Phytocenotic characteristics and assessment of the state of the Elymus repens (L.) Gould (Poaceae) coenopopulation in the Southwestern Tien Shan

Abstract

Four coenopopulations of Elymus repens L. Gould were studied in different ecological and coenotic conditions in the mountains of the Southwestern Tien Shan. It was revealed that under anthropogenic load (grazing) the ontogenetic spectrum changes and becomes bimodal. In undisturbed phytocenoses, a left-sided ontogenetic spectrum is observed. The density of individuals in the studied cenopopulations varied from 14.9 to 9.45 ind./m2, and the ecological density was 29.8-11.81 ind./m2. According to the “delta-omega” classification, the cenopopulations of Elymus repens CP 1,4 are maturing, CP 3 and 4 are young. Existing cenopopulations are mainly located in unprotected areas. The only solution to preserve cenopopulations can be strict protection of cenopopulations.