Biodiversity Journal, 2021,12 (2): 361–368 https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2021.12.2.361.368

Assessment of cenopopulations of some economically impor- tant species of the L. ( ) genus di- stributed in Azerbaijan

Zulfiya Jalal gizi Mammadova

Baku State University, 23 Z.Khalilov st., AZ 1148, Baku-Azerbaijan; e-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT The age structure of the ontogenesis of cenopopulations of the valuable fodder - Astra- galus glycyphyllys L., A. falcatus Lam., A. kubensis Grossh. and A. aduncus Willd. - was de- termined with assessment and the dynamics of development and viability were revealed. A large number of generative individuals were observed during the study of age spectra. The spe- cies studied during this period were eagerly eaten by cattle. Scientific and practical importance in terms of analyzing the species composition of phytocenoses, increasing the fodder base in Azerbaijan, improving summer and winter pastures, nitrogen enrichment of arable lands, live- stock development in agriculture, as well as their use in various industries of studied species have been determined at the level of cenopopulation.

KEY WORDS Astragalus; dynamics; ontogenesis; phytocenosis; population

Received 11.02.2021; accepted 09.04.2021; published online 28.05.2021

INTRODUCTION tributed in Azerbaijan are annual, perennial, semi- shrub, bush and shrub-like individuals according to Legumes - the world’s second-largest economy their life forms, and perennial grasses are predomi- after cereals - always played an important role in nat among them (Asgarov, 2016; Ganbarov, 2016; animal feed rations. Intensive grazing, anthro- Hajiyev et al., 1996). These legumes have great sci- pogenic influence and ecological imbalances are the entific and practical importance, especially in the de- main factors of degradation of meadows and pas- velopment of livestock in agriculture, the creation tures to varying areas, and as result have led areals of an abundant fodder base, the improvement of of legume species (Etzold et al., 2015; Ibadul- summer and winter pastures, the enrichment of layeva, 2011; Mammadova, 2016). The economic arable lands with nitrogen. The Astragalus genus, importance of the Astragalus glycyphyllys L., A.fal- which ranks first in terms of the number of legumes catus Lam., A.kubensis Grossh. and A.aduncus species in Azerbaijan also includes a lot of en- Willd. species on cenopopulations (CP) level has demisms (Asgarov, 2016; Mammadova, 2011; Red been identified. Book of Azerbaijan Republic, 2013). More than 140 of the 2,000 known species of the The main goal of research to conduct phyto- Astragalus L. genus (Fabales Fabaceae) grows in the cenological studies in the populations of some arid climate of the Earth are widespread in Azerbai- members of the forage crops genus distinguished jan. The representatives of the Astragalus genus dis- by economically important representatives. 362 ZULFIYA JALAL GIZI MAMMADOVA

