This study evaluates changes in the sensitivity of radial growth of Quercus robur to water balance, assessed using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), in stands located within the Supiy River valley (Kyiv Region, Ukraine) in relation to the dam destruction in 1941 and the subsequent construction of a drainage network in the floodplain. Two valley stands were investigated: Tashan Park (TAS), situated downstream of the former dam site, and Zgurivka Dendropark (ZGU), located upstream. Two extra-valley sites, Bykivnia Forest (BYK) and Feofaniya Park (FEO), were used as the regional reference (REF) sites. The study period was divided into two intervals: before hydrological alterations (1910–1940) and after the completion of major drainage works (1962–2015); 1941–1961 were excluded from the analysis. Statistical modeling revealed a pronounced shift in moisture sensitivity of Q. robur within the Supiy valley: at TAS, the previously negative relationship between growth and March SPEI3 became positive after 1961, while the positive relationship with July SPEI3 observed before 1941 shifted to negative. In contrast, ZGU exhibited only weak changes in sensitivity, and the regional reference chronology (REF) maintained a consistently positive response to SPEI throughout the study period. These findings indicate a localized shift in hydroclimatic controls on tree growth within the river valley, particularly downstream of the dam site. The complex interaction of hydrological alterations, water management practices, small-stream regulation, and ongoing climate change complicates the prediction of ecological consequences of dam destruction and drainage works without empirical evidence from comparable settings.
The article reports the first record of the corticioid fungus Fibricium rude in Ukraine. This is also the first report of the genus Fibricium in the country. A detailed description of morphological characters of the species based on the light microscopy examination is provided. The ecological characteristics and substrate preferences are analyzed, the worldwide distribution data is summarized. The macro- and microscopic characters of the fungus are illustrated.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are among the most frequently detected xenobiotics in the environment. Flumequine, a representative of this class, often reaches ecosystems through livestock, where its presence and persistence may harm living organisms. Fungal biotransformation is a promising alternative way to degrade or transform such xenobiotics. Therefore, our research aimed to evaluate the ability of five fungal strains from the IBK Mushroom Culture Collection to biotransform flumequine and to compare their metabolite profiles. Fungal cultures were incubated with flumequine under submerged conditions, and the transformation products were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The research has shown that all studied strains are capable of transforming flumequine. Biodegradation rates ranged from 87 to 90% within three days. Hydroxyflumequine was identified as the major metabolite for all investigated strains. Additionally, three other flumequine derivatives were determined: Bjerkandera adusta 2144 formed ethyl ester of flumequine; Coprinus comatus 2325 and 1687 produced methyl ester of flumequine; and Irpex lacteus 2437 formed methyl esters of flumequine and hydroxyflumequine. This is the first report on the ability of the humicolous saprotroph Coprinus comatus to transform flumequine. The obtained results highlight species-specific features of the biotransformation process and reveal the prospects of basidiomycetes as promising agents for fluoroquinolone antibiotic biotransformation.
Coenogonium (lichenized Ascomycota: Coenogoniaceae) was last treated in Aotearoa | New Zealand by Galloway (2007), who accepted nine species, with a further species subsequently described, bringing the total to 10 species. Since this treatment, mounting evidence has indicated that Coenogonium luteum (Dicks.) Kalb & Lücking may constitute a species complex in New Zealand collections, highlighting the need for a comprehensive taxonomic re-evaluation. Specimens of C. luteum were examined from multiple New Zealand herbaria, with a focus on those from Auckland War Memorial Museum (AK), University of Otago (OTA) and Unitec (UNITEC). The results of this indicated that collections of C. luteum sensu lato included multiple taxa. Here, we present a revised circumscription of C. luteum for New Zealand material, report two new records for Aotearoa, C. australiense Kantvilas & Lücking and C. pineti (Ach.) Lücking & Lumbsch, and describe two new species: C. hepatiphilum C.J. James sp. nov. and C. goniocystosum C.J. James sp. nov. For all five species, we provide morphological descriptions, ecological notes, distribution data, conservation assessments and a revised key to Coenogonium in Aotearoa. In addition, we synonymize C. pertenue (Stirt.) Kalb & Lücking with C. luteum and C. tomentosum Müll. Arg. with C. implexum Nyl.
