Journal of Native and Alien Plant Studies

Plant Diversity and Useful Ecosystem Services of the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan

Rahmatullah Qureshi — 2025-12-12

Aims. The studies were undertaken to analyse useful ecosystem services of the Cholistan Desert, one of the largest deserts in Pakistan, and the impacts of anthropogenic activities on them, and to prioritize such services based on people’s perspectives. Methods. The Cholistan Desert also referred to as Rohi in the local dialect, is located in the southern part of Punjab Province in eastern Pakistan. Key informants and the local inhabitants were interviewed to obtain the basic data. Five different sites were selected for determining desert rangeland ecosystem services. A total of 150 questionnaires were circulated for recording the data on desert ecosystem services. Results. There is overexploitation of the flora/vegetation and wildlife useful resources in the Cholistan desert ecosystem, while its land resources are vulnerable due to the scarcity of water. This study recorded 141 plants distributed across 105 genera and 43 families, which are being used by the desert inhabitants to fulfill their various needs. It turned out that agro-pastoral plays a vital role in the growth of the local economy, and it accounts for more than half of the total agricultural income and shares 10.6% of the national gross domestic product of Pakistan. The most popular domesticated animal is the goat. In addition, locals breed donkeys, sheep, and camels. The local communities are utilizing wild plant resources to meet their food requirements. 21 species that are used as fruit, of which 16 are wild fruits. Thirty species were consumed as a vegetable, and for cooking food. The Cholistan locals are well-versed in the use of natural flora as the primary source of medicines. They have identified 87 plant species as having medicinal properties, which were used to cure 69 different illnesses and diseases. Conclusions. An analysis of plant diversity and useful ecosystem services in the Cholistan Desert demonstrates that nearly 150 species are utilized as fruits, vegetables, and food preparation, as well as a common source of medicine for treating various ailments and somatic diseases. In the Cholistan Desert, the harsh climate of high temperatures and intense drought hinders agricultural productivity. To mitigate the negative impacts of these problems, it is ISSN: 2707-3114 Journal of Native and Alien Plant Studies 21, 2025 necessary to screen and evaluate genetic resources of indigenous plants, as well as native and also alien drought- and salt-tolerant crops that can grow under conditions of lower water demand.

Fatty acid composition and nutritional value of purple-leaved hazelnut genotypes under forest-steppe conditions in Ukraine

Vasyl Halinskyi — 2025-12-12

Aims. The aim of the study was to determine the fatty acid profile of three genotypes of purple-leaved hazelnut of Ukrainian breeding, grown in the forest- steppe conditions of Ukraine. Methods. Hazelnut oil fatty acids were analysed by gas–liquid chromatography after modified Folch extraction with HCl/methanol transesterification and Sorbsil clean-up. Results. The fatty acid profile in the studied hazelnut genotypes was dominated by monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which constituted 80.63% of the total lipids. The most common fatty acid was oleic acid, which accounted for 61.86% of the total. Linoleic acid was in second place, at 16.65%. Among the saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid (12.96%) and stearic acid (5.76%) predominated. Several other fatty acids were also identified in smaller quantities. ANOVA analysis did not show statistically significant differences between the genotypes and years, which indicates the stability of their fatty acid profile. A comparison with the literature shows that these genotypes have a lower oleic acid content and a higher saturated fatty acid content than other cultivars, which is likely related to the extraction method. Conclusions. The Ukrainian purple-leaved hazelnut genotypes studied have a stable and homogeneous fatty acid profile. The significant proportion of unsaturated fatty acids identified highlights their nutritional value. The lipid extraction method has a significant impact on the final fatty acid profile, which underscores the importance of standardizing methods for accurate comparison.