MATERIAL AND METHODS Astragalus falcatus species is a main structural element of the studied groups, and plays an impor- Astragalus glycyphyllys, A.falcatus, A.kubensis tant role in the formation of meadow, mountain xe- and A.aduncus species of Astragalus genus dis- rophytes and steppe vegetation types as have been tributed in the flora of Azerbaijan are objects of re- shown studies of cenopopulations of the genus. So, search. The research was conducted in 2017–2020 the age and vital features of A. falcatus species in various botanical and geographical regions of under analyzing of species composition of phyto- Azerbaijan. cenoses have major importance. Methods developed by T.A.Rabotnov, A.A.Ura- Analyzing the species composition of phyto- nov, and their schools were used in the assessment cenoses have been shown each species consists of of species cenopopulations (Ilina, 2017; Rabotnov, many individuals that differ in age and vital char- 1969; Semenova et al., 2016; Uranov, 1975). The acteristics in the cenosis. The ecological optimum most commonly accepted geobotanical methods of a species depends on the availability of favorable (Field geobotany, 1959–1976; senopopula- conditions for its height and development as tions, 1977; Semenova et al., 2016; Uzun et al., known. The direct influence of environmental fac- 2019), methods of life forms determination (As- tors on plant ecosystems has also been known to de- garov, 2016; Cherepanov, 1995; Flora of Azerbai- pend on age conditions. jan, 1950–1961; Ganbarov, 2016; Gasimzade, The spring and autumn seedlings of A. falcatus 2015), as well as many methods for systematic tax- species studied under natural conditions differed onomy of rare and endangered species (Asgarov, from each other. Thus, autumn seedlings grow very 2016; Ganbarov, 2016; Hajiyev, 1996; Red Book of slowly. It depends also on the climatic conditions of Azerbaijan Republic, 2013) have been used in the observed regions. Spring seedlings are preferred geobotanical and floristics research. during the development period, as these seedlings are an indicator of the viability of the species and of great importance for cenopopulation as the variabil- RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ity of cenopopulation depends on their number (Mammadova, 2016; 2017). Sprout, juvenile, immature, young generative, The length of the juvenile age is also related to middle-aged generative, elderly generative, senile the environmental conditions in which the species and subsenil age conditions were identified as eco- grows as shown in studies. The presence of juvenile nomically important representatives of the legume individuals in the cenopopulation indicates the sur- genus - Astragalus falcatus, A. glycyphyllus, A. vival rate of young plants in the cenosis. The struc- kubensis and A. aduncus species. Detailed data on ture of the ontogenesis of the cenopopulation of A. the research on the structure and development dy- falcatus has been shown in Table 1. namics of the ontogenesis of cenopopulations of A. The development of juvenile individuals of the falcatus and A. glycyphyllus species (within the A. falcatus species is normal as can be seen from Azerbaijan Republic) have been shown in the Table 1. Juvenile individuals of the A. falcatus paper. species are well developed, consisting of 1–2 Astragalus falcatus is a perennial herbaceous leaves. No juvenile individuals were found in the plant with a strong straight stem, 40–90 cm tall. The sample sites in Gakh (I CP) and Dashkasan (III CP) upper part of the trunk is slightly furrowed, covered districts in 2019, and in Sharur (II CP) districts of with dense hairs and weakly branched. The leaves Azerbaijan in 2017 during the study years. are 9–18 pairs, 6–15 cm long, covered by sparse Individuals in immature age were characterized hairs from below. The inflorescence is longer than by short leaves and the formation of new vegetative the leaves and covered by particularly dense hairs shoots during the study. The formation of caudex after flowering. The elongated brush is 8–12 cm was characteristic of immature individuals, with a long, very flowery. The fruits are curved, linear-ob- shaft root system that did not develop additional long, 14–25 mm long, sickle-shaped. It flowers in roots. An immature individual consisting of 4–5 May–June and bears fruit in August (Asgarov, leaves by 3–4 cm has developed above the soil sur- 2016; Flora of Azerbaijan, 1950–1961). face reaching 0.6–0.7 cm. Assessment of cenopopulations of some economically important species of the Astragalus in Azerbaijan 363

