Population Structure of Pyrola chlorantha (Family Ericaceae) at the Southern Range Margin (Samara Region, Russia)

Abstract

The population structure of endangered species is one of the main criteria for assessing their state in their habitats. Representatives of the Ericaceae family are sensitive to environmental changes, including anthropogenic pressure; thus, they are considered the indicator species in assessing phytocenose stability. The population structure and density of the threatened species green-flowered wintergreen, Pyrola chlorantha Sw., have been described at the southern range margin (south-east of the European part of Russia, Samara Region). The observations were performed here in 2006–2021, and the main parameters of the age and spatial structure of P. chlorantha populations were revealed for the first time. Green-flowered wintergreen populations were studied at monitoring study sites and at temporarily established study plots. A bush part (ramet) was set as a counting unit. In total, 27 sub-populations were surveyed, with 1520 individuals registered. The age structure of populations was characterized using common demographic indicators: the recovery index and the population age index. The age structure of the population was associated with the efficiency of both vegetative and seed reproduction. Generally, the share of pre-generative individuals was 32.3%, generative, 66.9%, and senile, 1.8%. The studied populations were stable due to low anthropogenic impact at the growth sites.

Population Status of a Regionally Endangered Plant, Lunaria rediviva (Brassicaceae), near the Eastern Border of Its Range

“…In plant populations, the ontogenetic structure is often stable for one species (e.g., Pyrola chlorantha [43], Dracocephalum fruticulosum [44]) over a certain study period, with…”

“…In plant populations, the ontogenetic structure is often stable for one species (e.g., Pyrola chlorantha [ 43 ], Dracocephalum fruticulosum [ 44 ]) over a certain study period, with some fluctuations. Under unfavourable conditions, the ontogenetic structure of some perennial plants can be changed (e.g., orchids [ 40 ], Pulsatilla vernalis , see [ 45 ]).…”

Status and potential of forests self-regeneration in the Middle Volga region under pyrogenic load

“…Researches of vegetation cover and assessment of its current status in the Middle Volga region (southeastern European Russia) have made it possible to highlight natural fires as a limiting factor causing changes in the structure and functional organization of phytocenoses (Rodin, 1981;Sheglova, 2013;Ilyina et al, 2019). The issue of conservation of steppe and pine forests is the most critical in connection with emerging fires in the region.…”