Abstract
The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is one of the oldest fruit tree species grown all over the world. The territory of Dagestan is the northern border of the fig distribution. The protection of rare plant and animal species is justified by the value of these species as components of arid ecosystems; for their conservation, it is necessary to know the reasons for their decline. A positive solution to these problems is seen in the study and development of new technologies for the conservation of biodiversity in arid ecosystems. The diversity of 14 morphological features is analyzed in this study. The research results showed significant variability in all studied natural habitats between fig plants. Three groups of plants have been identified according to their biomorphotypes with respect to the growing conditions: (1) in Untsukul, trees with two to three trunks up to 6–7 m in height; (2) in Dzhalgan and Dagestanskie Ogni, shrubs up to 3–5 m in height; (3) in Sarykum and Dubki, curtain-like shrubs up to 1.5 m in height. Since F. carica is listed in the Red Data Book of Dagestan (2009) and grows in this region at the edge of the range (the northern border of the species distribution), the study of its diversity is of great scientific and practical interest. Data from studies of populations of the rare species F. carica in Dagestan, assessment of its condition, and recommendations for its protection have monitoring value and are presented for inclusion in the latest edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Dagestan.
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The work was carried out on the subject of State Assignment no. AAAA-A19-119020890099-4, “Structural and functional features of plant communities with the participation of populations of rare and resource tree species (on the example of the Eastern Caucasus).”
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Translated by M. Shulskaya
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Gabibova, A.R., Gasaynieva, Z.A. & Zalibekov, M.D. Populations of the Rare Ficus carica L. in the Arid Conditions of Dagestan. Arid Ecosyst 11, 256–261 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1134/S2079096121030057
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S2079096121030057