SHRUBS AS AN ELEMENT OF THE PARK ENVIRONMENT

Ornamental shrubs are one of the elements of the formation of the park environment and an integral part of urban landscaping. The paper presents the results of studying the species diversity of shrubs in park plantations in the city of Voronezh. The range includes more than 30 species, decorative forms and varieties of plants. Deciduous species are predominant, while coniferous species account for not much more than 10 %. Deciduous shrubs growing in the parks of the city of Voronezh belong to 14 families. Among them, there are beautiful flowering and decorative deciduous species, as well as plants with attractive fruits. Coniferous species belong to two families-pine and cypress. The cypress family is characterized by the greatest species (form, variety) diversity. The most popular types and varieties of coniferous trees are Western thuja "Smaragd", Western thuja "Danika", Cossack juniper, Cossack juniper"Tamariscifolia". The main types of shrub plantings in park stands are hedges and row plantings. The most common hedges are made of brilliant dogwood and Wanguttaspirea. Less often, groups and tapeworms are used in park plantings. The analysis of the geographical origin of shrubs showed that the largest number of species are introduced − their participation is more than 90%, the share of local species is less than 10%.

Assessment of the ecological and biological features of the development of shrub introduced species in the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region

In the course of research, the authors analyzed the results of the introduction of shrub plants of different taxonomic groups in the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region. Most of the representatives of the collections under consideration (a collection of deciduous shrubs, a collection of ornamental shrubs, a collection of coniferous shrubs) showed significant adaptive capabilities in the conditions of the region under consideration. Recommendations on the possibility of using introduced shrubs in green urban construction are given, and species and forms that are not suitable for this purpose are identified. The authors have developed a methodology for assessing the results of introduction tests of shrub plants using the example of the Central Black Earth Region, which can be used in other regions of the Russian Federation and countries of the world to conduct similar tests. This technique is quite simple, but it allows you to create a complete picture of the adaptive capabilities of introduced species, since is based on basic indicators of plant vitality (drought resistance, winter hardiness, average annual growth, observation of flowering and seed production).

Genus Viburnum: Therapeutic Potentialities and Agro-Food-Pharma Applications

The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus, which includes more than 230 species of evergreen, semievergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Although frequently used as an ornament, the Viburnum species show biological properties with health-promoting effects. Fruits, flowers, and barks of certain species are used for pharmaceutical purposes or as cooking ingredients, hence containing biochemical compounds with health-promoting activity such are carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. However, its taxonomical determination is difficult, due to its wide distribution and frequent hybridizations; therefore, an objective classification would allow us to understand its biological activity based on its phytochemical components. More than sixty phytochemical compounds have been reported, where vibsanin-type diterpenes and their derivatives are the most prevalent. Leaves and twigs of V. dilatatum contain the largest number of phytochemicals among the genus. Through preclinical evidence, this study provides insight regarding antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities of genus Viburnum.

Site-specific responses of fungal and bacterial abundances to experimental warming in litter and soil across arctic and alpine tundra

Vegetation change of the Arctic tundra due to global warming is a well-known process, but the implication for the belowground microbial communities, key in nutrient cycling and decomposition, is poorly understood. We characterized the fungal and bacterial abundances in litter and soil layers across 16 warming experimental sites at 12 circumpolar locations. We investigated the relationship between microbial abundances and nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) isotopic signatures, indicating shifts in microbial processes with warming. Microbial abundances were 2-3 orders of magnitudes larger in litter than in soil. Local, site-dependent responses of microbial abundances were variable, and no general effect of warming was detected. The only generalizable trend across sites was a dependence between the warming response-ratios and C:N ratio in controls, highlighting a legacy of the vegetation on the microbial response to warming. We detected a positive effect of warming on the litter mass and δ15N, which was linked to bacterial abundance under warmed conditions. This effect was stronger in experimental sites dominated by deciduous shrubs, suggesting an altered bacterial N-cycling with increased temperatures, mediated by the vegetation, and with possible consequences on ecosystem feedbacks to climate change.

