BOTANY
Aim: Study of intra‐ and interpopulation variability of quantitative traits of Matthiola daghestanica (Conti) N. Busch and assessment of the age spectrum of natural cenopopulations of Piedmont and Mid‐mountain Dagestan. The material consisted of 90 plants (shoots with inflorescences) taken from coenopopulations of various locations of the studied species (450, 610 and 960 m above sea level). An analysis of the variability of 12 morphological traits of M. daghestanica was carried out. To assess the age spectrum, 5x5 m test plots were laid out at three points (75 m²), where the age (ontogenetic) states of M. daghestanica guided by methods from the works of T.A. Rabotnov (1950) and A.A. Uranov (1957).
The variability of the morphological traits of the Dagestan endemic M. daghestanica has been studied and its age spectrum in the natural cenopopulations of Piedmont and Mid‐mountain Dagestan has been assessed. The most variable were the weight traits. Analysis of the significance of the differences between the selected groups using the t‐test confirmed that “Chakh‐Chakh” is highly isolated from other coenopopulations, and to the greatest extent from “Chirkata”. The linear trait “length vegetative features” introduces the greatest significant differences between all coenopopulations. The percentage of age states from the total number of individuals varies among populations. The age spectrum of M. daghestanica in the “Chirkata” cenopopulation is represented by a predominance of the juvenile (25 %) and virginal (25 %) groups and in the “Ashilta” cenopopulation by the adult group (23.9 %). Among the age states of the generative period in all cenopopulations, young generative individuals prevail (16.7–19.4 %). The largest number of middle‐aged generative individuals is in the “Chakh‐Chakh” cenopopulation (16.3 %).
Analysis of the variability of morphological characteristics of M. daghestanica plants showed that linear and numerical traits for the three cenopopulations are less variable. Significant variability was revealed in weight characteristics: “mass caulis and leaves” (518.3–818.7 mg); “total mass shoot” (990.7–1342.8 mg). The squared Mahalanobis distances of the characters studied revealed the isolation of the “Chakh‐Chakh” cenopopulation from the other two (“Achilta”, “Chirkata”). The age spectrum of M. daghestanica coenopopulations is similar in the Piedmont and Mid‐mountain Dagestan, despite the different number of age states. Cenopopulations of M. daghestanica are normal, capable of self‐renewal, characterized by recovery indices of 1.2–2.8 %.
VIROLOGY
Aim: to systematise data on the strain diversity of phytoviruses isolated in the South of the Russian Far East based on the analysis of the funds of the Russian Collection of East Asian Viruses of the Laboratory of Virology of the Federal Research Centre for Terrestrial Biodiversity of the Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences.
The paper considers strains belonging to representatives of the genera Carlavirus (Tymovirales: Betaflexiviridae) (potato virus M, potato virus S, Vicia pseudorobus necrotic mosaic virus, lily symptomless virus); Cucumovirus (Martellivirales: Bromoviridae) (tomato aspermy virus, cucumber mosaic virus); Nepovirus (Picornavirales: Secoviridae) (raspberry ringspot virus, tobacco ringspot virus, tomato ringspot virus, dayflower mosaic virus, Phryma asiatica mosaic virus, Capsicum annuum necrotic spot virus, foenugreek necrotic spot virus); Potexvirus (Tymovirales: Alphaflexiviridae) (potato aucuba mosaic virus, potato virus X, white clover mosaic virus, Plantago asiatica mosaic virus, hydrangea ringspot virus, lily virus X); Potyvirus (Patatavirales: Potyviridae) (Onion yellow dwarf virus, Trifolium hybridum yellow mosaic virus, bean yellow mosaic virus, potato virus A, potato virus Y, Trifolium repens mottle virus, Hippeastrum mosaic virus, mountain clover mosaic virus, soybean mosaic virus, Tradescantia albiflora mosaic virus, turnip mosaic virus, bean common mosaic virus, soybean weak mosaic virus, soybean chlorotic deformation virus); Tobamovirus (Martellivirales: Virgaviridae) (cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, tobacco mosaic virus, tomato mosaic virus).