Among the specific features of plants, the phenomenon of purple pigmentation of tissues in vegetative organs in some species at early stages of development deserves attention. One of such species is the purple dead-nettle Lamium purpureum, a common species of alien plants in the flora of Ukraine. The pigment composition of the tissues in vegetative organs of L. purpureum has not yet been clarified. In this regard, the pigment composition in tissues of various vegetative organs of L. purpureum at early stages of development was first studied using a set of spectral methodological approaches (non-destructive solid-phase spectrophotometry, absorption spectroscopy of extracts, identification of the chelating ability of pigments). The specificity of pigmentation of the lowermost floral leaves, uppermost stem leaves below the verticillaster, and the highest part of the stem under the inflorescence is associated with the localization of flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophylls in different ratios in the surface tissues. The purple color of tissues is due to the accumulation of anthocyanins, which are identified by the characteristic maximum in the reflectance spectra of tissues and the absorption spectra of extracts, colorimetric parameters, and chelating ability. The parameters of the differential reflectance spectra were determined as marker signs of the specific localization of anthocyanins in various plant tissues. The maximum accumulation of anthocyanins was registered in the surface tissues of floral leaves. The contrast in the perceived color was established by calculating the color difference between tissues. The proposed methodological approach can be used for identification of raw materials of the purple dead-nettle when obtaining biologically active preparations and non-destructive diagnostics of the pigment composition of plants.
This article presents the Microalgae Culture Collection of the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IBASU-A), which was established by Professor Nadiya P. Massjuk in 1960. Currently, it is the largest algal collection in Ukraine and has been designated as an Ukrainian National Heritage unit since 2013. The structure, history, and development of the collection are described. It maintains 500 strains representing 186 prokaryotic and eukaryotic species from 100 genera and 10 classes, including Cyanobacteria (32 species), Chlorophyta (125), Charophyta (23), Euglenophyta (2), and Heterokontophyta (6). The IBASU-A holdings include halophilic, freshwater, and terrestrial algae, as well as biotechnologically significant strains, rare taxa, authentic strains (ex-type cultures, etc.), and a unique collection of bacterial associates of algae. The primary mission of IBASU-A is the isolation, preservation, management, and supply of algal strains for academic research and biotechnology. Several strains of taxa belonging to the families Chlorellaceae, Scenedesmaceae, and Selenastraceae have been successfully employed in various applied projects, serving as test objects for assessing the toxicity and carcinogenicity of organic substances, as well as biological agents for industrial waste treatment and high-yield biomass producers for biofuel production. A feature of the IBASU-A collection is that, along with algae cultures, strains of bacteria accompanying microalgae in nature (bacterial consorts) are deposited there: 270 strains isolated from 45 xenic cultures of green algae.
The transformation of landscapes and changes in the hydrological regime of the Tisza River basin amid climate change have led to the decline or even local extinction of many hydro- and hygrophilous vascular plant species due to the destruction or deterioration of their habitats from the lowlands to the subalpine zone of the Eastern Carpathians. One of these species, Ranunculus lateriflorus (Buschia lateriflora), a rare species known only from five areas within southern and western Ukraine, was for a long time considered extinct from the territory of Zakarpattia (Transcarpathian) Region of Ukraine. We analysed the distribution pattern of the species based on our study of herbarium specimens deposited in public herbarium collections, supported with intensive field surveys in seasons of 2022–2025. The species is locally distributed between Uzhhorod, Chop, and Batovo and occupies field depressions with temporary water bodies where salts accumulate, and small saline marshes. We provide here a list of locations and their characteristics, as well as the species' response to the leading environmental factors. Based on our analysis of the collected data, we determined the conservation status of the species in Ukraine and, in accordance with the IUCN methodology, classified it as Endangered (EN). To preserve Ranunculus lateriflorus in our region, we consider it necessary to expand the area of the existing Prytysiansky Regional Landscape Park to include the identified locations.
