ON THE PROBLEM OF SPATIAL DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE AND ONTOGENESIS OF HALOCNEMUM STROBILACEUM [(PALL.) BIEB.] IN THE REPUBLIC OF KALMYKIA

Abstract

The aim of research is to study coenopopulations of Halocnemum strobilaceum on soft salt marshes of the lake "Cagan USN" (Yashkul district, Republic of Kalmykia).Materials and methods. The article presents data on the ontogeny, demographic and spatial structure of H. strobilaceum for practical and theoretical use due to the degradation of pastures and secondary salinity in the water reclamation. Research on coenopopulations of Halocnemum has been carried out according to the methods of studying spatial and demographic structure of the plant phytocenoses (1950), plant collection and herbarization (1977), and making sites of 3x3 meters.Results. Research has allowed us to identify 6 age phases of H. strobilaceum: p, im, v, g1, g2-g3, svg, s, and the ontogenetic state: p - 5%, im - 5%, v - 5%, g1 - 35 %, g2-g3 - 35%, svg - 5%, s - 10%. During the research of coenopopulations of Halocnemum strobilaceum we have revealed the polyvariance ontomorphogenesis phenomenon, which is manifested in the transition of individuals from senile (s) age condition, in particular, to senile-virginal-generative (svg). In addition, at this stage, we have observed new shoots, habitually similar to vegetative, able to bloom the following year (the state svg). The analysis of ontogenesis of individuals of Halocnemum strobilaceum has showed the predominance of young (g1) and middle-aged (g2-g3) generative phase.Conclusion. Thus, a temporary rejuvenation of Halocnemum strobilaceum communities at the lake of "Cagan USN" is considered by us as the occurrence of certain adaptations to the effects of different natural and anthropogenic factors. This ability of Halocnemum strobilaceum to quickly restore spatial demographic structure of its coenopopulations indicates the high ecological and biological potential of this kind of dominant on the soft salt marshes.

Keywords

• halocnemum strobilaceum
• adaptation
• coenopopulation
• ontogeny
• polyvariety
• habituality
• soft salt marshes
• lake cagan usn
• secondary salinization