The level revealed of strain variety of phytoviruses in the South of the Russian Far East as a reflection of the high biodiversity in this region requires regular ecological and phytovirusological monitoring in both natural and agrobiocenoses.
Aim. To analyze the diversity of bat viruses in Russia and neighboring countries. To identify the main vectors of these pathogens and possible ways of introduction into the territory of the Russian Federation.
In Russia the RNA sequences of 36 Coronaviridae, 8 Rhabdoviridae and 3 Astroviridae have been obtained from bats. In neighboring countries, RNA/DNA sequences of viruses in bats have been found in Norway (2), Finland 14), Poland 42), Ukraine (8), Georgia (46), Kazakhstan (29), China (5.645) and Japan (109). The dsequences which have been discovered belong to 30 families (Table 1). An increase in the number of sequences obtained over the past year has been observed in Russia and China. The absolute majority of sequences belong to the Coronaviridae family (62.96 %).
The available data on bat viruses in Russia indicate the need to develop and implement a state interdisciplinary programme dedicated to this problem. The greatest danger is posed by Rhabdoviridae: mortalities after infection have been recorded in Russia. The data obtained also indicate that the main vectors of viruses are representatives of the genera Eptesicus, Myotis, Nyctalus, Rhinolophus and Vespertilio. The risk of virus exchange and transmission is most likely to be between the western part of Russia and European countries.
Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of intratumoral administrations of the Newcastle disease virus strain NDV/Altai/pigeon/777/2010, to compare progression of the tumor nodes after virotherapy and to analyse pathomorphological changes in the tumor tissue in vitro and in vivo. Single intratumoral injections of the mesogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus NDV/Altai/pigeon/777/2010, isolated from a rock dove in Siberia, were done into outbred mice of the C57Bl/6 line into solid nodes of Lewis lung carcinoma that were grafted subcutaneously. Then the dynamics of tumor growth and pathomorphological changes in the tumor tissue were assessed and analyzed.
It was shown that single intratumoral injections into immunocompetent C57Bl/6 mice with the mesogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus NDV/Altai/pigeon/777/2010 led to an increase in peculiar pathomorphological changes in the tumor tissue of subcutaneously grafted Lewis lung carcinoma and to a decrease in tumor growth compared to the control group of mice in vivo. A direct cytotoxic effect of the NDV strain on the Vero E6 cell line in vitro was noted.
The results of this study indicate that the NDV strain NDV/Altai/pigeon/777/2010 has antitumor properties. This may enable clinical trials to prove its effectiveness as an antitumor drug.
The new coronavirus infection caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 is a dangerous respiratory disease. The aim of the investigation was to study the pathomorphological changes in lungs of Syrian hamsters infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 as is necessary for adequate therapy and prevention of the disease.
Syrian hamsters of the SPF category were infected intranasally with a dose of 5×105TCID50 SARS‐CoV‐2/human/RUS/Nsk‐FRCFTM‐1/2020). Animals were euthanised on days 3, 6, 10, 14 and 21 after infection and the lungs were collected. To determine virus replication real‐time RT‐PCR was used. The lungs was used for histological examination. Statistics was performed using Statistics for Windows 10 software.
Specific pathological lesions characterising the inflammatory process were detected in all groups of animals. The severity of pathological changes and the volume of lung tissue lesions varied depending on the stage of the disease. The most severe lesions were observed on days 6–10. By day 21, the process of organ structure restoration was noticed.
The study showed that pathological changes in the Syrian hamster’s lungs caused by experimental infection with the SARS‐CoV‐2 were multifaceted and complex. In mild cases, congestion and infiltration are observed, and in severe cases, atelectasis and pulmonary edema were life‐threatening. The most severe lesions in lungs were noted on days 6–10. By day 21, the process of restoration was observed.
ZOOLOGY
Aim. Study and identification of species composition and actual location of birds on the territory of the Kyzyl airport and in the airspace above it throughout the year and assessment of the intensity of the ornithological situation in order to ensure flight safety.
The study of avifauna within the airport area within a radius of 15 km was carried out throughout a calendar year using the method of integrated route accounting and stationary observations on the runway. Statistical processing of the field materials was carried out using the Microsoft Excel program.
