Biological features of Saussurea controversa DC. (Asteraceae) at introduction in the south of Tomsk region

Saussurea controversaDC. is of interest for introduction in culture due to the fact that the elevated parts are used for receiving immunomodulators with a widespectrum of biological activity. It has long been applied in complementary medicine in the form of decoction from the elevated partsagainst glaucoma, pulmonary and gastroenteric diseases, as a styptic, and as an anti-rheumatism means. Its fresh leaves heal wounds,especially purulent ones, the ether extract from roots shows antibacterial activity. The elevated part of plants contains vitamin C, flavonoids,rubber, triterpenoid saponins. Introduction experiments were held in 2004-2009 at the experimental part of the Siberian BotanicalGarden of Tomsk State University (SibBG). Seeds used for sowing were collected in natural habitat (Altai-Sayan mountain area). Theresults of the long-term introduction experiment with Saussurea controversa DC. in SibBG allowed making a conclusion about a possibilityof its successful cultivation in the conditions of the south of Tomsk region. Plants follow a full cycle of development: vegetate,blossom, fructify, give viable seeds the parameters of which depend on the age of plants, arrangement on sprout, climatic conditions ofthe study year and ways of sowing. The germinating power of Saussurea controversa DC. seeds at sowing in a hothouse is higher thanat sowing in the ground. Stratification of seeds during a month increases the germinating power of seeds by 1.8 times. Cultivation ofplants by seedlings appeared more successful, than by sowing seeds in the ground. The generative period of development of Saussureacontroversa DC. plants is noted to start on the third year of life. The maximal daily average growth is observed in the phase of blossom.With the years, values of some parameters increase: the number of generative sprouts in a bush, and raw efficiency. The values of suchparameters as the height of sprout and seed efficiency also depend on the year of research.

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