Distribution Strategies of Vascular Plants at the Reclaimed Lands at the Saemangum Sea Dike

The distribution of plant communities in the reclaimed land of the southwestern coasts of South Korea, along with the environmental or plant factors, was studied through canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and the competitor (C), stress tolerator (S), and ruderal (R) (CSR) ecological strategies. The coastal reclaimed land plants were classified into three plant-factor groups in the CCA biplot diagram. Axis1 was correlated with LS, SLA, CH, and FS. Axis 2 was correlated with LDMC, FP, and LDW. The reclaimed landplants were classified into three soil-factor groups in the CCA biplot diagram. First, the group factor was correlated with SAND. Second, the group factor was distributed according to T-N and TOC. Third, the group factor was distributed according to Salinity content. To clarify the relative significance of competition, stress, and disturbance in the distribution process of plant communities, the CSR distribution model was adopted. Sixteen of the 19 species were allocated to the factors related to the ruderals strategies such as R/CR and CR including R/CSR, SR/CSR, and CR/CSR, and SC strategies. They displayed ruderal and competition adaptation strategies reflecting the ecological environment. Seven species showed R/CR (ruderal/competitor-ruderal) strategies; Aeschno meneindica, Chenopodium album var. centrorubrum, Lolium perenne, Lotus corniculatus var. japonicus, Phragmites communis, Portulaca oleracea, and Soncous brachyotus and 6 species showed CR (competitor-ruderal) strategies; Bidens frondosa, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echino chloaoryzicola, Erigeron canadensis, Fimbristy lislongispica and Setaria viridis. The three species with R-related strategies were Artemisia princeps, Lolium perenne, and Trifolium repens. The distribution patterns of the CCA diagrams and CSR triangles may provide a useful scientific basis for protecting and restoring reclaimed lands and their valuable ecosystem services, from the increasing disturbances.

The current status of the plant invasions in Belarus

This article provides a review of the current status of plant invasions in Belarus. As a result of this research into the alien flora between 2008 and 2020 a list of 52 invasive plant species that threaten biodiversity, human health, and economic has been compiled. About 300 taxa of non-native plants are currently classified as potentially invasive. The list of invasive plant species has been proposed in this article in accordance with trends in the invasive processes is the basis for the monitoring and management of plant invasions in Belarus. The preliminary data from the previous field seasons showed a significant increase in the population abundance and distribution of Swida alba, Rudbeckia laciniata and Artemisia abrotanum. Enrichment of the flora occurs due to the introduction of aggressive plants. Hybridization between native and alien plant species leads to the appearance of hybrids, which often have an invasive potential, and can invade not only disturbed habitats but also natural plant communities. The invasive properties, expansion, and aggressive behavior of these invasive plants of the alien flora of Belarus has led to significant, often irreversible, changes in the natural vegetation and vegetation cover. Invasive species such as Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea, Echynocystis lobata, Impatiens glandulifera are marked by rapid expansion over past decades, and Heracleum sosnowskyi, Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea, Echinocystis lobata, Impatiens parviflora, Acer negundo, Robinia pseudoacacia, Bidens frondosa, have invaded more recently.

BIDENS FRONDOSA (ASTERACEAE), A NEW ALIEN INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES IN THE KURGAN REGION (RUSSIA)

The annual weed Bidens frondosa L. (Asteraceae) has been registered for the first time in the Kurgan Region in 2020 during research on the riverine vegetation of the southwestern part of Western Siberia. This invasive species was found in ten locations along the Iset River banks in the Kurgan Region. We have postulated that the Sverdlovsk Region serves as a source for the B. frondosa invasion into the Kurgan Region along the River Iset. Despite a single short-term field survey, B. frondosa was found in several sites. In the Kurgan Region, this invasive species is characterized by low population density in all plots. Since B. frondosa populations are characterized by much higher density in other regions of European Russia, an increase in the number of locations and density of populations is expected in the Kurgan Region in the future.

Diversity and dynamics of hydrophilic flora of Lowland Polissya (on the example of the Sluch River basin)

