Tulipa gesneriana

VITALITY DYNAMICS OF TULIPA GESNERIANA L. (LILIACEAE, LILIOPSIDA) POPULATIONS IN THE LOWER VOLGA REGION AND ADJACENT TERRITORIES

The vitality of 38 Tulipa gesneriana populations in the Lower Volga region and adjacent territories was monitored during four agricultural seasons (2013 - 2016). A significant variability of this parameter, correlated with certain geographical trends, is shown within the territory surveyed. Two population clusters were revealed, differing by oppositely directed responses to external factors. A similar variability character was also obtained from ordination of the studied cenopopulations using the average values of morphological traits by means of the principal component analysis.

SOME FEATURES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY OF TULIPA GESNERIANA L. (LILIACEAE, LILIOPSIDA)

The vitality of 31 natural populations of Tulipa gesneriana is based on our field surveys conducted in several parts of European Russia in 2013 - 2015. Basic factors affecting the population vitality were revealed by analysis of 14 morphological parameters of T. gesneriana. Cattle grazing have turned out to be the most essential factor. The effect of other negative factors is much lower. Overall, the mixed stress-tolerant and ruderal ecologically-cenotic strategy is characteristic of the species studied.