Environmental stresses and adaptation processes of woody plants in the current urbanized environment

Olga Opalko — 2025-12-12

Aims. The need to understand the adaptability strategies of perennial woody plants in urbanization, in particular their potential not only for survival but also for performing sanitary and hygienic functions of air purification from dust and smoke, from vehicle exhaust gases, and protection of citizens from various types of noise, while maintaining decorative effect for many years, led to the study of representatives of native and introduced flora used in landscaping, and also searching for means to reduce anthropogenic loads on plants and searching for the plants' selection criteria that can adapt and withstand these loads without significantly reducing their decorative and sanitary-hygienic functionality. Materials and Methods. In the process of studying the sources of environmental stresses and mechanisms of post- traumatic regeneration that promote the adaptation of woody plants to biotic and abiotic factors of urbanized areas, we analyzed relevant publications by scientists from different scientific schools and other publicly available scientific sources. The information obtained was studied using the methods of theoretical analysis, systematization, comparison, and generalization, and the authors used their methodological developments. The empirical observations with woody plants cultivated in cityscape streets and other green spaces were performed according to generally accepted methods. Results and Discussion. The widespread use in the middle of the preceding century of Acer negundo, Acer platanoides, Aesculus hippocastanum, Tilia cordata, Robinia pseudoacacia, Ulmus pumila, Ulmus laevis, and other trees with strong apical dominance for urban street landscaping, which were often planted in the city electricity network's immediate vicinity, led to the introduction of the erroneous practice of radical pruning of skeletal branches touching the wires. Improper pruning of street trees, especially if it is carried out using topping technologies, can significantly reduce the total leaf surface area of pruned trees, distort their growth pattern, weaken their ability to improve the microclimate, and significantly reduce the resistance of plantations to major anthropogenic pollutants, with a simultaneous increase in the number of plants affected by pathogens, damaged by pests, and various abiotic environmental stress factors. The article discusses the prospects of using plants with limited apical dominance, in particular Corylus avellana ‘Pendula’, Morus alba f. pendula, Robinia pseudoacacia f. umbraculifera, and other ornamental woody plants in street gardening and of the design of entrance areas to various institutions. Conclusions. A current shift is imminent in the emphasis of the approaches to understanding stress tolerance, and the mechanisms of their synergy must be tested in plants. The future work must include more emphasis on the woody plants' adaptability studies in urbanized environments.

Chorology, ecological, biological and morphological characteristics of Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. (Asteraceae)

Ivan Stashkiv — 2025-12-12

Aims. The article is devoted to the review of studies on the distribution, ecological, biological, and morphological characteristics of Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. (Asteraceae) in Ukraine and worldwide. Methods. The information was studied using theoretical analysis, systematization, comparison, and generalization methods. Results. The history of research and the distribution of L. sibirica were analyzed. It was found that studies of the plant have been conducted over several centuries. This species has significant floristic, ecological, and phytogeographical value. In Ukraine, it is protected at the state level; in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania, it is a rare species. The continuous distribution range of L. sibirica extends in East Asia, while other European populations are fragmented and isolated. The distribution in Europe includes Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine, Austria, Italy, Slovakia, and France. The species prefers moist habitats, such as wet meadows, riverbanks, and forest outskirts.
The plant is characterized by relative ecological plasticity concerning soil acidity, high adaptability to increased moisture conditions, and shade tolerance. Conclusions. The analyzed species, L. sibirica, is distributed in Ukraine, primarily in the western regions. Considering the potential value of this species as a source of medicinal plant raw materials, it warrants further investigation, particularly in light of its inclusion in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (2021).

History of introduction and current distribution of plume poppy (Macleaya R.Br.) in Ukraine

Tetiana Mamchur — 2025-12-12

Aims. Summary of information on the use of introduced alien species of the genus Macleaya R.Br. in educational and scientific establishments in Ukraine and its decorative and medicinal properties. Methods. Traditional methods and techniques of floristic research were used. The history of the introduction of Macleaya species in Ukraine and worldwide was investigated. During 2020–2025, M. cordata was studied in the plantings of the botanical collections of the university's biology department nursery. An analysis of the introduction was carried out using catalogues of botanical collections of scientific institutions, herbarium samples, and Internet resources. Results. The authors have studied information on the current introduction of M. cordata in botanical gardens and dendrological parks in Ukraine and worldwide. The use of M. cordata as an ornamental plant for landscaping, its medicinal properties in traditional medicine, pharmacy and as a food supplement are described. Herbarium materials are presented, and the places of cultivation and naturalization of M. cordata in Ukraine are described. Conclusions. The history of the introduction of M. cordata as an ornamental and medicinal plant is summarized. The role of botanical collections of living plants in the educational process is determined, as well as the need for responsible introduction of introduced species into landscaping and pharmacy, with qualified monitoring of naturalization to minimize the risks of invasions.

