The Status of Coenopopulations of Xylosalsola Chiwensis (Popov) Akhani & Roalson and Scorzonera Bungei Krasch. & Lipsch. on the Ustyurt Plateau (Uzbekistan)

Abstract—Environmental monitoring, protection of rare plant species, research to assess the status of populations of rare and endangered plants by coenopopulation approaches, and preservation of plant communities with their participation are priority tasks. The aim of this work was to study the ecological and phytocoenotic parameters of coenotic populations of rare species of the Ustyurt Plateau: Xylosalsola chiwensis and Scorzonera bungei listed in the Red Data Book of Uzbekistan (2019). Plant communities with the participation of coenopopulations of the studied species are characterized. The ontogenetic structure of these species has been studied. The results show that coenopopulations under the ecological and coenotic conditions of Ustyurt are normal and incomplete. The basic ontogenetic spectrum is centered with a peak of middle-aged generative plants. The spectra of particular coenopopulations are centered and left-sided, which is related to ecological conditions of habitats and fluctuations in weather conditions. The protection of these species should be continued during the development of free-range animal husbandry and the planning of linear infrastructures. The results we obtained will be used in subsequent editions of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan.