Development of Elements of the Technology for Growing Planting Material of Leafless Juzgun in Astrakhan Oblast

Abstract

The results of studies conducted in 2020–2023 in Astrakhan oblast on the basis of the Caspian Agrarian Federal Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, are presented. The purpose of these experiments is to develop the most environmentally friendly and resource-saving method of growing planting material of the leafless juzgun (Calligonum aphyllum (Pall.) Gürke) for use in phytomelioration of arid degraded pasture ecosystems and the creation of protective forest plantations in the arid zone of the Northern Caspian Sea. The objectives of this research were to study various methods of planting leafless juzgun (seedlings, cuttings, and seeds) and to identify a more effective one for light chestnut soils of Astrakhan oblast; to determine the optimal seeding rate and soil moisture (% of the lowest moisture capacity) for growing juzgun planting material; and to conduct an assessment of planting material during the growing season, including susceptibility to pests and diseases, crop condition (visual assessment), and biometric indicators according to experimental options. The studies carried out used the methodology of B.A. Dospehov (2011); Technical Specifications OST 56-98-93 (1994) were used to determine the compliance of planting material with the standard. Based on the results of our research, we found that the optimal way to plant leafless juzgun on the light chestnut soils of Astrakhan oblast is to plant seedlings. In addition, in these soil and climatic conditions, elements of the technology for growing leafless juzgun seedlings were developed, including the seeding rate of 250 kg/ha, soil moisture during the sowing–germination growing season at 60–70% of the lowest moisture capacity, and maintaining soil moisture during the growing season at 20–25% of the lowest moisture capacity.