In total, a fairly high species diversity was revealed within the airport territory – 76 species in zone I – R =2,5 km and 199 species in zone II – R= 15 km. The population density of birds points was calculated in points, the status of stay, seasonal fluctuations in the number and species diversity of avifauna and the intensity of the ornithological situation were revealed.
Despite the rather high species diversity and significant fluctuations in the number of birds, ornithological intensity in zone II during the year is ‘calm’ and reaches the upper limit of the ‘satisfactory’ level occasionally on certain days of late summer – early autumn. A place of increased concentration of birds within airport area II is an urban landfill. The decision to move the landfill beyond a 50 km radius from the runway, the prevention of nesting of aircraft‐dangerous bird species within zone II and the use of visual repellents will allow maintenance of a low level of ornithological intensity throughout the year.
ENTOMOLOGY
Aim. The aim of the work was to study the species diversity of pests of the suborder of shield bugs (Heteroptera) in agrocenoses of the Lazarevsky district of Sochi.
This paper presents data on the distribution, abundance and density of Heptoptera pest populations in this location. Heteroptera were gathered twice a month during the growing season (April to October) and weekly in the autumn‐winter period (November to March). The choice of registration date during the growing season was determined by the appearance of the first phytophagous individuals after wintering. Identification of the identified phytophages was carried out in the laboratories of the station according to generally accepted methods.
The paper presents data on the distribution, abundance and density of pest populations of the suborder of shield bugs (Heteroptera) in the Lazarevsky district of Sochi, Krasnodar Territory. As a result of this research, the species composition of the most common species of bedbugs in this area has been revealed. The most harmful species noted were: berry shield Dolycoris baccarum Linnaeus, 1758; ornate shield Eurydema ornata Linnaeus, 1758; Green shield Nezara viridula Linnaeus, 1758; ruled shield Graphosoma lineatum Linnaeus, 1758; brown‐marbled bug Halyomorpha halys Stål, 1855; oak lace‐maker Corythucha arcuata Say, 1832; sycamore lace‐maker Corythucha ciliata Say; pear lace‐maker Stephanitis pyri Fabricius and linden bug Oxycarenus lavaterae Fabricius, 1787.
As a result of the research undertaken, an increase in the total number of bedbug populations, an expansion of trophic connections, an increase in aggressiveness and a change in the status of individual pest species were revealed.
ECOLOGY
Aim. To summarise and analyse available information on research into biopesticide compositions aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to assess prospects for the development of this field so as to determine the influence of components on the effectiveness of biopesticides for agricultural crop protection.
This review article presents the results of studies of components included in the compositions of microorganism‐based biopesticides based on a system analysis. It is noted that the selection of biopesticide components must be carried out in accordance with the requirements for products recommended for use in ecological and organic farming systems. It is indicated that the choice of optimal formulation is associated with the characteristics of the producer strains, their trophic needs and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors and with the characteristics of the biopesticide application technology (seed treatment, application to the soil or treatment of plants during vegetation), as well as the type of equipment used.
Knowledge of the basic requirements for biopesticide formulations will help maintain the viability and biological activity of microbial agents during storage of biopesticides, taking into account the sensitivity of producer strains to environmental conditions. Selection of optimal carriers, adhesives, stabilisers, thickeners and synergists, taking into account the technology of application of the biopesticide and the target pathogen, will facilitate the development and appearance on the market of new biopesticides for protecting agricultural crops from diseases.
Aim. For the first time, flow cytometry has been used to study the structure and functional characteristics of bacterio‐, pico‐ and nano‐ phytoplankton in the Middle Caspian during the bloom period in early September 2022.
Water samples were taken at different horizons (from the surface to the bottom layer) at a series of stations along the western coast of the Caspian Sea on the border between its northern and central parts to quantitatively assess heterotrophic bacterioplankton, picophyto‐ and nanophy‐ toplankton. Sampling was undertaken in early September 2022 under summer hydrological conditions with water surface temperatures ranging from 24.7°C to 26.7°C. Sample analysis was performed using flow cytometry.
