Current condition of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó cenopopulations on the territory of SNNP “Kokshetau”

Abstract

The article presents the findings of a study conducted on 6 cenopopulations (CP) of a rare representative of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó (Orchidaceae) in Akmola region on the territory of SNPP "Kokshetau". It was revealed that D. fuchsii occurs in birch-aspen forest, in shrub-grass communities. The morphometric parameters in cenopopulations of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó - shoot length, inflorescence length, first leaf parameters were demonstrated. It is shown that the majority of cenopopulations are young and capable of self-renewal. Сenopopulation No. 1 growing in the most arid conditions is mature and transient. The variability and plasticity of some morphological parameters of D. fuchsii are also considered. The structure of trait variability has been established. Analysis of morphometric traits of generative individuals showed that the tallest plants grew in birch-aspen and pine-birch forests. Variability in the traits of the studied CP was assessed, which showed that the maximum variability was established for the shoot length (55%), the least variability in the generative individuals of D. fuchsii was the inflorescence length and width of the first leaf (7 and 3.6%). A high degree of trait variation is noted. The observations on CPs were conducted over a two-year period, spanning 2021 and 2022. CP No. 1 is in a satisfactory condition, due to the high proportion of generative individuals and maximum density.  The condition of two D. fuchsii cenopopopulations No. 2 and No. 3 are assessed as threatening with extinction and dependent on conservation measures. For all studied CP it is recommended to continue monitoring and controlling the state of the populations.