Study and analysis of hydrophilic flora diversity are important parts of environmental research due to various functions of vascular macrophytes in freshwater ecosystems, which deteriorate under the influence of anthropogenic activity and climate change. The aim of this study is to analyze the hydrophilic flora diversity (taxa, biology, ecology, and conservation status of species) and current population trends in the Sluch River basin, the largest tributary of the Horyn River (the Pripyat River basin), within the Polissya Lowland in the northern-west region of Ukraine. The list of hydrophilic flora is based on materials of the authors’ field researches in 2014–2020 within the upper and middle parts of the river basin, herbarium materials, and archive data. The study shows that the natural flora consists at least of 105 species of vascular plants belonging to 66 genera, 36 families, and 22 orders. Structural analysis shows the predominance of a few families in the systematic structure of the flora (Cyperaceae, Potamogetonaceae, Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Plantaginaceae, and Typhaceae) and genera (Potamogeton, Carex); the dominant categories are hemicryptophytes and geophytes, entomophiles and anemophiles, heliophytes and hygrohelophytes. C- and S-strategists are dominant. This is the generally typical taxonomic and ecological structure of the hydrophilic flora of water bodies in the Pripyat River basin. The list of rare species includes 20 species from 15 genera and 12 families, for instance, species listed as vulnerable in The Red Book of Ukraine (Juncus bulbosus, Utricularia intermedia, Nymphoides peltata). Even rare and vulnerable species can form numerous populations in some localities, for example, Nymphoides peltata and Calla palustris. Five alien species were identified (Acorus calamus, Elodea canadensis, Zizania latifolia, Bidens frondosa, and Echinocystis lobata), some of which tend to expand and displace aboriginal species. In the future, it will be important to further study the structure and changes in the hydrophilic flora of the region under conditions of anthropogenic impact, to monitor the dynamics of populations of alien species, and to develop conservation measures for rare species and communities.

Floristic and phytocenotic diversity of waterlands of the Shatsk national natural park as a basis for monitoring its condition

The floral and phyto-assessment characteristics of wetlands are an important indicator for their monitoring. The territory of the Shatsky National Natural Park is a natural nucleus of the Polesia Ecology Corridor and a storing part of the All-European Environmental Network. The preservation of the unique wetland complexes of the park requires constant monitoring of the most significant indicators that reflect their condition. The purpose of the studies was to generalize and analyse the flora of the higher vascular plants and vegetation of the park, justifying their use as monitoring indicators. The authors' field research on flora and vegetation was carried out during 2006-2020 on the whole territory of Shatsk NNP. Sixteen test sites were laid for detailed studies. Based on research and analysis of literature sources, 318 species of upper vascular plants belonging to 6 classes and 74 families were found in the flora of the park’s wetlands. Among the numerous families are represented typical for the natural floodplains of the wetlands of the Shatsk Lake: Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, Lamiaceae, Potamogenaceae, Salicaaceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae. Species from «The Red Book of Ukraine» (Aldrovanda vesiculosa L., Betula humilis Schrank, Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soо, D. majalis (Rchb.) P.F. Hunt & Summerhayes, D. incarnata (L.) Soó, Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz, Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich., Carex chordorhiza Ehrh., Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl s.l..) and species subject to regional protection in Volyn region are represented in the flora at the investigated sites (for example, Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., Batrachium aquatile (L.) Dumort., Hypericum tetrapterum Fr., Sparganium natans L., Nymphaea candida С. Presl, Carex limosa L., C. paniculata L., C. flacca Schreb., Eriophorum gracile W.D.J. Koch, Potamogeton praelongus Wulf., P. obtusifolius Mertens & W.D.J. Koch., Rhynchospora alba (L.) Vahl, Drosera rotundifolia L., Senecio paludosus L., Ptarmica salicifolia (Besser) Serg.). The vegetation cover of the studied territory is naturally dominated by cenoses, primarily of marsh and forest vegetation types, in particular eutrophic sedge swamps, black alder, alder pine, and on hilltops - pine forests of blueberry green moss. Coastal-aquatic, aquatic and wetland groups of grasslands are well represented. In wetlands in studied areas, eutrophic swamps are primarily represented, which are dominated by grass, sometimes there are sparse forests. Among the forest groups, associations of alder, alder-birch and pine forests are well represented. In the elevated areas of relief, vegetation was formed with the participation of xerophytes, semixerophythics, submesophytes and mesophytes. In monitoring the status of the park’s wetlands at the population and species level, it is first necessary to monitor the development of the most rare species of flora from "The Red Book" and from the regional protection list. However, attention needs to be paid to population dynamics of adventive species, especially invasive species (Bidens frondosa L., Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et Gray, Impatiens parviflora DC., Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch., Acer negundo L., Quercus rubra L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., Prunus serotina Ehrh., Salix fragilis L., Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Oenothera biennis L., Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.). At the coenotic level, priority should be given to the development of wetland, coastal-aquatic and grassland (marsh and wet) groupings, which have limited spread in the region. In parallel, there is a need to control the growth of such groupings, which are highly competitive and capable of displacing less competitive groups. It is very important to link this dynamic with the changing abiotic conditions of ecotopes. Indicators for monitoring should be the dynamics of individual flora species and plant communities.

