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ADAPTATION MECHANISM OF SOME EXOTIC PLANTS USED IN THE GREENING OF GANJA CITY
Ganja Vegetation Garden,
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract. The article examines the adaptation mechanism of some exotic plants used in greening the Ganja city, their bioecological justification and comprehensive evaluation. Climatic factors that determine seasonal development and manifestation rhythms are characteristic for the studied species. The classification of introduced tree and shrub species and their decorative advantages have been determined.
Key words: exotic, adaptation, taxon, morphometric, introduction.
Introduction. Currently, the urbanization development, increase in temperature, environmental pollution and global warming of the earth's climate, improvement works on cities create an extreme problem in maintaining a favorable environment for people to live in populated areas of cities. The Ganja city, located in the west of Azerbaijan, at an altitude of 400-450 m above sea level, is one of such areas. The introduction of trees and shrubs brought from other countries, including natural areas, for the enrichment of vegetation played a special role in urban climate [4].
In optimizing habitats, human interaction is important for improving natural landscapes in forests, national parks, as well as other places that are especially valuable for recreational purposes.
Practically, since it is difficult to obtain the seeds of some species, research work has been carried out by us in 2022-2023 on the introduction of valuable tree species in the city. Based on research materials, the use of many introduced trees and shrubs turned out to be quite promising.
The dendroflora of Ganja city is represented by more than 500 species. Among them there have been observed conifers, evergreens and especially tree-shaped valuable ornamental plants. Trees differ in their silvicultural and other useful properties. The inventory of studied trees and shrubs in the greening of the city, taxonomic identification between taxa, morphometric signs, bioecological description,
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the nature of the effect of environmental factors on vegetation have been determined. Determination of the starting time of phenological phases, establishment of a new compatibility of their seasonal rhythm with natural regularities, and development of plants to the conditions under which they fall have been studied. Special methods have been used for the decorative evaluation and classification, ecological sustainability, characteristics of the studied exotic taxa. Successful planting elements have been selected for use in renovated areas.
Materials and methods. The classification of the vegetation have been studied using traditional methods by the usage of dominant species with geobotanical studies, park, forest vegetation, silviculture, and soil sampling. The used research methods are generally accepted research methods in forestry, park and alley greening. Soil analyzes have been carried out by laboratory methods. Quantitative research results have been processed using the package. "STATISTICS 6.0" and "MS EXCEL 2003" programs, graphic materials have been processed by MS VISIO 2003 program [3; 4; 5; 6].
Conclusion and discussions. Growth and development patterns of various exotic plants grown up in Ganja city have been determined. Adaptation potential of the species in new natural conditions, decorative properties, ecological sustainability, dominant species for climate indicators and original methods for their usage have been proposed.
According to the information obtained in various literature, geographical and natural-anthropogenic conditions have different effects on the dynamics of forests and parks. At this time, trees are damaged both mechanically and due to compression, and the development of root systems is weakened. As a result, it causes a decrease in the growth of woody plants [2].
The study of ecological-senotic changes in greening in Ganja city shows that sycamore, oak, pine, fir, poplar trees are the most resistant component to environmental reaction. Also, exotic trees prevail in the city. Exotic trees have been introduced from different countries. The effects of exotic species are very diverse. While some exotic species can have devastating negative effects on the ecosystem they enter, others have no effect at all. Some exotic species have been deliberately introduced into ecosystems to control pests. These species, used instead of chemical pesticides for the purpose of biological control, can be considered beneficial for the environment. In some cases, it is unclear whether the effects will be beneficial or harmful in the long term. Currently, the impact of exotic species on the natural environment and their use in greening are increasingly being investigated by scientists. Self reproduction of exotic species in the places where they are introduced can occur both spontaneously and intentionally by humans [1].
Exotic plants differ from local species due to their shape and structure, and the presence of unusual, intensely fragrant flowers. They are able to successfully reproduce exotic plants by expanding them in greening stations in Ganja city. Exotic plants can naturally survive in warmer climates with higher temperatures, including in winter. When we say exotic species, we first think about the species brought from hot
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or sunny countries. However, many exotic species are not so thermophilic, they are not afraid of moderate frost and are cold-resistant. As an example of these species, some exotic species found in different parks in Ganja city have been given below.
The Khan garden, which is eye-catching with its mysterious beauty, rich in rare vegetation, and a "green monument" that has been considered a resting place for the residents of Ganja since ancient times, gives a special beauty to the Ganja city with its beauty. In recent years, many exotic plants have been transplanted to the Khan Garden in the greening of the city. Among them, Photinia serrulata L. and Symphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F. Blake) species can be shown as the most interesting species.
Photinia serrulata L. - an evergreen, multi-branched shrub plant belonging to the Rosaceae family, have been introduced to the Khan garden in 2013. At the time of introduction, the plant was 1 m tall, but now it has grown up to 4 m tall. Photinia serrulata, with its bright and finely toothed leaves, gives the park a special beauty. As the surface of the leaves is smooth, it shines under the sun's rays. The old leaves of the plant, older than one year old, are emerald-green on the upper side, and light green on the lower side, while the young ones, up to one year old, are golden-red on the upper side, golden-yellow on the lower side, and arranged alternately on the stem, the length is 10 -12 cm, width is 3-5 cm. The shoots are also variable in color, as are the leaves. The flowers are small and white, collected in erect clusters. It does not have a pleasant aroma. It blooms from mid-April to the end of May. The fruits are single-seeded, small red in color, and are eaten by birds by staying on the plant until the cold falls [4].