Extremely high concentrations of picophytoplankton (up to 1.8×105 cells/mL), probably of Synechococcus picocyanobacteria, were detected off the northwestern coast of the Middle Caspian. Very high values of nanophytoplankton abundance (up to 1.6×105 cells/mL), dominated by small flagellates, were also found. A clear spatial uncoupling of pico‐ and nanophytoplankton was revealed. Maximum levels of nanophytoplankton were confined to the area of intensive phytoplankton blooming with high concentrations of chlorophyll a, while picophytoplankton reached peak abundance further south, outside this area. The influence of the thermocline on the vertical structure of microbial communities was detected. The concentrations of picophytoplankton and the proportion of physiologically active HNA‐bacteria decreased sharply under the thermocline.
The results obtained indicate the leading role of the smallest phototrophs in the Caspian pelagial and emphasise the need for further comprehensive studies of Caspian microbial communities using modern methods.
Aim. To present epidemiological aspects of the study of thyroid function of the thyroid gland.
The article presents the results of a clinical and laboratory examination and epidemiological aspects of studying the thyroid function of the thyroid gland in 120 women of reproductive age living in an area with iodine deficiency (Akhtynsky district, Republic of Dagestan – located at an altitude of 1.675 metres above sea level). The women were examined for thyroid diseases and for the presence of intrauterine infections: TORCH toxoplasmosis, ornithosis, rubella, cytomegalo‐ and herpesviruses.
All the examined patients had thyroid diseases (the women are registered with an endocrinologist at an Endocrinological Dispensary). All women underwent correction of iodine deficiency in the form of iodine prophylaxis by taking medications containing a daily iodine requirement of up to 250 mcg to normalize thyroid function.
Intrauterine infections (IUI) were found in 76 women (69 %. of the patients examined). Intrauterine infections of women registered in the women's clinic of the district hospital were also treated.
The paper presents the results of a study of the antibacterial activity of supercritical carbon dioxide extract of the aboveground part of Savory (Satureja hortensis) against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
To study the antibacterial properties of Savory extract (Satureja hortensis) against infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.
In the course of the experiment, Savory extract obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was studied for antimicrobial activity against these bacteria. The component composition of the extract was determined by chromatography–mass spectrometry. To determine the antibacterial activity, we used the method of dilution in a liquid medium with subsequent measurement of the growth of the suspension culture biomass. The activity of the extract was compared with certified drugs included in the protocols for the treatment of bacterial infections. DMSO and potassium phosphate buffer were used as a negative control.
The studies showed that the extract exhibits high antibacterial activity against all the studied bacterial strains and has a direct positive correlation with its concentration. Chromatographic mass‐spectrometry analysis showed that the extract of garden Savory contains 28 substances, the main ones being thymol (30.51 %), gamma‐terpinene (15.27 %), para‐ cymene (14.25 %) and Carvacrol (9.18 %), which both individually and in combination could exhibit antibacterial activity.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extract exhibits pronounced antimicrobial activity against reference strains of S. aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The purpose of this research was to study the effect of the vitamin‐mineral complex E‐selenium and the probiotic preparation Bacell when added to industrial feed on the fish‐breeding‐biological and physiological‐ biochemical parameters of juvenile sterlet‐beluga hybrids when reared in cages.
The duration of the experiment was 45 days. In experimental option 1, the fish were fed with basic compound feed with the addition of E‐selenium (300 μg selenium/kg of feed), in experimental option 2, the fish were fed with basic compound feed with the addition of E‐selenium (300 μg selenium/kg of feed) and the Bacell preparation (0.2 % by weight of dry food). The control variant was fed with basic feed.
The absolute increase in the experimental variants was 13.0–25.0 % higher than in the control. Hematological parameters varied – in some cases with a high degree of significance. In particular, hemoglobin increased by 5.6–13 %, blood serum protein by 0.42–12.6 %, cholesterol by 9.8–16.3 % in the experimental variants and by 70.5 % in the control, due to the presence of a high degree of stress in control fish. At the same time, in fish experiments the effects of stress factors were suppressed by antioxidants. Preventive doses of microelements, vitamins and probiotics reduce and stabilise peroxide processes and contribute to the maintenance of good physiological condition of fish kept in artificial conditions.