Biological features of herbaceous representatives of the flora of the botanical- geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine in winter

Victoria Gritsenko — 2025-12-12

Aims. To find out which herbaceous plants in the botanical-geographical plot “Steppes of Ukraine” at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine (NBG) exhibit development of above-ground organs in winter, to compile an annotated list of these plants, and to analyze and statistically process the research results. Methods. The research was conducted in the winter of 2020–2025 in the plot “Steppes of Ukraine” of the NBG. To determine phenology, the general principles of the BBCH scale were applied (Meier, 2018). The nomenclature of taxa is given according to POWO (2025). For statistical processing, standard concepts were used (Illowsky & Dean, 2020). Results. An annotated list of herbaceous representatives of the flora of the plot “Steppes of Ukraine”, in which the development of above-ground organs occurs in winter, has been compiled, containing 35 species and subspecies from 27 genera and 18 families. The largest share in the spectrum of families is occupied by Asteraceae — 17.14 %. Of the 35 species and subspecies, 48.57 % are native plants, 37.14 % are introduced plants, and 14.29 % are alien plants; by life form: perennials — 82.86 %, annuals — 11.43 %, and biennials — 5.71 %. In 68.58 % of species and subspecies, leaf development was observed in winter (in particular, in Crocus reticulatus); in 17.14 %, leaf and shoot development. In Crambe tataria and Paeonia tenuifolia, the development of renewal buds occurred; in Ornithogalum boucheanum, the development of renewal buds and leaves occurred. In Lamium purpureum and Stellaria media, leafs, shoots, buds development, and flowering occurred. The greatest phytosozological value is represented by four introduced species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine: Crambe tataria, Crocus reticulatus, Ornithogalum boucheanum, Paeonia tenuifolia. With an alternative grouping of herbaceous representatives of the flora of the plot “Steppes of Ukraine” (these are species and subspecies in which the development of aboveground organs occurred in winter, and the remaining representatives), the standard deviation of the shares of the alternatives is 0.32. Conclusions. It was established that in the plot “Steppes of Ukraine”, in winter, 35 species and subspecies of herbaceous plants develop above-ground organs: in most, leaves develop, in some, shoots or buds of renewal, and flowering was detected in two species. The features of the winter development of introduced rare species were clarified: Crambe tataria, Crocus reticulatus, Ornithogalum boucheanum, and Paeonia tenuifolia.

Pea cultivars (Pisum sativum L.) with an increased level of adaptability to arid conditions

Vjacheslav Sichkar — 2025-12-12

Aims. To investigate the economically valuable characteristics of pea cultivars created at the institute under insufficient soil moisture and elevated air temperatures. The yield level, elements of the productivity, protein content and anti-nutrient compounds were determined. Methods. Created at our institute cultivars were tested in ecological and competitive nurseries by sowing in the field conditions. Phenological observations, records and assessments were carried out according to the generally accepted methodology for testing plant cultivars of cereals, groats and legumes during the vegetation period. The standard methods developed in the biochemistry laboratory of our institute were used for biochemical studies. The yield and quality indicators of cultivars from other scientific institutions of Ukraine, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, and other foreign institutions were also studied. Results and Discussion. The results of the yield of a significant volume of domestic and foreign cultivars, as well as recombinant lines, are presented. The average yield of the studied genotypes was at the level of 1.4–1.5 t/ha. The mechanisms of the action of stressful temperatures on plants are discussed, as well as methods for creating starting material with an increased level of thermotolerance and resistance to lodging. New cultivars and promising recombinant lines entered in the State Register and submitted for examination are characterized. Conclusions. Soil and climatic conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine contribute to the production of high-quality pea seeds. Through hybridization and directed selection, the institute has developed a number of cultivars that are characterized by improved adaptability and increased resistance to lodging. The yield of domestic and foreign cultivars under our conditions was similar.

