Ontogenetic structure and seed productivity of Arnica montana L. in the Ukrainian Carpathians
Keywords:
Arnica montana L., ontogenetic structure, seed productivity, ecological factors, Ukrainian Carpathians, species conservationAbstract
The article examines the ontogenetic structure and seed productivity of Arnica montana L. in the natural conditions of the Ukrainian Carpathians, which are key aspects for understanding the dynamics of its populations and ecological adaptations. The main factors affecting population viability have been identified, including climatic conditions, altitudinal zonation, phytocenotic state, and the intensity of anthropogenic impact. An analysis of the spatial distribution and age structure of populations has been conducted, allowing for an assessment of the species' adaptive potential and its capacity for natural regeneration. The relationship between altitudinal zonation, plant community structure, and seed renewal indicators has been studied. The obtained data confirm that the presence of favorable environmental conditions is a determining factor in ensuring the successful regeneration of the species. It has been established that in the conditions of mid-mountain meadows and the subalpine zone, Arnica montana L. exhibits a higher level of seed productivity compared to high-mountain areas, where a gradual decline in potential seed productivity is observed due to ecological constraints. The phase development of Arnica montana L. individuals at different ontogenetic stages has been analyzed. A quantitative analysis of potential and actual seed productivity indicators, as well as seed regeneration levels in different ecological niches, has been conducted. A set of measures for the conservation of natural populations of Arnica montana L. in the region has been proposed. These measures include limiting livestock grazing, regulating recreational impact, prohibiting the collection of medicinal raw materials in natural habitats, and protecting key populations in protected areas. The possibility of creating artificial populations and restoring the species in areas of its historical distribution is also considered.
References
Leoni V., Borgonovo G., Giupponi L., Bassoli A., Pedrali D., Zuccolo M., Rodari A., & Giorgi, A. (2021). Comparing wild and cultivated Arnica montana L. from the Italian Alps to explore the possibility of sustainable production using local seeds. Sustainability, 13, 3382. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063382
Kimel K., Krauze-Baranowska M., Godlewska S., & Pobłocka-Olech L. (2020). HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS comparison of the chemical composition of flowers from two Arnica species grown in Poland. Herba Pol., 66, 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/hepo-2020-0008.
Kriplani P., Guarve K., & Baghael U.S. (2017). Arnica montana L.—а plant of healing: Review. J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 69, 925–945. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12724.
Sugier P., Sugier D., Sozinov O., Kołos A., Wołkowycki D., Plak A., & Budnyk O. (2019). Characteristics of plant communities, population features, and edaphic conditions of Arnica montana L. populations in pine forests of mid-eastern Europe. Acta Soc. Bot. Pol., 88, 3640. http://dx.doi.org/10.5586/asbp.3640.
Sugier P., Jakubowicz-Gil J., Sugier D., Kowalski R., Gawlik-Dziki U., Kołodziej B., & Dziki D. (2020). Chemical characteristics and anticancer activity of essential oil from Arnica montana L. rhizomes and roots. Molecules, 25, 1284. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061284.
Duthen S., Gadéa A., Trempat P., Boujedaini N., & Fabre N. (2022). Comparison of the phytochemical variation of non-volatile metabolites within mother tinctures of Arnica montana prepared from fresh and dried whole plant using UHPLC-HRMS fingerprinting and chemometric analysis. Molecules, 27, 2737. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092737.
Jakubowicz-Gil J., Ba˛dziul D., Langner E., Wertel I., Zajac A., & Rzeski, W. (2017). Temozolomide and sorafenib as programmed cell death inducers of human glioma cells. Pharmacol. Rep., 69, 779–787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharep.2017.03.008.
Pljevljakuši´c D., Ranˇci´c D., Risti´c M., Vujisi´c L., Radanovi´c D., & Daji´c-Stevanovi´c Z. (2012). Rhizome and root yield of the cultivated Arnica montana L.: Chemical composition and histochemical localization of essential oil. Ind. Crops Prod., 39, 177–189. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2012.02.030.
Flórez-Fernández N., Ferreira-Anta T., Torres M.D., & Domínguez H. (2021). Valorization of Arnica montana wastes after extraction of the ethanol tincture: Application in polymer-based matrices. Polymers, 13, 3121. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183121.
