Vitality Dynamics of Tulipa gesneriana L. (Liliaceae, Liliopsida) Populations in the Lower Volga Region and Adjacent Territories

Abstract

Abstract—The vitality of 38 Tulipa gesneriana populations from the Lower Volga region and adjacent territories has been monitored in the course of a four-year study (2013–2016). The significant variability of this parameter, which correlated with certain geographical trends, has been shown within the surveyed territory. Two population clusters differing by opposite responses to external factors have been revealed. A similar character of variability has been observed by the ordination of the studied coenopopulations by the average values of morphological traits using principal factor analysis. Among all the analyzed factors influencing the species vitality, the most preferable is the biogeographic distribution of the genetic variability within the region. A decrease in the vitality of individual plants has been observed in the case of intensive pasturing and also during active vegetation under low temperatures (average daily temperature below 10°C).