Rhizogenesis of green cuttings of Catalpa bignonioides Walt. depending on the application of auxins

Andriy Bulat — 2025-12-12

Aims. In view of the increasing demand for high-quality planting material for urban landscaping, it is relevant to improve vegetative propagation technologies for promising ornamental species, particularly Catalpa bignonioides. Despite its high ornamental value, this species is used only to a limited extent in the southern Left- Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine due to the lack of seedlings. Methods. The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of different types of auxins (indole-3-acetic acid — IAA, indole-3-butyric acid — IBA, naphthaleneacetic acid — NAA) and their concentrations in stimulating rhizogenesis of green cuttings of C. bignonioides. The experiment was conducted with freshly harvested green cuttings collected during the active growth period from the apical, medial, and basal parts of shoots. Results. The experiment showed that the highest rooting efficiency was observed in basal cuttings treated with IAA (50 mg/L), where rooting reached 85.5%, and the total root length exceeded 106 cm. Apical cuttings demonstrated the lowest rooting capacity, even when treated with auxins. Significant differences in the shoot growth of green cuttings of C. bignonioides were found depending on the type of auxins used (IAA or IBA) and the morphogenetic origin of the cuttings — in particular, basal and medial. The highest shoot growth was recorded in the variant with IAA treatment: the average shoot growth reached 19.5 cm, which was more than twice the value of the control. Conclusions. The study substantiates the feasibility of using basal and medial cuttings pretreated with IAA or IBA at a concentration of 50 mg/L for 24 hours. The results can be applied in developing vegetative propagation technologies for C. bignonioides under controlled conditions, followed by their implementation in ornamental and forest nursery practices.

Ukrainian Garden as a Historical and Cultural Code of the Nation: past, present, future

Liubov Ishchuk — 2025-12-12

Aims. The purpose of the work is to study the history of development, determine the structural, functional, and symbolic features, and the transformation of the authentic Ukrainian garden as a basis for modern design. Methods. The study used historical-ethnographic, comparative-analytical, and system-structural methods. The analysis was conducted using historical materials, museum reconstructions, ethnographic descriptions, and personal observations of contemporary ethnostyle landscape architecture objects. In particular, the planning structure, zoning of the Ukrainian estate, small architectural forms, the range of plants used in landscaping, and their placement were analyzed. Results. The Ukrainian garden is a unique cultural phenomenon that evolved under the influence of centuries-old ethnocultural processes, economic traditions, and the natural and geographical conditions of different regions in Ukraine. Its architectonics combines utilitarian, aesthetic, and symbolic functions, reflecting the worldview, everyday life, and spiritual orientations of the Ukrainian people. A traditional garden's structure is based on a clear zoning of space, with each component—the front garden, berry garden, vegetable garden, fruit garden, economic zone, household courtyard, and facade—having a distinct composition and function. An important element of the estate space was the facade zone, which served as a kind of "calling card" of the owners: flower beds near the fence or a well or a crane affirmed the harmony of man with nature and the sacred meaning of work. A significant role was played by traditional plant species, both decorative and medicinal, which not only decorated the yard but also performed a cultural and symbolic function. All this shaped the aesthetics of the space, which combined practicality, national identity, and spiritual depth. The modern revival of Ukrainian landscape art is reflected in the latest landscape projects, in particular in the implementation of a traditional Ukrainian manor house in the Fantasy Park of the National Dendrological Park "Sofiyivkа" of the NAS of Ukraine. Here, not only is the reconstruction of individual elements carried out, but also the reproduction of the cultural code of the garden through authentic plants (Rosa canina L., Viburnum opulus L., Papaver rhoeas L., etc.), ethnic symbols, and modern design solutions. This approach combines the principles of scientific restoration with the ideas of cultural heredity, contributing to the formation of the ecological and aesthetic consciousness of society. The Ukrainian garden, as a space of harmony and memory, acquires special significance in the context of the present. In art and landscape projects, such as Serhiy Polezhak's "Naive Ukraine Gardens" or Viktoriya Manoilo's "That does not Burn", it appears as a symbol of invincibility, spiritual stability, and cultural resistance in the conditions of war. The images of viburnum, mallow, periwinkle, sunflower, well, and moorland remain living markers of national identity, through which the philosophy of human interaction with nature, native land, and one's own historical roots is revealed. Thus, the Ukrainian garden in the scientific, cultural, and artistic dimension is not only an object of landscape art but also a carrier of collective memory, spirituality, and aesthetic values that form national identity and continue the tradition of harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Conclusions. The new Ukrainian garden appears as a space of harmony between man and nature, purified from tastelessness and artificiality, inspired by the natural poetics of the national landscape. It symbolizes the inner strength, wisdom, and spiritual resilience of Ukrainians, combining tradition with modern ecological principles. Modern landscape design gravitates towards ecological architecture, which involves minimal intervention in natural processes, the preservation of biodiversity, and the integration of natural ecosystems into public spaces. The Ukrainian garden today is not only an aesthetic category but also a moral and ecological practice, a space for communication, education, and spiritual renewal. Its development, as shown by the example of the Fantasy Park of the National Dendrological Park "Sofiyivka" of the NAS of Ukraine, testifies to the ability of the national landscape school to combine history, symbolism, and modernity. The evolution of the Ukrainian garden is a metaphor for the revival of culture and nation: the garden becomes a living image of memory, resilience, and love for the native land.