The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and clinical effects with elemental contents of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Peel Extraction: A Review

Background: Pomegranate belongs to the family of Punicaceae. It has deciduous shrubs. Pomegranate is generally cultivated in Afghanistan, China, Iran, India, Pakistan, USA. Objective: This study aimed to review the pomegranate peels for exploring their importance in the field of health. Results: This review showed that Pomegranate is used as food and plays a vital role in the medicinal field. Because pomegranate fruit and its peel extraction contain various compounds like antioxidants, phenolic Acid, Flavonoids, Tannins etc., that have been found very effective in the health field. Due to the presence of antioxidants and other active compounds, pomegranates' peel is imperative for the betterment of human health. Besides, various medicines such as antidiarrheal medicine may be prepared from the peel extract of Pomegranate. Peel extract can act against various microbes such as Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, S. aureus etc. The pomegranate strip and root remove have been accounted for in creatures to diminish blood glucose activity. Conclusion: It concludes that further research is needed to explore the hidden characteristics of pomegranate peel.

Effects of a Short-Term Trampling Experiment on Alpine Vegetation in the Tatras, Slovakia

Over the past decades, outdoor recreation in mountains has become progressively more important and as a result human induced potential damage has increased. Alpine communities are particularly susceptible to human recreational activities, such as tourist trampling. Although there are a number of studies that explicitly assess the effects of trampling on alpine communities, they do not reflect on terrains with a rich topography and the presence of more communities in very small areas. In this study, effects of short-term trampling on some alpine communities in the Tatras, the highest mountains of the Carpathians, were studied experimentally. Vulnerability to disturbance was compared among plant communities in terms of resistance and resilience, which are based on cover measurements. With proximity to trampling intensity, we found a significant decrease in plant cover and abundance of deciduous shrubs, lichens, and mosses. These results demonstrate that human trampling in alpine communities has major negative impacts on lichen and moss abundance and species richness. A short-term trampling experiment required several years of community regeneration. Therefore, management plans should discourage hiking activity off paths and restrict recreational activities.

Study on Urban Landscape Green Space -- A Case Study of Longquanshan Park

Studying on Qinglongshan Forest Park in Wuhan by typical plot method, 15 typical plots in the park were investigated, and the species richness index, diversity index, evenness index, frequency and important value index were calculated. The results showed that there were 139 species of woody plants belonging to 46 families and 97 genera, including 41 species of evergreen trees, 32 species of deciduous trees, 62 species of evergreen shrubs, 25 species of deciduous shrubs, and 4 species of bamboo belonging to 1 family, 3 genera. Species richness index and Simpson diversity index were all expressed as tree layer > shrub layer, evergreen species > deciduous species. Pielou evenness was tree layer > shrub layer. This study can provide some reference for understanding the existing plant status of forest parks, carrying out science popularization, scientific research, protection and improvement of forest landscape quality.

Vegetative Propagation of Deciduous Rhododendrons using Root Stimulating Agents

The genus Rhododendron L. is the largest in the heather family Ericaceae DC. Rhododendrons are decorative evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs that have gained great popularity in green building, ornamental gardening and breeding. Among all groups of rhododendrons, deciduous are the most promising for cultivation in Central Russia due to their high winter hardiness, unpretentiousness and exceptional decorative effect. The article presents the results of experiments carried out at the GBS RAS in 2017-2020 on vegetative propagation of 50 species and varieties of deciduous rhododendrons. Vegetative propagation of deciduous rhododendrons is a rather laborious long process. Cutting deciduous rhododendrons has its own nuances and is considered problematic. In this regard, the selection of optimal conditions for the propagation of rhododendrons, which can enrich the cultural flora of the North-West, central Russia, the Urals and Siberia, was the main goal of this work.