Fig. 1 Photinia serrulata L.
Photinia serrulata is naturally distributed in South and East Asia, California and Mexico. In cultural conditions, it is cultivated as a decorative plant in all temperate climate zones of the world.
Another outstanding feature of the species is that it can be cultivated in most climates. That is, the plant can grow in swampy and highly saline areas, in areas with winter temperatures below - 15°C. Also, its resistance to disease agents and pests has led to the maximum expansion of the cultivation area of Photinia serrulata L. species. It is no coincidence that, this plant has been playing a leading role in ornamental horticulture in Azerbaijan, especially in Absheron, for the last 10 years. Due to the high ability of shoot reproduce, it is possible to give the species any shape by pruning it in 1-2 years in landscape design. When the air temperature rises to 20-22°C, it begins to bloom from mid-April.
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Our observations for many years show that, the bioecological characteristics of the plant allow it to be cultivated in most soil-climate conditions of Azerbaijan. Photinia serrulata can be propagated by seeds, woody and green cuttings. For this reason, we have achieved reproduction by bending and burying the branches.
Seed propagation is the most widely practiced in its homeland. This method is widely used due to the high germination capacity of the seeds and the fact that the sprouts formed from the seeds develop faster. Since the ripe berries of the plant are eaten by birds, the seeds should be harvested as soon as they are fully ripe. Seeds ripen in September-October. In Azerbaijan, Photinia serrulata is propagated mainly by burial and then transplanted to its permanent place.
As a result of observations, no disease was observed during the phylogeny of the plant in the Khan garden.
Symphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F. BLAKE - White mulberry have been introduced in 2016 under the sycamore trees on the left in the Khan garden. Forms a dense bush with stiff branches. Its height reaches 1-1,5 meters. Its shoot is thin, gray-brown or brown. The leaves are oval in shape and arranged upside down on the branches. The flowers are pink and small. Quince flower is cluster-shaped, several small flower clusters are located in the axils of the leaves in the upper part of the stem. The sepal has 5 tooths. The flower crown is bell-shaped, the inside is hairy and blunt. It blooms throughout the summer. The fruit consists of two seeds, grows in September-November, is 1 cm wide, similar to a spherical fleshy white berry. There are 2 white kernels inside the fruits, which remain on the branches until the middle of winter. The plant is sometimes propagated by seed, but vegetative propagation is more preferred. Its fruits are loved by birds.
Fig. 2 Symphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F.Blake
The Flag Square - located on the right bank of the Ganja River, which was opened on January 21, 2012 with the presence of the President of Azerbaijan Republic, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, is considered the most prominent place of Ganja. In 2011, many exotic plants have been planted on the Flag Square. One of the notable plants is the Persian palm or Baghdad Palm. The Iranian date palm, located on the left side at the entrance of the park, stands out for its beauty. It is interesting that despite the fact that the climate is tropical, fruit have been observed on the plant after many years.
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Phoenix dactylifera L. - is a dioecious plant belonging to the A racaceae family. It grows well in dry climates and is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The plant usually has a well-developed straight, branchless trunk topped by a crown of large fan-shaped leaves. The height of the plant reaches from 5 m to 30 m, and the diameter of the stem is 50 cm. It reproduces by seeds [2; 4].
Fig. 3 Phoenix dactylifera L.
It is grown in Eastern and Southwestern countries such as Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Iran. It is introduced to different areas of Azerbaijan for the purpose of greening.
Observations of many years show that, some imported palm and eucalyptus species, camellias, and azaleas, which were imported for use in the landscape design of parks, living areas, and roadsides, dried up and failed due to not adapting to those conditions. However, among the introduced species, there are also those species that grew normally without any suffering and showed themselves as durable, tolerant plants of this place.
In general, greening areas should be designed according to standard methods. The condition of the soil surface, the composition of species, the regeneration of natural species, the sanitary condition of the territories, and the abundance of the soil surface covered with a layer of grass should be taken into account.
References:
1. Mehraliyev A. Introduction of lianas in Absheron. Baku, 2019, 118 pp.
2. Mammadov M.S., Asadov K.S., Mammadov F.M. Dendrology. Azerbaijan encyclopedia. Baku: 2000, 388 pp.
3. Mammadov F.M. Vegetative reproduction of plants. Baku: Maarif, 1978, 210
pp.
4.M9mmsdov T.S. Azsrbaycanin dendroflorasi. I c., Baki, 2011-ci il. 324 s
5. Mammadov T.S. "Trees and bushes of Absheron", "Science and education", Baku, 2010, 468 pp.
6. Methodology of phenological observations in botanical gardens of the USSR. M.: GBS AN SSSR, 1975, 28 pp.
