L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Khalymbetova Aizhan on the topic «Ecological and biological features and intraspecific biodiversity of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo on the territory of the Central Kazakhstan Upland» under the educational program «8D05107 – Biology».
The dissertation was carried out at the «General Biology and Genomics education department» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The language of defense is kazakh
Official reviewers:
Aidarbaeva Doktorkhan Kaisarbekovna - Doctor of biological sciences, Professor, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Almaty, Kazakhstan).
Childibaeva Assel Zhumagulovna - PhD, Acting associate professor, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Kazakhstan).
Temporary members of the Dissertation Committee:
Satybaldieva Gulmira Kalmashevna - candidate of biological sciences, Associate professor, Head of the Department of Ecology, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical Research University (Astana, Kazakhstan).
Mamurova Asem Tleuzhanovna - candidate of biological sciences, Associate professor, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of biology and biotechnology, Department of Botany and Agroecology (Almaty, Kazakhstan).
Abduraimov Ozodbek Sultankulovich - doctor of biological sciences, Leading researcher, Head of the Laboratory of Cadastre of Natural Plant Resources and Population Biology, Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Uzbekistan).
Scientific advisors:
Sardarbek Abievich Abiev – Doctor of biological sciences, Professor of the Department of «General biology and genomics», L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan. Saule Kakymzhanovna Mukhtubaeva – Candidate of biological sciences, Associate professor, Leading researcher of the laboratory of «Flora and plant resources», Astana Botanical Garden, Kazakhstan.
Marina Mikhailovna Silantieva – Doctor of biological sciences, Professor of the Department of «Botany and ecology», Altai State University, Barnaul, Russian Federation.
The defense will take place on June 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D051 – Biological and related sciences» under the educational program «8D05107 – Biology» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The dissertation council meeting will be held in a mixed (offline and online) format.
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87278919723?pwd=YCoq8CXYW7l7Cb5Mw6zYZinDbuN440.1
Address: Astana, Kazhymuqana str., 13, building №3, room №310
Abstract (English): General description of the study. This research is devoted to the study of the species diversity of Dactylorhiza fuchsii in the Central Kazakhstan Upland (CKU), the characterization of the current state of its populations, the analysis of the floristic composition of its coenopopulations, and the substantiation of conservation and protection measures for the species. Relevance of the research topic. The conservation of rare, endangered, and endemic plant species is a priority direction of the state environmental policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Within the framework of the laws «On Specially Protected Natural Areas» (2006) and «On the Plant World» (2003), special emphasis is placed on the protection of the gene pool of native flora, including species listed in the Red Data Book. The loss of even a single species leads to irreversible changes in ecosystems, regardless of its economic value. An important aspect of rare plant conservation is the study of their natural habitats, ecological and biological characteristics, and population structure. Population-based quantitative studies provide a scientific foundation for developing effective measures for species conservation and restoration. The Central Kazakhstan Upland represents a unique yet insufficiently studied region with a high diversity of rare taxa. Of particular interest are boreal relicts of the Orchidaceae family. Among the 17 orchid species recorded in the region, only Dactylorhiza fuchsii is included in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan, which highlights its vulnerability and scientific significance. The relevance of this study is determined by the insufficient knowledge of the morphology, ontogenesis, population structure, and ecological and biological characteristics of D. fuchsii under the conditions of Central Kazakhstan. For the first time in this region, a comprehensive analysis has been conducted, including phytochemical investigation, assessment of coenopopulation condition, and characterization of habitats. Despite the availability of some data on the species, current information on its population status, adaptive capacity, and variability within the region remains limited. The results obtained fill existing knowledge gaps and provide a scientific basis for the development of conservation and sustainable management strategies for the species. The conducted research has both regional and broader biological significance, contributing to the development of evidence-based approaches to biodiversity conservation and the protection of rare species under increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures. Object of the study. The object of the study comprises natural coenopopulations of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo growing under the conditions of the Central Kazakhstan Upland. Aim of the study. The aim of the study is to investigate the distribution, current status, and intraspecific biological diversity of populations of the rare species Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo in the territory of the Central Kazakhstan Upland. Objectives of the study: 1. To investigate the geographical distribution of Dactylorhiza fuchsii populations and to develop a map-scheme of their localities in the CKU using ArcGIS. 2. To study the ecological-biological and population-quantitative characteristics of Dactylorhiza fuchsii in the CKU. 3. To identify limiting factors negatively affecting the current state of Dactylorhiza fuchsii populations. 4. To analyze the phytochemical composition of populations of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo listed in the Red Data Book and growing in the CKU. 5. To experimentally assess the potential for reintroduction of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo through seed propagation and transplantation of adult individuals. 6. To develop a scientifically grounded framework for the conservation of the current state of coenopopulations of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo in the CKU. Research methods. The study employed field, laboratory, and analytical approaches. Field investigations were conducted within the Central Kazakhstan Upland on the territories of the national parks «Kokshetau», «Burabay», and «Karkaraly», where geobotanical descriptions were performed for each coenopopulation of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo. Ecological and phytocoenotic conditions were determined, and population-quantitative parameters were calculated. Spatial distribution and population structure were analyzed using ArcGIS software. Pharmacognostic studies of tubers included macro- and microscopic examinations, histological analysis, and phytochemical screening, while the assessment of population regenerative potential was carried out through experiments involving transplantation of adult individuals. Main provisions submitted for defense: 1. The geographical distribution of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo within the Central Kazakhstan Upland, established on the basis of field data, GIS mapping, and revision of herbarium collections; a high level of intraspecific variability and ecological plasticity of the species has been revealed. 