A brief overview of the current state of expansion of Aegilops cylindrica in agrocenoses of grain crops (especially wheat) in Ukraine and the world is presented. Based on our analysis of available evidence and literature data, as well as our own observations in Ukraine, it is shown that these processes pose a real threat to food security, which is facilitated by several factors. Since representatives of the genus Aegilops are quite closely related to the genus Triticum (they belong to the same tribe, Triticeae, and were the donor of one of the subgenomes of hexaploid wheat), this causes a rather high similarity of plants of these genera, in particular Aegilops cylindrica and Triticum aestivum, in their ecological parameters and requirements, physiological processes and reactions, which significantly complicates weed control. Possible exchange of genetic material between the two species could lead to genetic erosion of wheat cultivars and the emergence of herbicide-resistant genetic lines of weeds, although the available evidence for this remains quite contradictory. The search for solutions of the problem should be based on an integrated approach considering and combining data, methods, and approaches from ecology, phytocoenology and phytosociology, physiology, and biochemistry, phylogenetics and genetics, as well as applied plant breeding and agricultural management.
The article provides new data on the records of Battarrea phalloides in Ukraine, a rare species of fungi listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. The fungus was recorded in the steppe area in Berezivka District (Odesa Region). A description of the new location is provided, as well as macro- and micromorphological features of the fruiting bodies found in this locality are given. Information on the distribution of B. phalloides in Ukraine (based on the literature sources and data from social networks) and in the world is summarized.
Pollen morphology of Petrosimonia brachiata, P. oppositifolia, and P. triandra (Salsoloideae, Chenopodiaceae s. str. / Amaranthaceae s. l.) of the flora of Ukraine was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. For Petrosimonia triandra, such data are provided here for the first time. The objective of the present study was to obtain data on pollen characteristics of these species and to assess the significance of characters for species-specific identification. Pollen grains in the studied species are pantoporate, spheroidal, circular in outline, slightly undulate or undulate on the edges; small- and medium-sized. Exine sculpture is nanoechinate, tectum is psilate-perforate. Pore membranes are nanoechinate. The exine structure (columellae) of pollen grains of all species was analyzed for the first time in the present study. Significance of pollen grain traits for the taxonomy and pollen analysis in paleopalynology is discussed. UPGMA dendrograms based on palynomorphological data support the differentiation of studied species. Pollen grains of P. triandra differ from those of P. brachiata and P. oppositifolia in their size, distances between pores and between pore centers, as well as the number of pores. Pollen grains in P. brachiata have larger size and number of pores, larger nanoechini, and shorter columellae than those in P. oppositifolia.
Subgenus Melanocrommyum of the genus Allium (Amaryllidaceae) comprises morphologically diverse and taxonomically complex species, many of which are endemic to Central Asia. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of five species, A. alaicum, A. altissimum, A. giganteum, A. isakulii, and A. karataviense, representing five distinct taxonomic sections. All plastomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure with conserved gene content. Genome sizes ranged from 151,960 to 152,725 bp. Codon usage showed bias toward AGA (Arg) and UUG (Leu), and a total of 79-90 SSRs and 423 long repeats were identified. Divergence hotspot regions included accD, ndhD, and rps4, while ycf2 was highly conserved but showed a high omega value, suggesting its possible adaptive evolution. Phylogenetic analysis based on protein-coding genes consistently resolved two major clades for the studied species, supporting the monophyly of the group and existing sectional classifications. This study provides valuable genomic data for Allium, highlights plastome evolution in Melanocrommyum, and identifies markers for future phylogenetic and evolutionary studies.
The paper presents the results of a study on the geographic distribution, habitats, and current state of populations in Ukraine of a rare species of the East European flora, Colchicum triphyllum (Colchicaceae). It was established that the northeastern boundary of the range of this species in Europe runs through Ukraine along the northern margin of the right-bank part of the Black Sea Lowland, coincides with the Dnipro River valley, and then continues along the boundary between the mainland and the Crimean Peninsula. Our analysis of the geographic distribution distinguished two fragments of the range within Ukraine. One fragment is confined to the Bessarabian Upland and the right-bank part of the Black Sea Lowland (Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions), while another is associated with the Crimean Peninsula and the adjacent sandy spits of the Azov Sea region (Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Kherson Region). Local populations of Colchicum triphyllum identified at new localities in Odesa Region along the coasts of the Hadzhibei, Kuyalnyk, and Tyligul estuaries occupy areas ranging from 300 m² to 15.000 m². Populations of Colchicum triphyllum are satisfactorily represented within protected natural areas of Crimea and southern mainland Ukraine; however, this does not guarantee their conservation, as a significant number of populations occur in temporarily occupied territories where environmental protection regulations are not being observed.