Vegetative shoots began to develop at the vir- Cenopopulation studies of Astragalus glycy- ginal age, the size of the shoots reached 5 cm, and phyllus were conducted within 3 formation groups. the number of leaves reached 7–9 cm. The diameter Ontogez age conditions were monitored in 2017– of the caudex was about 0.2 cm. The maximum de- 2019 (Table 3). At first, the bioecological features velopment of vegetative shoots was observed in the of the species and its field of use were studied. state of virginal age I CP in 2018. Abundance in phytocenoses was estimated at 1–2 Generative browse and buds developed at a points. young generative age, the length of generative Cenopopulations developed normally in the II browse varied from 10 to 18 cm, and the length of CP and III CP formation groups as can be seen from leaves from 0.6 to 1.3 cm. In some cases, flowering Table 3. Virginal individuals have been routinely is observed even at this age. The process of fertil- monitored within populations, indicating that the ization and reproduction occurs in middle-aged and species is also vegetatively regenerating. As a re- elderly generative age conditions. The develop- sult, the low incidence (2–5) of senile individuals ment of generative individuals was lower than in I in the studied populations reflects the development and II CP in the Alchemileta-Amorietum-Anthyl- of the Astragalus glycyphyllus species. However, lisosum formation group (III CP). Thus, the maxi- no juvenile individuals were found in the I CP for- mum number of generative (g1+g2+g3) individuals mation group in 2018, and the number of generative in I CP was equal to 38 in 2018, 28 in II CP in individuals was also low (g1+g2+g3=14). This 2019, and 25 in III CP in 2019 and 2020. This is means that the area of A. glycyphyllus distribution the main sign of a gradual decline in the rate of will be reduced in the future. cenosis. The reason was unsystematic grazing in The high development of individuals of A. gly- the area. cyphyllus species was in the Thymetum-Astragalo- Physiological processes are already weakened sum formation group (II CP). The number of in the conditions of subsenil and senile age. It individuals of ontogeny in this formation group was should be noted sub-senile and senile wet condi- 169 during three years (2017–2018). This is due to tions, the surface of plant organs shrinks as shown the favorable climatic conditions in the area where by result of the analysis of biometric signs during the species is widespread. the study. Most mature individuals were found in Age and efficiency indices were calculated the I CP in 2019 (ss + s = 9) during a drought. based on the results of the research (Table 4). The Transient and mature cenopopulations types cenopopulation type was the mature type (Δ-ω= were observed during the assessment of cenopopu- 0.33–0.64) only in the Caraganetum formation lations of Astragalus falcatus (Table 2). group (I CP) in the Goygol districts of Azerbaijan. The mature type in CP II in 2018 (Δ-ω= 0.47– This is due to the same amount of immature and vir- 0.71) and in CP III in 2020 (Δ-ω=0.46–0.73) in oth- ginal individuals (17.3%) and in other populations ers were transitional on the basis of age and it was transitional. efficiency as can be seen from Table 2. Astragalus glycyphyllus species fits in the threat Astragalus glycyphyllus is a perennial herba- category of the sensitive species (VU) based on di- ceous plant up to 1 m tall. The trunks are erect or rect observations (Aa), calculation of the abundance elongated, the surface is furrowed and covered with index according to the observations (Ab), reduction scattered hairs. The leaves are 5–20 cm long, con- of the encounter distance in the distribution area sisting of 5–6 (4–8) pairs of leaves, the upper part (Ac), reduction of the distribution area according to is bare, and the lower parts, especially the outer the geographical range (B2). Therefore, constant parts of the veins are hairy. The foliage is free. Clus- control over the species in the area is advisable. ters of many flowers are elongated elliptical, about The dynamics of development of cenopopula- 3–10 cm long. The inflorescences are bizarre, the tions of Astragalus glycyphyllys, A. falcatus, A. edges are ciliated. The cup is densely white-haired kubensis and A. aduncus of Astragalus genus or glabrous, the edges are serrated. The pulses are species has also been studied. Astragalus falcatus 3–4 cm long, linear or sickle-shaped. It flowers and in the study areas was a full member of legumes bears fruit mainly in May–June (Asgarov, 2016; and cereals populations. Therefore, population re- Flora of Azerbaijan, 1950–1961). covery was at the expense of individuals. The max- 364 ZULFIYA JALAL GIZI MAMMADOVA

Table 1. Structure of the ontogenesis of the cenopopulation of Astragalus falcatus Lam. species.

Table 2. Assessment of cenopopulations of Astragalus falcatus species; j: juvenil; im: immature; v: verginile; g: generative; ss: subsenil; s: senil; Ir: restiration index; Irp: replaceability index; Δ: age index; ω: efficiency index. Assessment of cenopopulations of some economically important species of the Astragalus in Azerbaijan 365

Table 3. The structure of the ontogenesis of the cenopopulation in which the Astragalus glycyphyllus species is widespread.