Syntaxonomic and biotopic affiliation of aquatic and wetland rare plants of the Cherkasy Oblast

Halyna Chorna — 2025-12-12

Aims. To determine the current ecological and coenotic representativeness of aquatic and wetland sozophytes (rare plants) in the flora of Cherkasy Oblast.
Methods. The analysis included rare species of vascular plants associated with aquatic and wetland habitats, based on route-botanical surveys of water bodies and wetlands within the Dnipro and Southern Bug river basins in the Cherkasy Oblast conducted during 2015–2025. Results. The habitat affiliations of rare aquatic and wetland species were analyzed at the level of associations belonging to six vegetation classes according to the Braun-Blanquet classification: Alnetea glutinosae, Isoëto- Nanojuncetea, Lemnetea, Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Potamogetonetea, and Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae. 32 sozophytes were found to occur within 21 associations corresponding to biotopes protected under the Council of Europe Directive 92/43/EEC. Within the Cherkasy Oblast, seven aquatic and three mire biotopes were identified as habitats of these sozophytes. Conclusions. Most aquatic and wetland sozophytes of the flora of the Cherkasy Region are diagnostic species of only one association. The syntaxa containing sozophytes are predominantly confined to protected biotopes. Among the rare species reported for the Cherkasy Oblast during the 20th century, those inhabiting raised bogs—adapted to the most specific ecological conditions—were found to be in the most critical state. These include the diagnostic species of the Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae class: Carex chordorrhiza, Drosera anglica, D. rotundifolia, Eriophorum gracile, Hammarbya paludosa, and Salix myrtilloides. Currently, there is no confirmed evidence of extant localities of these species within the Cherkasy Oblast.

Anthocyanins and flavonols content in leaves of Rutaceae Juss family representatives as markers of stress tolerance

