Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, cilt.24, sa.2, ss.333-341, 2026 (Scopus)
The genus Artemisia L. is widespread across Kazakhstan, yet no detailed study of its phytocenology, resources, and phytochemistry has ever been conducted in the Zhetysu Alatau mountain range. To fill this gap, we surveyed 350 quadrats across seven sites between June and September 2025, covering elevations from 600 to 2400 m. Five Artemisia species were recorded, with A. sublessingiana being the most frequent (68.6% of quadrats) and dominant in cover (34.7%). Above-ground biomass of A. sublessingiana averaged 114.2 g m-2, and its total resource in the Zhetysu Alatau was estimated at 8,393 tonnes, occupying 735 km². Essential oil yield varied significantly among species: A. sublessingiana (1.01 mL 100g-1), A. frigida (0.79), A. terrae-albae (0.50). Chemical composition also differed: A. sublessingiana was rich in 1,8-cineole (24.6%) and camphor (22.3%) but contained notable thujone (13.6%); A. frigida was dominated by camphor (35.1%) with minimal thujone; A. terrae-albae had the highest artemisia ketone (18.3%). Oil yield in A. sublessingiana peaked at mid-elevations (1100–1300 m), while A. frigida showed an increasing trend with elevation (p = 0.02). The estimated total Artemisia resource in the region is nearly 12,000 tonnes of dry above-ground biomass. These findings provide the first scientific baseline for sustainable harvest, conservation planning, and species-specific essential oil applications. We recommend cautious extraction of A. sublessingiana (not exceeding 10% of standing biomass every three years) and further exploration of cultivation for larger-scale production.