Table 4. Assessment of cenopopulations of Astragalus glycyphyllus species; j: juvenil; im: immature; v: verginile; g: generative; ss: subsenil; s: senil; Ir: restiration index; Irp: replaceability index; Δ: age index; ω: efficiency index. 366 ZULFIYA JALAL GIZI MAMMADOVA

imum recovery index (Ir=0.40) followed in the Al- Republic and as well as the valuable fodder plant chemileta-Amorietum-Anthyllisosum formation group Astragalus aduncus species were also studied dur- (III CP) in 2019, and the minimum recovery index ing the research. The development of many vege- (Ir=0.21) in the Trifolietum-Nardosum formation tative and generative shoots in the studied species group (I CP) in 2018. Monitoring of the minimum increases the growth rate of the species population recovery intensity is associated with low develop- in the pasture, in general, was found. Therefore, ment of vegetative individuals (im + v = 13.6%). grazing does not adversely affect the condition of This, of course, leads to low species development the cenopopulation. But as a result of intensive in the future in the cenosis. Therefore, the organi- grazing, generative shoots are destroyed. The zation of systematic grazing in the area is recom- number of seeds is sharply reduced and the mended. seedlings are trampled. Change in the population wave was observed, As a result, it has a negative impact on the de- which was due to the fragmentation of the age spec- velopment of cenopopulation. Weather conditions trum during the study. The generative period is are also an environmental factor with a greater im- longer because the pre-generative and post-genera- pact on the number of seedlings. Seedlings are a rel- tive periods are dynamic according to the rate of de- atively variable part of the cenopopulation, the velopment of cenopopulation (Fig. 1). composition and structure of the future cenosis de- The size of the organs decreases as a result of pend on them. The durability of seedlings varies de- the arid climate as we move from North to South. pending on the type of cenosis and the structure of The highest density of A. falcatus species in the the relief. studied populations was in the Trifolietum-Nardo- Each of these legumes can be used as a fodder sum D = 1.22 formation group (I CP) in 2018 (50 plant after seeding to preserve its reserves. Preven- 2 m of sample area). The recovery index was Ir = tion of their extinction and destruction by collect- 0.39 despite the high density. This is due to the ing seeds and increasing the number of farms is weakening of development as a result of increasing also possible. Astragalus aduncus is eagerly eaten density. both in wet and in dry grass forms. The introduc- The dynamics of cenopopulations of the A. gly- tion of this species in the lowlands of Azerbaijan cyphyllus L. was observed in 3 different plant types. and its use in livestock is promising. This species The population wave changed more in subsequent is a valuable fodder plant and can be obtained with years as a result of an increase in subsenil individ- high grass yields if grown in winter pastures. uals in 2019 (11.8%) in the Thymetum kotschyanus- Therefore, grazing is recommended in the post- Astragalosum falcatus formation group (CP II) generative age. It should be noted that high grass (Fig. 2). Although the lack of favorable plant con- yield can be obtained if the plant grows in winter ditions has led to a further decline in the number of pastures. Collecting the seeds of the plant from generative individuals, other populations have been arid regions and sowing them in semi-desert win- normal. ter pastures in Autumn is recommended for this The maximum recovery index (Ir=0.69) was purpose. observed in 2019 in the Caraganeta-Pistacetum- As a recommendation to the farm, it can be Juniperusosum formation group (CP III). Re- noted that large-scale cultivation of studied at the versible changes were observed in this cenopulation levels protected, rare and endangered cenopopulation. The succession of individuals dur- legume-plants (Astragalus glycyphyllys, A. falcatus, ing development is cyclical. The highest density A. kubensis, A. aduncus), which are included in the was D = 1.36 in 2019 in the Thymetum “Red Book” of Azerbaijan will significantly im- kotschyanus-Astragalosum falcatus association (II prove the fodder base of the country. At the same CP). This is due to the fact that the climatic condi- time, as honey-producing plants they can be used tions are optimal for plant growth. in the development of beekeeping, as they are Assessment and development dynamics of drought-resistant plants, and also can be widely cenopopulations of the Astragalus cubensis used in the restoration of fodder reserves in desert species - a rare and endangered genus of beans - areas, nitrogen enrichment of the soil, and against was included in the Red Book of the Azerbaijan erosion. Assessment of cenopopulations of some economically important species of the Astragalus in Azerbaijan 367

Figure 1. Development dynamics of the Astragalus falcatus Lam. species in different plant groups in the years 2017–2020.

Figure 2. Development dynamics of Astragalus glycyphyllus L. species in different plant groups for 2017–2020.

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