Findings to the flora of Russia and adjacent countries: New national and regional vascular plant records, 3

With this paper we continue a new annual series, the main purpose of which is to make significant floristic findings from Russia and neighboring countries more visible in Russia and abroad. In total, this paper presents new records for 38 vascular plant species from 7 Eurasian countries, obtained during field explorations, as well as during taxonomic revisions of herbarium materials. For the first time, new locality of Rochelia bungei is recorded for Europe and West Kazakhstan Region of Kazakhstan, Arnebia obovata for China and Kazakhstan, A. olgae for China, Ballota nigra for Kazakhstan and the Asian part of Russia, Potentilla chalchorum, P. tschimganica and P. doujonneana for Kyrgyzstan, Lappula heteracantha for Tajikistan, Hedysarum talassicum for Uzbekistan, Linaria grjunerae, Silene cserei for Siberia, Dianthus × courtoisii, Genista tinctoria, Verbascum phoeniceum for Eastern Siberia, Drosera × obovata, Pseudopodospermum strictum, Trollius austrosibiricus for the Altai Republic, Diarthron linifolium for the Republic of Buryatia, Dactylorhiza iberica, Epipactis condensata for the Republic of Daghestan, Platycladus orientalis for the Kabardino- Balkarian Republic, Diphasiastrum × zeilleri for the Republic of Mordovia, Typha latifolia for the Magadan Region, Senecio viscosus for the Novosibirsk Region, Solanum physalifolium for the Omsk Region, Echinops exaltatus for the Middle Volga, Lavandula angustifolia for the Samara Region, Galium affrenum for the Saratov Region, Bidens frondosa, Elatine triandra, Eleocharis klingei, Jacobaea grandidentata, Rhinanthus songaricus and Vicia megalotropis for the Tyumen Region, Bunias cochlearioides, Thalictrum ussuriense for the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, Isoëtes echinospora for the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, Potentilla × bishkekensis for Issyk-Kul and Osh Regions of Kyrgyzstan.

Bidens frondosa (beggarticks).

B. frondosa is a herbaceous annual native to North America. It has been introduced widely in Europe and to other parts of the world and is mostly found in temperate climates. The majority of introductions into new countries are intentional, due to the medicinal, herbal and decorative properties ascribed to the species. However, seeds can be accidentally dispersed into new areas as they can adhere firmly to animal fibres such as wool. In Europe B. frondosa has been reported to out compete and interbreed with native plant species in particular those of the same genus. B. frondosa is classified as an environmental weed in New Zealand.

Floristic findings in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic (Central Caucasus)

The article presents information on floristic findings in the Kabardino-Balkari Republic. As a result of expedition research in 2020-2021 and inventory studies in the Herbarium of the Tembotov Institute of Ecology of Mountain Territories RAS, we revealed nine species new to the Kabardino-Balkar Republic and new locations of ten vascular plants species. Species new to the region flora were Carex acuta, Genista angustifolia, Amorpha fruticosa, Ambrosia psilostachya, Mercurialis annua, Echinocystis lobata, Phlomis majkopensis, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Bidens frondosa. New locations of seven species were identified for the Balkarskiy floristic region. These were three native species (Carex flacca subsp. erythrostachys, C. songorica, Eriophorum latifolium) and four alien species (Oenothera biennis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Sigesbeckia orientalis, Bidens frondosa). Carex elongata, Genista angustifolia, Ambrosia psilostachya, Mercurialis annua, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Amaranthus albus and alien species Acer negundo were revealed for the Tsentralno-Elbrusskiy and Kabardinskiy floristic regions, respectively. We also found the alien species Amorpha fruticosa, Echinocystis lobata and rare steppe species Phlomis majkopensis, Glaucium corniculatum in the Tursko-Sunzhensky floristic region. We provided data on floristic findings indicating the coordinates of the locations, species habitat preferences, and distribution in the Caucasus according to earlier literary sources.

Biological pollution of the flora of Volyn’ Polissya in Ukraine by alien plants

This study aimed to analyse biological pollution of the native flora of Volyn’ Polissya in Ukraine by alien plant species. According to the research results, 364 alien plants belonging to 228 genera and 68 families were identified in the spontaneous flora of Volyn’ Polissya. The spectrum of the most species-rich families of the alien fraction of the region’s flora includes Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, Caryophyllaceae. As a result of the phytopollution, at least 16 families were included in the region’s flora. Four species currently in a stage of expansion were identified (Reynoutria japonica, Impatiens parviflora, Echinocystis lobata, Bidens frondosa). By origin, the species of the alien fraction of the region’s flora are dominated by the immigrants from the Mediterranean, Iranian-Turan and Atlantic-North American floristic regions. Over the past 30–50 years, at least 80 new species of alien plants have been introduced into the territory of Volyn’ Polissya. Over the past 5–7 years, the speed of the spread and naturalisation rate of species such as Quercus rubra, Asclepias syriaca, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Prunus cerasifera, Hippophae rhamnoides, Oenothera biennis has increased. These species intensively invade the native plant communities. Phytopollution of Volyn’ Polissya is promoted by the migration of alien species from agricultural lands and escaping from cultivation. This process is also facilitated by urbanisation and the development of transport infrastructure.