Oleksandr Parashchuk — 2025-12-12

Aims. To determine the seasonal dynamics and sex-related patterns of anthocyanins and flavonols accumulation in representatives woody plants of the Rutaceae Juss family (♂ + ♀ Ptelea trifoliata L., ♂ + ♀ Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Tetradium daniellii (Benn.) T.G. Hartley) under temperature and drought stress in the conditions of Kyiv. Methods. The quantitative content of anthocyanins was determined spectrophotometrically at 530 nm, and that of flavonols at 390 nm, recalculated as cyanidin-3-glucoside and rutin equivalents, respectively. Samples were collected during the summer (July 2024) and winter (February 2025) periods. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0.1, with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results. Distinct seasonal and sex-related differences in flavonoid content were observed. During the summer period, the highest anthocyanin content was recorded in ♂ P. trifoliata (137.14 mg/100 g), and the lowest in ♀ individuals (88.42 mg/100 g). In ♀ Ph. amurense, anthocyanin levels remained consistently high (124.44 mg/100 g), while in ♂ trees they were significantly lower. The highest flavonol content was detected in T. daniellii (41.30 mg/100 g DW), which is likely associated not only with its response to heat stress but also with increased metabolic activity during the flowering phase and the potential photoprotective function of these compounds. In the winter period, the maximum anthocyanin content was observed in ♀ P. trifoliata (97.02 mg/100 g), and the highest flavonol content in ♀ Ph. amurense (30.48 mg/100 g). Sexual dimorphism was evident across all species, indicating different levels of metabolic activity under stress conditions. Conclusions. Anthocyanins and flavonols serve as indicators of stress responses in woody Rutaceae species under temperate climatic conditions. A high anthocyanin content under extreme temperatures reflects stress intensity rather than enhanced tolerance. P. trifoliata exhibits the highest cold and heat tolerance, while T. daniellii shows the lowest. The obtained results have confirmed the feasibility of using flavonoid content as a diagnostic indicator of the physiological and biochemical adaptation of introduced Rutaceae species.

Determination of pharmacological properties plants by their "energy" characteristics

Oleksandr Horielov — 2025-12-12

Aims. To establish the relationships between the pharmacological properties of plants and their "energy" characteristics. The search for new ways to preserve and restore health is always relevant. A promising direction here may be the synthesis of traditional and modern approaches. Today, there is a significant increase in interest in such a direction as phytotherapy, in particular the use of medicinal plants in Eastern medical practices. According to traditional worldview systems of the East, a person's health condition corresponds to the level of universal energy, known as Qi (China, Japan) or Prana (India), the balance between its types and circulation in the body. The use of medicinal plants with the appropriate characteristics of this energy allows you to achieve the necessary therapeutic effect. Methods. To determine these parameters, it is proposed to use the biolocation method (radiaesthesia, dowsing). This method allows you to determine the intensity (potential), polarity, and frequency parameters of plant radiation. Results. According to the traditions of Eastern phytotherapy, the therapeutic effect is achieved by restoring the level of vital energy, its circulation in the body and the balance between its types. Examples of correspondence between the "energy" parameters and pharmacological properties of both already known medicinal plants and those that can potentially be used in phytotherapy are given. Conclusions. It has been established that the medicinal properties of plants, according to the traditions of Eastern phytotherapy, are largely determined by their "energy" features. The use of the biolocation method allows us to establish the "energy" features of plants that determine their pharmacological properties. Knowledge of these characteristics can explain the mechanism of therapeutic action of known medicinal plants and expand the range of other plants that have not yet been used in phytotherapy.

Abiotic and biotic factors influencing the colonization of woody plants by mistletoe

Anatoliy Ivchenko — 2025-12-12

Aims. The aim of the study is to analyze the natural factors that determine the extent of the spread of white mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. album) in different regions of Ukraine, as well as to clarify their role in the formation of expansive processes in tree plantations. Methods. The study is based on a summary of literature data and our own visual observations of the condition of trees and shrubs. Particular attention was paid to urban phytocenoses, where mistletoe expansion was most widespread. The climatic conditions, morphological and chemical properties of host trees, as well as the role of various bird species in seed dispersal were considered.
Results and discussion. It has been established that the leading abiotic factor in the spread of mistletoe is climate warming, which expands its range and increases the number of potential hosts. Biotic factors are related to the characteristics of woody plants and avifauna. The success of seed attachment depends not only on the thickness of the bark, but also on its chemical composition, in particular the content of polyphenolic substances. Birds play a significant role in spreading mistletoe. Their large numbers, supported by anthropogenic factors (landfills, easily accessible food sources), contribute to the rapid spread of mistletoe in urban agglomerations. There is also a pattern of increasing infestation of trees with age. At the same time, the level of resistance of individual tree species to mistletoe colonization is not always clear and varies significantly depending on local conditions in the region. Conclusions. The expansion of white mistletoe in Ukraine is a complex ecological phenomenon caused by the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors. The most important of these is climate warming, which ensures the expansion of the range and increased aggressiveness of the semi-parasite. The morphological and chemical characteristics of host trees determine the specifics of local colonization processes. The significant participation of synanthropic bird species in the spread of mistletoe in cities indicates a close relationship between natural and anthropogenic factors. The growth in the number of mistletoe poses a threat to the stability of plantings (primarily urban) and requires further scientific study and the development of effective measures to control and combat this phenomenon.