Aim. To identify economically significant species of segetal plants of agrophytocenoses in the Southern Non‐Chernozem zone and assess their dynamics with changes in anthropogenic load.
The study was carried out by analysing geobotanical descriptions of agrophytocenoses in the Southern Non‐Chernozem Zone. The species diversity of economically important species was established during the period of extensive farming (1929–1933), the beginning of intensification (1936–1938), a high level of intensification (1981–1983), and a period of decreasing intensity of farming (2012–2022).
At all stages of the study, groups of forage, medicinal and honey plants were round to have a high species diversity. The presence of individual representatives of vegetable, vitamin, insecticidal and ornamental species in agrophytocenoses was established.
Changes in the nature and degree of anthropogenic pressure on agrophytocenoses has led to a significant transformation of species composition and abundance of representatives of economically significant groups. The smallest number of these was noted in the 1980s. Currently, species diversity has increased due to a decrease in the intensity of agriculture in the region.
Identification of the potential to increasthe agricultural production of farm animals has become possible through the use of genomic selection methods. It is advisable to improve breeding and pedigree qualities of local breeds, since these have the best adaptability to the features of the natural and geographical conditions in a given area.
He controlled slaughter of animals with different genotypes allowed us to determine their meat qualities, such as biological value, slaughter yield and slaughter weight. The ratio of slaughter weight and pre‐slaughter weight gives the slaughter yield in percent.
PCR (polyamino acid chain reaction) using specific synthesised sets of oligonucleotides in the genotyping of experimental sheep populations was carried out in order to study the allelic variants of the CAST and GH genes.
When studying the indices characterising body weight in sheep which have different genotypes, significant increases in the indices could be observed before the periods of driving to summer pastures (17.2 kg) and during lambing (25.8 kg). The lowest indices were noted during driving both from winter pastures to summer pastures and from summer pastures to winter pastures (30.5 kg).
In the period before driving, the live weight index was higher in the CASTMM genotype by 5.8 %; upon arrival in the mountains the difference was 6.1 %; during lambing — 4.7 %; before leaving for winter pastures — 8.4 % and upon arrival at winter pastures — 9.5 %.
GEOECOLOGY
As a zone of interaction between land and sea, coastal zones are becoming a strategic area for achieving a sustainable expansion of economic space. The object of study is the coastal zone of the Sea of Azov (Rostov Region and Krasnodar Territory). The subject of the study is an assessment of the dynamics of transport infrastructure development index as a factor in the sustainable development of the coastal zone of the Sea of Azov.
Methodological approaches to assessing the sustainable development of the territory were based on a methodology based on methods of system analysis, mathematical modeling, and GIS technologies. An indicator has been formulated that considers the area of the territory, the population, the length of public roads of local importance, the shipment of goods of local production, the work and services performed on their own, in order to measure the ‘economic’ load on the transport infrastructure.
The analysis of the state of the transport infrastructure of the regions of the coastal zone for the period from 2015 to 2021 was carried out. Based on an analysis of the transport infrastructure index, it was concluded that the attraction of municipalities to the Rostov agglomeration, together with the strengthening of social, trade and infrastructure contacts with megacities will lead to a further increase in the anthropogenic load on the territory. The areas studied of the Krasnodar Territory belong to the Northern Economic Zone – a territory with a diversified economy, characterised by cross‐border links with neighboring regions.
Highways are the most important link in the transport and logistics system. The level of development and the technical condition of the road network have a significant and diverse impact on the economic and social development of both the state as a whole and it individual regions.
Aim. Comprehensive assessment of the stability of cross‐border cooperation between the Russian steppe regions of the Urals and Siberia and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of foreign trade and migration. To achieve the goal, a model has been developed to assess the prospects for sustainable cross‐border interaction of the Russian steppe regions of the Urals and Siberia with the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The research conducted using the methodology developed made it possible to identify the problems of cross‐border interaction of Russian steppe regions with the Republic of Kazakhstan. Against the background of a decrease in general mobility of the population of the Russian steppe regions, the share of those who left for the Republic of Kazakhstan among the total number of those who left abroad had a positive trend during the period analysed in the vast majority of steppe regions of the Russian Federation. In five of the eight regions considered, the interaction is characterized as "stable" and "steady", "unstable" interaction in the field of migration only in the Altai Territory.
