Color variations of Pulsatilla pratensis (L.) Mill flowers on the territories of the NNP «Podilski Tovtry»

Abstract

The population of Pulsatilla pratensis with an atypical «red» color of the flower, was studied in the territory of the «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park, in the Tract of «Kobylka». The possible systematic position of the discovered plants and their area of distribution were analyzed. The localities are described, the characteristics of the ecological-coenotic conditions of the place of growth are given, and the biological features of the studied species are presented. Geobotanical descriptions were carried out in the «Kobylka» in the territory of the «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park. Selected biotopes and groupings from the Green Book of Ukraine for Pulsatilla pratensis. Physico-geographic features of the growing area of the studied species are characterized. It has been established that the genetic factor is dominant in the creation of new color variations of the Pulsatilla pratensis flower. This hypothesis contains confirmation in morphometric differentiations between representatives of this species. The reason for the color change to red is genetic mutations of the Pulsatilla pratensis plant. It is proposed to carry out detailed genetic analyzes for the studied species. Based on the study of literary sources and our own research, we believe that Pulsatilla pratensis can have flowers of both purple and its shades, as well as red, which will be a diagnostic feature of the species. The results of statistical processing of the morphometric indicators of Pulsatilla pratensis with red and purple color, which were evicted within the «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park, are highlighted. Differences between flowers that have a red color in comparison with representatives of the purple-colored species are found and described. Trends toward the disappearance of red-flowered Pulsatilla pratensis plants have been identified. The reasons for their disappearance were established and biotechnical measures for their preservation were developed. The anthropogenic factor in the studied locality is low. For effective generative reproduction, it is necessary to determine the presence of factors of natural influence.