Garden hybrids of the genus Petunia Juss. and their use in landscaping

Tetiana Kovalchuk — 2025-12-12

Aims. Conduct inventory, assessment, and monitoring of Petunia Juss. plantings of the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka” of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Methods. The study was conducted during 2013–2024 in the “Sofiyivka” Arboretum. Statistical-analytical, experimental, and statistical-modeling methods were used in accordance with the methodological principles of conservation and enrichment of ornamental green plantings in historical parks. The classification and description of the morphological characteristics of P. hybryda plants were carried out in accordance with the classification and description of garden forms by Tetiana Cherevchenko and co-authors. Results. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the plantings of garden hybrids of the genus Petunia Juss in the exhibition areas of the park was carried out. During the study period, the dynamics of cultivated hybrids were established, and a range of P. hybryda plants was selected in accordance with the soil and climatic conditions of the arboretum and the availability of additional irrigation. During the period under review, 27 hybrids belonging to four garden forms were cultivated in the exhibition areas of the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka” of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Cultivating this number of garden forms enriches the taxonomic composition of the exhibition areas of the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka” and avoids monotony and uniformity. Conclusions. The diversity of habitus, foliage, richness of colours flowering quantity and duration are met the aesthetic needs of visitors. When creating flower arrangements with plants of the Petunia genus and with sufficient soil moisture, we recommend giving preference to the cultivation of plants belonging to the garden form of the hybrid hanging type, and in case of insufficient moisture — the large- flowered fringed low type.

Complex evaluation of the introduction prospects for Hulthemia hybrid roses planted in the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka” of the NAS of Ukraine

Iryna Denysko — 2025-12-12

Aims. The theoretical and experimental substantiation of the introduction of the rose's Hybrid Hulthemia to the environmental conditions of the Right Bank Forest- Steppe Zone of Ukraine. Methods. Biometrical, comparative-morphological, and statistical ones. Results. Viability, growth and development indices, as well as ornamental qualities (tolerance for winter conditions, frost hardiness, drought resistance, complex disease and pest resistance, habit maintenance, flowering, coloration, shape of flowers etc.) were analyzed for two rose cultivars, Hybrid Hulthemia. Research was done within a 2017 to 2024 on the NDP "Sofiyivka" introduction and exhibition plots, as well as on farms that used planting material. Evaluation of the prospects of introduction showed that the studied cultivars have a score of 28 and 30 points of 50, and they were of little prospect for the introduction to the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine. The acclimatization number for the studied cultivars was 38 points of 100, that is, these plants were not sufficiently adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of the Right-Bank Forest- Steppe of Ukraine. The total evaluation of ornamental qualities of roses Hybrid Hulthemia made 58 and 65 points of 100, which means that these cultivars exhibited low decorativeness. Conclusions. The roses of the studied cultivars Hybrid Hulthemia tested in the natural and climatic conditions of the Right-Bank Forest- Steppe of Ukraine, do not deserve further introduction into mass production. At the same time, given the active breeding work being carried out in the world aimed at obtaining resistant cultivars, the author considers it advisable to further conduct introductory research on new cultivars Hybrid Hulthemia.