The Tyumen Region was the leader in terms of the share in the country's export‐import operations among the steppe regions of the Russian Federation for 2015–2021. In the period under review, foreign trade turnover had a stimulating effect on the economy of the Chelyabinsk region, the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Novosibirsk region. At the same time, the most active foreign trade activity with the Republic of Kazakhstan was observed in the Altai Territory and Omsk and Kurgan regions. Stable cross‐border cooperation in the field of foreign trade with the Republic of Kazakhstan is only in place in the Kurgan region.
The aim of the work was to analyze the relationship between carbon dynamics and changes in the states of natural territorial complexes in two key areas of the carbon polygon in the Chechen Republic from the standpoint of landscape and landscape‐geophysical approaches. The work was carried out at two sites of the carbon polygon in the Chechen Republic: in Chernorechye (the Chechen plain under water‐protective broad‐leaved forests, about 169 m above sea level) and Roshni‐Chu (low‐ mountain broad‐leaved forests, about 450 m above sea level).
Methods: landscape‐geophysical description of geomasses, geohorizons and vertical structures in key areas, detailed microclimatic studies using installed loggers with temperature and humidity sensors, observations of the state of the vegetation cover, biomass dynamics, determination of mortmass fractions on the soil surface, as well as humus and basic nutrients.
The relationship between carbon dynamics and changes in seasonal states of natural‐territorial complexes is expressed in changes in landscape‐ geophysical parameters: the ratio of geomasses, geohorizons and vertical structures. Seven seasonal states of natural‐territorial complexes with different carbon dynamics have been identified. Two of them are key to understanding the long‐term carbon balance. These states are determined by the dynamics of accumulation and decomposition of mortmass. The ways of changing the intensity of carbon deposition based on the creation of new phytocenoses, increasing soil fertility, including by optimising the carbon and nitrogen ratio have been identified. A more radical way – mortmass utilisation – requires detailed research and consideration of environmental consequences.
The aim is to justify the potential and provide an assessment of the effectiveness of investing in forest climate projects for improved forestry.
A systematic approach was used for a comprehensive, structured and dynamic study of the potential of project activities (forest‐climatic projects) to improve forest productivity. The investment efficiency of forest‐climatic projects on improved forestry is determined taking into account the life cycle of project solutions. To conduct an express assessment of investment attractiveness of forest‐climatic projects, the coefficient characterizing the efficiency of investment for the produce of carbon units was used.
It has been revealed that the regions of the Northwestern, Ural and Siberian Federal Districts have the greatest potential of areas of plots (over 2 million ha) for the realization of forest‐climatic projects on improved forestry. It has been shown that for the implementation of forest‐climatic projects on improved forestry in the conditions of the Central forest‐steppe per 1 ha investments of up to 100 thousand rubles are required. For climatic projects on improved forestry, the minimum investment per unit area will be from 97–111 thousand rubles per 1 ha, taking into account the life cycle of the project.
The actual practice‐oriented task in the field of forestry has been solved. It consisted in substantiating the investment attractiveness of natural solutions aimed at increasing the carbon depositing functions of forest ecosystems. Calculated potential of areas for the implementation of forest‐climatic projects on improved forestry is an important tool for territorial planning and ensuring sustainable development of regional systems.
Aim. The research and mapping of natural object dynamics using aerial and satellite imagery is one of the long‐established and actively developing fields of remote sensing and geographic research. The current phase is characterised by the wide availability of remote sensing data processing software, which offers almost unlimited possibilities for transforming and integrating datasets from different periods.
Material and Methods. For the effective use of archival maps in studying territorial dynamics, two interconnected factors are critical: the date of the map’s creation and the positional accuracy of the mapped objects. The materials used in this study were TM/Landsat satellite images from the periods 2002–2017 and 2006–2014.