Typification of the elm species names Ulmus procera Salisb. and U. sativa Mill. is discussed. Both these names are lectotypified on illustrations (which seem to be the only extant original material for each name) published in Gerard's The Herball, or, Generall historie of plantes, i.e., respectively, "Ulmus vulgatissima folio lato scabro" and "Ulmus minor, folio an-gusto, scabro". The available molecular and morphological data indicate that the plants placed in U. procera are related to U. minor s. l., a Eurasian variable species that includes two currently recognized infraspecific taxa, i.e. subsp. minor and subsp. canescens. Supported by the present nomenclatural study, a coherent taxonomic choice is to consider U. procera as a subspecies of U. minor (not as a heterotypic synonym of U. minor subsp. minor, as recognized by various authors). Based on morphological observations, U. minor subsp. procera can be distinguished from the other two subspecies (subsp. minor and subsp. canescens) by the lower length/width ratio of the leaf blades (1.1-1.6 vs. 1.7-2.5 times longer than wide). Concerning Miller's U. sativa, its leaves features match those of U. minor subsp. minor, and the two names are here synonymized.
Forest ecosystems in Ukraine experience severe degradation due to military operations during the ruscist invasion, particularly as a result of the construction of military fortifications. This study provides an analysis of the floristic composition, patterns of vegetation change, and correlation between the ecological factor indicators for plant communities in 20 dead-end trenches for armored military vehicles (ten in pine forests and ten in oak forests). In terms of floristic composition, the trench pit communities in pine forests demonstrated the highest similarity to control forest plots, whereas in oak forests the trench berm communities most closely resembled the control plots. Overall, the communities formed in disturbed forest areas (pits and typically banked earth on the lips of the trenches between each other in both forests) were also relatively similar to one another. In the third year after disturbance, apophytization was found to prevail over adventization, indicating a positive trend in vegetation recovery. A synphytoindication analysis revealed that the communities developing on trench mounds in both forest types were more similar to each other in most ecological parameters than to those of their respective undisturbed forest plots, confirming the large-scale transformation of natural ecosystems. The damaged forest ecosystems will require extended periods of recovery to return to their original state.
Fulvifomes siamensis was initially described from Thailand and has been reported from several parts of Southeast Asia. In the present study, basidiomata of F. siamensis were collected during macrofungal surveys conducted in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, India. The specimens were found growing on Peltophorum pterocarpum. Identification was based on detailed macro- and micromorphological characters, as well as molecular phylogenetic analyses using the nrITS and nrLSU gene regions. The Indian collections were confirmed to be conspecific with F. siamensis. This study presents the first report of F. siamensis from India, supported by comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, nrITS–nrLSU-based phylogenetic analysis, and comparisons with closely related taxa.
Three new combinations are proposed in two genera of Poaceae following the recent phylogenetic data: Cenchrus beckeroides (Leeke) Olshanskyi, comb. nov., Cenchrus exiguus (Mez) Olshanskyi, comb. nov., and Cenchrus ledermannii (Mez) Olshanskyi, comb. nov. Two replacement names are validated: Cenchrus hochstetteri Olshanskyi, nom. nov. (= Pennisetum humile Hochst. ex A. Rich), honoring Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter, a German botanist, and Elymus ×irynae Olshanskyi, Shiyan & Antonenko, nom. nov. (= Elymus ×karakabinicus (Kotukhov) Olshanskyi, nom. illeg., ×Elymotrigia altaica Kotukhov), honoring Iryna Korotchenko, a Ukrainian botanist and conservationist.
Dichloroanilines are actively used in the synthesis of drugs and pesticides; however, these compounds have been found to exhibit toxic activity. This study aimed to investigate the ability of the mycelium of Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma tsugae, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Schizophyllum commune to biotransform two compounds of dichloroanilines under controlled conditions. The results indicate that the biodegradation rates of the studied compounds ranged from 83.95% to 99.85%. The highest percentage was recorded for G. tsugae 2566, whereas the lowest percentage was observed for both studied strains of S. commune. Five metabolites were identified during the biotransformation of 3,5-dichloroaniline: 3,5-dichloronitrobenzene, 3,5-dichloroacetanilide, 3,5-dichlorophenol, 2-amino-4,6-dichlorophenol, and 4-amino-2,6-dichlorophenol. Three of these metabolites were found for the first time after biotransformation of the studied compounds by fungal mycelium. This is the first report on 4-amino-3,5-dichlorophenol obtained as a result of biotransformation of 2,6-dichloroaniline by fungal mycelium.
