buckthorn ( Frangula alnus Mill.) and oriental bittersweet ( Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.)). Several of these species are likely to have stronger or more widespread effects on forest composition and structure under the projected climate. However, uncertainty pervades our predictions because we lack adequate data on the species and because some species depend on complex, incompletely understood, unstable relationships. While targeted research will increase our confidence in making predictions, some uncertainty will always persist. Therefore, we encourage policies that allow for this uncertainty by considering a wide range of possible scenarios.


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