Ontogenetic Structure of Coenopopulations of Tulipa kaufmanniana Regel (Liliaceae) in Uzbekistan
Аннотация
Wild tulip species of the Western Tien-Shan have attracted attention of scientists and people, loving the beauties of nature, from the immemorial. The article discusses the current state of Tulipa kaufmanniana Regel coenopopulations located in the Uzbek part of the Western Tien Shan (Uzbekistan). Tulipa kaufmanniana has a wider altitudinal spread. It is found in the upper sub-mountain regions as far as the upland on all ranges of the western Tien-Shan. It shows unique polymorphism in nature. This species is endemic to the western Tien Shan. The studies were carried out on the Chatkal, Ugam, Kurama ridges of the Western Tien Shan. During 2021-2023 years, the current state of 8 coenopopulations (CP) was assessed on the basis of organismal and population characteristics. The age structure of the species was studied with division into 5 stages (juvenile, immature, virginal, generative, and senile). According to the demographic indicators of coenopopulations, the density per 1 m<sup>2</sup> was 0.85–16.65 individuals, and the ecological density was 2.12–18.07. Classification of age groups and their effectiveness according to A. A. Uranov and O. S. Smirnova (1969) shows that the types of coenopopulations are transient (CP 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) and mature (CP 2, 7). It blooms from the end of March through the beginning of May, and bears fruit in June-July. Limiting factors: picking of flowers and economic use of territory. Measures of protection: protected in the Chatkal and Ugam-Chatkal state biosphere reserves and the Ugam-Chatkal national park. It is necessary to control the state of populations, to forbid picking of flowers, and to search for ornamental forms and their reproduction in cultivation. Wild tulips differ from cultured varieties by resistance to diseases as well as drought and frost-tolerance. However, our love of tulips is unable to prevent reduction of size and area of tulip population which decrease rapidly every year. The results obtained are used to monitor and preserve rare plants.