This article reports an addition to the flora of the Republic of Moldova — Salvia revelata, Pontic sage, a recently described Pontic steppe subendemic species, which previously has been confused with the similar vicariant S. austriaca, Austrian sage. The fieldwork during the flowering seasons of 2023–2025 has revealed 12 locations where the species occurs in the Republic of Moldova. Locally, the flowering individuals have been recorded from the first third of May until the second decade of June, but regional data from neighboring countries demonstrate that multiannual weather variability within the current climate change conditions can expand this timespan. The typical habitats of this species are rich steppe areas, but several individuals have also been found in natural or artificial clearings of thermophilous downy oak forests. During the study, main threats for conservation of S. revelata were identified, especially large-scale agriculture, overgrazing, pasture abandonment, invasive shrubs, and population isolation by habitat fragmentation. Also, several direct actions, such as halting afforestation (particularly with allochthonous species), rehabilitating grasslands, and promoting sustainable grazing, have been recommended to protect Pontic sage and other steppe subendemics within the Republic of Moldova.
The review highlights the main trends in the use of achievements in plant physiology in breeding and the contribution of scientists from the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the NAS of Ukraine to solving the problems of increasing plant productivity and stress resistance. In particular, as a result of many years of research into the genotypic features of morphology and functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of a wide range of wheat varieties at the levels from chloroplast to agrocenosis, a number of physiological and morphological traits have been identified, which are recommended for use as phenotypic markers in the selection of this most important agricultural crop for productivity and drought resistance. A number of studies of the physiological and biochemical characteristics of genetically modified wheat plants with an increased proline content both under normal conditions and under the influence of drought were also conducted. A conclusion was made about the prospects of their involvement in breeding programs to increase resistance to abiotic stress factors. A wide range of highly effective strains of nodule bacteria, complementary to a number of leading legume crops, were selected, including using transposon mutagenesis. New technologies for their use in inoculums were developed, taking into account the genetic characteristics of the crop, which contribute to the maximum realization of the productivity potential of the legume-rhizobial symbiosis and protect against the negative effects of biotic and abiotic stress factors. Technologies for the use of mixtures of specially selected strains of associative and free-living nitrogen-fixing microorganisms to intensify the cultivation of various wheat varieties were also developed. It is known that in order to fully reveal the genetic potential of modern agricultural crops, it is necessary to develop new or significantly improve existing technologies for their cultivation and take care of protection against diseases, pests and weeds. Such technologies have been developed to increase the efficiency of nitrogen use by modern high-intensity wheat varieties. The use of tank mixtures for foliar feeding of plants together with protective agents and growth regulators has been scientifically substantiated and implemented in practice, which has a significant economic effect. Thus, plant physiologists and geneticists of the Institute closely cooperate both in fundamental scientific research and for the benefit of the agricultural sector of Ukraine and strengthening its food security.
The original material of Poa pseudoconcinna is evaluated, and LW00213479 described and is designated as the lectotype. The lectotype material appears to be indistinct from P. bulbosa s. str. The taxonomic disposition of P. pseudoconcinna sensu auct., considered to be a diploid race, subspecies, or variety of P. bulbosa, is evaluated, including its relationships to P. delicatula, P. carniolica, P. jordanovii, and P. perconcinna. Chromosome count data for P. bulbosa and related diploids are summarized, and diploid vouchers are noted. Diploid counts for P. bulbosa are doubted. Evidence suggests Nygren’s counts for P. concinna (≡ P. perconcinna) belong to P. molinerii. Lectotypes are also designated for the names P. alpina var. multiflora, P. concinna, P. bulbosa var. colorata, P. concinna var. carniolica, along with an epitype, and P. timoleontis. Poa badensis subsp. molinerii comb. nov. is validated.