2. Ontogenetic features and coenopopulation structure of D. fuchsii: predominance of generative reproduction, rarity of vegetative propagation, and variability of population states ranging from stable to critically suppressed, confirming the vulnerability of the species. 3. Pronounced morphological differentiation among populations of D. fuchsii driven by environmental conditions and spatial isolation; key morphometric traits determining intraspecific variability have been identified. 4. Adaptive anatomical features of D. fuchsii organs, including a previously undescribed single-layered root velamen, confirming the mesophytic nature and high ecological plasticity of the species. 5. Pharmacognostic characteristics and phytochemical composition of D. fuchsii tubers, confirming pharmacopoeial relevance and the potential for use in phytotherapy. 6. Taxonomic composition of rhizoplane microorganisms associated with D. fuchsii and their role in plant nutrition and ecological resilience, allowing the species to be considered an indicator of ecosystem condition. 7. Assessment of the introduction potential of D. fuchsii under conditions of the Astana Botanical Garden; low survival rate and limited adaptation were established, which is important for developing conservation strategies for rare orchids in Kazakhstan. Description of the main research results. Based on the analysis of herbarium materials, the distribution boundaries of Dactylorhiza fuchsii were refined, and its occurrence in the northern, central, and eastern regions of Kazakhstan was confirmed. Cases of misidentification were revealed, which allowed for the correction of existing assumptions regarding the taxonomic composition of the species. It was established that the species exhibits a high degree of ecological plasticity and occurs in a wide range of plant communities, from forest to meadow–bog ecosystems. The highest floristic diversity of associated species was recorded in populations from the Karkaraly region. Ontogenetic studies demonstrated the presence of all developmental stages typical of orchids, with generative reproduction being the primary mechanism of population maintenance. The success of reproduction was shown to depend on the interaction between abiotic factors and mycorrhizal associations. Morphometric analysis revealed that the first three principal components explain 86.5% of the total trait variability. Statistically significant differentiation among populations was identified, with the most pronounced variation observed in the Karkaraly region. Correlation analysis confirmed a strong relationship between vegetative and generative traits. Anatomical investigations identified a range of adaptive structural features, including characteristics of the mesophyll, vascular system, and storage tissue formation. The presence of a single-layered velamen was recorded, reflecting the adaptive capacity of the species. Phytochemical analysis determined the content of major groups of biologically active compounds: flavonoids (1.78%), anthracene derivatives (0.64%), mucilaginous polysaccharides (0.27%), and saponins (0.017%). For the first time, the rhizoplane microbial community was characterized, including bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, and others. Their role in plant nutrition and ecological stability was established. A comparative analysis of population age structure revealed differences in population condition ranging from stable to declining. The predominance of generative individuals in several populations indicates their instability. Introduction experiments showed a low plant survival rate (21%), with virginile individuals demonstrating the highest resilience. Nevertheless, the results indicate potential for further acclimatization. Justification of the novelty and significance of the obtained results. For the first time, a comprehensive study of the geographical distribution and population structure of Dactylorhiza fuchsii in the Central Kazakhstan Upland was carried out using GIS technologies (ArcGIS). A distribution map of populations was compiled, which can be used for monitoring and assessing the species’ conservation status. The features of population structure, reproductive biology, and coenopopulation dynamics were established, and the ecological and biological characteristics of the species under conditions of a sharply continental climate were refined. For the first time, the limiting factors determining population vulnerability were systematically identified. New data on the phytochemical composition of D. fuchsii were obtained, which may serve as potential biomarkers of population status and provide a basis for further research. Theoretical significance lies in the expansion of knowledge regarding the species’ distribution and ecology, refinement of its range, and advancement of understanding of population adaptation, stability, and the principles of reintroduction of rare plant species. Practical significance is associated with the applicability of the results for monitoring, conservation, and preservation of the species’ gene pool, as well as for planning conservation measures and establishing specially protected natural areas. Alignment with scientific development directions or state programs. The dissertation research was carried out within the framework of the grant project IIN AP23488845 «Spatial distribution of rare and vulnerable plant species and assessment of the condition of their populations in Central and Northern Kazakhstan». Description of the applicant’s contribution to the preparation of each publication. In all publications, the applicant was directly involved at all stages of the research process. The author independently carried out field and laboratory (office) work, including the establishment of sample plots, collection of herbarium material, recording of population coordinates using GPS navigation, and geobotanical descriptions of habitats. A major dataset of morphometric measurements from 420 individuals of Dactylorhiza fuchsii was collected and processed by the author. Statistical analyses were performed, including assessment of ontogenetic and age structure, correlation and analysis of variance, as well as principal component analysis. The applicant participated in the interpretation of results and preparation of manuscripts; despite co-authorship, the main contribution to research design, data collection, processing, and analysis belongs to the author. The main content of the dissertation is reflected in 4 scientific publications, including 1 article in an international peer-reviewed journal indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, 3 articles in journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and 3 abstracts presented at international and national conferences. Structure of the dissertation. The dissertation is presented on 129 pages of typescript and consists of a list of abbreviations, an introduction, a literature review, materials and methods, results and discussion, a conclusion, and a list of references comprising 219 sources. The work includes 14 tables, 47 figures, and 4 appendices.
Conclusion of the Research Ethics Committee
Defense of the dissertation: https://youtu.be/b0zHW2iNvaI?si=FpIW8p9C5zGk118f