ORNAMENTAL ARBOREAL PLANTS IN SETTLEMENTS OF THE SOUTH-EASTERN CRIMEA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF MALORECHENSKOYE AND RYBACHYE SETTLEMENTS)

The results of research of green areas in localities Malorechenskoye and Rybachye (South-Eastern Crimea) are presented. Large-scale landscaping of the studied territory was carried out in the 60-80-ies of the XX century. Modern structure of green spaces is typical for coastal settlements – basically, these are parks of recreational complexes, with high concentration of diversity of trees and shrubs species. A historical park (the oldest one) in the South-Eastern Crimea (late 50s – early 60s of the XIXth century) is also located in Malorechenskoye. The researches made taxonomic, botanical-geographical and biomorphological analysis of dendroflora. The frequency of occurrence of species, the condition of plants, as well as the degree of their drought and frost were assessed. The studied dendroflora includes 106 species belonging to 75 genera from 43 families. The species diversity of trees and shrubs in Rybachye is higher than in Malorechenskoye (89 and 67, respectively). At the same time, 13 species are widely distributed in both settlements, the most numerous of which is Cupressus sempervirens. It was revealed that species of the Mediterranean floristic region predominate (31.1 %), and representatives of native Crimean flora take a significant place (34.9 %). The leading position in the biomorphological structure of the dendroflora belongs to deciduous trees (25.5 %), followed by deciduous and evergreen deciduous shrubs (19.8 % each), and coniferous trees (17.0 %). The species diversity of deciduous shrubs and coniferous trees is significantly higher in Rybachye than in Malorechenskoye. Most plants are adapted to local climatic conditions: 57.5 % of species are not damaged by drought, the rest suffer from it in different degrees; 78.3% of species are frost-resistant, others are periodically damaged by low temperatures and need better protected from frost and cold winds planting sites. The absolute majority of species (95.3 %) are in good condition. Plants Aesculus hippocastanum, Buxus balearica, B. sempervirens, Euonimus japonica are more or less affected by pests and diseases. Special attention should be paid to the preserve the historical park in Malorechenskoye and to give it a protected status.

ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS IN RYBACHYE SETTLEMENT (SOUTH-EASTERN CRIMEA)

The results of studying the ornamental trees and shrubs in green areas of Rybachye settlement (South-Eastern Crimea) are presented. A taxonomic, biomorphological, botanical and geographical analysis of dendroflora was carried out, the frequency of species occurrence was given, and the state of plants was evaluated. Dendroflora includes 89 species belonging to 68 genera of 41 families. The best represented families are: Rosaceae (16 species), Cupressaceae and Pinaceae – 8 species each, Caprifoliaceae and Oleaceae – 5 species each. The other families include 1–3 species. The following trees and shrubs are widespread in Rybachye: Cupressus sempervirens, Hibiscus syriacus, Jasminum nudiflorum, Mahonia aquifolium, Prunus laurocerasus, Pyracantha coccinea, Rosmarinus officinalis, Viburnum tinus. Most of the species (29.2 %) come from the Mediterranean floristic region. Significant number of species (38.2 %) of natural flora of the peninsular used in cultural phytocenoses indicates that the Crimean flora has a large potential of ornamental woody plants for landscaping, taking into account their good adaptation to local soil and climatic conditions. Deciduous trees prevail in species diversity (25.8 %) in green areas of Rybachy. Deciduous shrubs (20.2%), coniferous trees (19.1%), evergreen deciduous shrubs (18.0%) grow there in practically equal percentages. They play an important ecological and aesthetic role in creating favorable comfortable environment for the settlement. The state of almost all examined trees and shrubs is good: they are quite tolerant to summer drought and periodically repeated low winter temperatures. Most of them are located on the territories of recreational complexes and, therefore, get the necessary care. The microclimate of the region makes it possible to grow some heat-loving crops here for decorative purposes (not on an industrial scale). The existing assortment of trees and shrubs can be used as a basic one.