Structure and dynamics of the alien component of the urban flora of Uman (Cherkasy Oblast) over two centuries

Oleksandr Shynder — 2025-12-12

Aims. To determine the taxonomic composition, current structure, and long-term dynamics of the alien fraction of the urban flora of Uman City. Methods. The study was based on a critical review of literature sources, herbarium collections (KW, KWHA, SOF, UM, UPU), and original field observations conducted in 2001–2025.
Modern approaches to the analysis of taxonomic, geographical, and biomorphological structures of the flora were applied, along with the calculation of the index of anthropophytization (IAn). Results. It was established that the urban flora of Uman comprises 1,144 vascular plant taxa, of which 417 (36.45%) are alien. These belong to 262 genera and 69 families, with Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Fabaceae as leading families. The geographical structure of the alien fraction is dominated by taxa of Asian (29.8%), Mediterranean (26.5%), and American (17.8%) origin. In the biomorphological spectrum, annual herbs (51.3%) and therophytes (51.7%) prevail. By immigration pathway, the majority of alien species are ergasiophygophytes (escapees from cultivation) — 51.9%. A steady increase in the alien component was observed: by 1900, 215 alien taxa were known
(IAn — 22.9%); by 2000, 300 (IAn — 29.2%); and by 2025, 417 (IAn — 36.45%). The high level of alien enrichment was driven by both historical processes of agriculture and plant introduction and by contemporary anthropogenic pressure. A significant role of the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka” and the Botanical Nursery of Uman National University as centers of naturalization of numerous ergasiophytes was revealed. In total, 52 invasive alien plants were recorded in the urban flora, including Acer negundo, Solidago canadensis, Helianthus tuberosus, and Ulmus pumila. Conclusions. The urban flora of Uman is characterized by a remarkable richness of its alien fraction. The results highlight its substantial contribution to the alien flora of the Ukraine as a whole and emphasize the necessity of further monitoring.

Dendroflora of the Ivan Kozlovsky memorial estate-museum in Marianivka village, Kyiv region: peculiarities of formation, current state and prospects for conservation

Serhiy Rogovskyi — 2025-12-12

Aims. To summarize the results of the inventory of the dendroflora of the memorial estate-museum of I. S. Kozlovsky in the village of Maryanivka, Kyiv region. Methods. The inventory of perennial green plantings was carried out in accordance with the instructional requirements. The names of species and cultivars were verified according to the descriptions given in the three-volume edition of Dendroflora of Ukraine. The diameter of the trunk was measured in two perpendicular directions with an accuracy of 1 cm. The height of the trees was measured with a Nikon Forestri Pro II altimeter with an accuracy of 1 m, and the projection of the crown diameter was measured with a tape measure in two perpendicular directions. The age of the trees was determined taking into account the dates of planting and the size of the trees at the time of the inventory. The sanitary condition of the plants was determined using the scale given in the Sanitary Rules for Forests of Ukraine. Taxonomic analysis of the dendroflora composition was carried out according to the system of A. L. Takhtajan. The life forms of woody plants were determined according to the descriptions of O. A. Kalinichenko and Сh. Raunkiaer.
Results. It was established that the park is dominated by autochthonous tree species. A total of about 800 trees and shrubs belonging to 90 species and cultivars were found on the estate, grouped into 48 genera, 30 families, 26 orders, 6 subclasses, 4 classes, and 3 divisions. In terms of life forms, shrubs predominate — 53.3 %, trees account for 44.4 %, bushes — 2.0 %, and semi-shrubs — 0.3 %. Most trees and shrubs (74.8 %) are in good sanitary condition, 14.5 % are in satisfactory condition, and only 10.2 % are in poor condition. An analysis of the age structure showed that 32.5 % of all woody plants are over 50 years old and are mainly concentrated in the park area; 17.4 % of trees and shrubs are between 16 and 50 years old, and 50.1 % are young plantings under 15 years old. A sozological analysis of the dendroflora composition showed that Taxus baccata L., which is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and the European Red List, is present in the plantings. Conclusions. The need to protect and preserve memorial trees and the compositional structure of the estate is emphasised, and prospects for further research are outlined.