Results. Reservoirs with a surface area of up to 60–70 km² and a volume of up to 250 million m³ increase absolute air humidity by 10–15 %. In areas with a hot climate, the impact of a reservoir on air humidity is even more pronounced.
Conclusions. The anticipated significant changes in the microclimate are expected to affect the structure of agricultural production in the Irganay valley and in the villages of Maidanskoye, Untsukul, and Gimry, particularly through changes in precipitation distribution during the growing season.
ECONOMIC & SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY
The article considers economically significant information reflected in public non‐financial reporting, enabling reflection on the environmental aspects of an organization's development. The analysis aims to articulate problems in the disclosure economically significant information in public non‐financial reporting due to a significant difference between national and international requirements in terms of the environmental aspects of development.
In the process of conducting this study, a monograph (descriptive) research method, a system analysis method and a comparative analysis method were used.
The results of the study confirmed the need to improve environmental reporting as part of the development of the concept of non‐public financial reporting, while authors emphasising the need to develop the composition and content of environmental reporting, taking into account the integration of financial and non‐financial reporting. The application of the approaches outlined in the article allowed the generation of more transparent information for all interested users regarding the environmental activities of companies and will bring national and international standards closer to application.
The environmental reporting of companies and its components are proposed as part of the development of the concept of public non‐ financial reporting.
MYCOLOGY
Aim. Xylobiont fungi and lichens determine the sustainability of forest ecosystems, but their species richness and taxonomic diversity depend on the forest type and the degree of its disturbance. Alder forests, characterised by a specific set of ecological conditions, represent poorly studied habitats in terms of myco‐ and lichenobiota. The aim of this work was to determine the species composition of aphyllophoroid fungi and epiphytic lichens on a 1 ha sample plot in a lowland floodplain forest dominated by Alnus glutinosa in the Delta Samura area of the Samursky National Park.
The authors collected basidiomata of lignicolous fungi and lichen specimens on a sample plot of 1 ha during field studies. The surveyed forest area is represented by a community dominated by Alnus glutinosa and lianas. The material was identified using light microscopy techniques and a standard set of chemical reactions.
Thirty‐three species of aphyllophoroid fungi (Basidiomycota) and 53 species of lichens and allied fungi (Ascomycota) were identified. Among them, 16 species (48 %) of aphyllophoroid fungi were recorded for the first time for the Samursky National Park, including six species revealed for the first time for the Republic of Dagestan, of which three species (Donkia pulcherrima, Phanerochaete cumulodentata and Sertulicium granuliferum) were new to the Northern Caucasus. Lichen species Arthothelium ruanum, Bacidia arceutina and Graphis pulverulenta are listed for the first time for the Republic of Dagestan. At the same time, 21 species of lichenized fungi were recorded for the first time on Alnus glutinosa within the region.
The taxonomical structure of aphyllophoroid fungi revealed reflects the spring period of basidiomata‐based field study. The predominance of corticioid fungi and revealing hydnoid species among morphological groups may be indicative of the generally wetter habitats of alder forests in comparison to other forest types distributed in the studied area. Most of species were recorded on dead wood of Alnus glutinosa as the main forest‐forming tree. At the same time, each of other substrates (Carpinus betulus and Corylus avellana) turned out to be the habitat of species new to the region. The group of fungal species developing on large‐scale substrate units, represented by fallen trunks, was the most prevalent and is to be considered as more vulnarable in a case of anthropogenical habitat disturbance. The majority of epiphytic lichens discovered on alder are not specific to this woody substrate, except for single findings. These species belong to epiphytes inhabiting the Samur forest, the core of the lichenobiota of which is composed of thermophilous lichens of lowland deciduous forests. In our opinion, the relict character of the forest, which is an isolated and rather small forest massif with relatively homogeneous climatic conditions, causes a high similarity between the species composition of lichens revealed in the surveyed sample plot with Alnus glutinosa and previously studied plots dominated by Carpinus betulus, Populus alba, and Quercus robur.
ISSN 2413-0958 (Online)