Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
ES Food and Agroforestry, cilt.17, 2024 (Scopus)
The subfamily Gentianinae includes approximately 425 species, with the majority belonging to the well-researched genus Gentiana. These species are primarily distributed across the Eurasian continent. The Gentianaceae family, known for its many bioactive compounds, is traditionally used in medicine as an antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, digestive aid, antidepressant, and antianemic agent. The Gentiana olivieri is also used as a bitter tonic stimulant of appetite and food in traditional Kazakh medicine. The ecological monitoring and geobotanical evaluation of G. olivieri populations in a variety of environments in southeast Kazakhstan are presented in this work. Fieldwork in May 2023 focused on G. olivieri flowering specimens in three different areas: the Ile River floodplain, Arkharly Ridge and Arkharly Pass in Zhetysu Region and Degeres-say Gorge in the Almaty region. Using identification guidelines and local herbarium resources, plant materials were confirmed. Geobotanical surveys analyzed population dynamics, including generative and vegetative individuals, growth metrics, and ecological circumstances, using route-reconnaissance methods and Drude's abundance scale. The study area has a variety of soil types and topographies, including serozem, dark chestnut, and meadow-chernozem soils. The distribution and vitality of G. olivieri are influenced by temperature, precipitation, and soil composition fluctuations, as demonstrated by soil and meteorological data collected in 2023–2024. The results show that there are three primary populations, each with unique phytocenotic and ecological circumstances. Whereas the populations on Arkharly Ridge and the floodplain of the Ile River exhibit distinct floristic compositions and environmental interactions, the Degeres-say Gorge sustains a high density of G. olivieri in dense clonal groups. According to the investigation, G. olivieri exhibits remarkable ecological adaptability, with populations flourishing in a variety of environments despite pressure from humans. The abundance of commercially useful species found in these areas' vegetation, such as fodder and medicinal plants, highlights the importance of G. olivieri ecosystems from both an ecological and financial standpoint. Results indicated that humus content across all soil samples was below 2% (very low), with a highly alkaline PH. CO2 levels were low, while phosphorus and potassium reserves were significant among the mobile forms of nutrients. Mobile phosphorus levels in the upper soil horizons (0-15 cm) ranged from 160 to 450 mg/kg, and potassium levels ranged from 150 to 450 mg/kg. Mobile nitrogen content was between 30 and 40 mg/kg. Granulometric analysis showed that coarse dust fractions predominated in all soil sections. The findings suggest that G. olivieri populations are well-adapted to their diverse habitats but require conservation measures to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the ecological status and distribution of G. olivieri, contributing to the understanding and preservation of this medicinal plant species in southeastern Kazakhstan.