L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Tustubayeva Shynar on the topic «Ecological and biological features of the family Rosaceae Juss of flora of the State National Natural Park «Tarbagatai»» to the educational program «8D05203 – Bioecology».
The dissertation was completed at the higher school of Natural Sciences Astana International University.
The language of defense is russian
Official reviewers:
Sametova Elmira – Candidate of Biological Sciences, Chief Scientific Secretary «Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction» of the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Almaty, Kazakhstan).
Satybaldiyeva Gulmira – Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Ecology, S.Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical Research University (Astana, Kazakhstan).
Temporary members of the Dissertation Committee:
Kanayev Ashimkhan – Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor at the Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Kazakhstan);
Issayeva Akmaral – Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Director of the Research Institute of Ecology and Biotechnology at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University (Shymkent, Kazakhstan);
Mária Höhn – Dr. habil., Professor of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Budapest, Hungary).
Scientific advisors:
Myrzagaliyeva Anar – Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, First Vice President of Astana International University (Astana, Kazakhstan);
Turuspekov Yerlan – Candidate of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Almaty, Kazakhstan).
The defense will take place on June 23, 2025, at 05:00 PM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D052 – Environment» in the specialty «8D05208 – Ecology and nature management» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The defense meeting is planned to be held online.
Link: https://surl.lu/qlshhj
Address: Astana, st. Kazhymukhan, 13, Educational building No. 3, room. № 333.
Abstract (English): Тhe doctoral thesis entitled: “Ecological and biological features of the family Rosaceae Juss of flora of the State National Natural Park “Tarbagatai” submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) on the educational program “8D05203 – Bioecology” Tustubayeva Shynar General description of work. The dissertation is dedicated to studying the ecological and biological features of the Rosaceae Juss. family within the flora of the Tarbagatai State National Nature Park (SNNP). In the context of climate change and increasing anthropogenic influence, the conservation of biodiversity has become one of the key global challenges. The Tarbagatai SNNP is a unique natural area, rich in floristic diversity, and plays a strategic role in maintaining ecological balance. However, a systematic study and inventory of the flora in this region, particularly the representatives of the Rosaceae family, remains incomplete. Investigating the distribution patterns, physiological, and chemical characteristics of Rosaceae plants in Tarbagatai is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of flora adaptation to various environmental conditions, as well as for developing strategies to preserve rare and endemic species. Relevance of the research topic. The preservation of biodiversity and the rational use of natural resources is one of the most pressing global challenges. Biological diversity preservation is directly linked to ensuring the biological security of a state and is a crucial element of sustainable development. In the context of intense anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems and climate change, particularly in sparsely populated and under-studied regions like the Tarbagatai State National Park, studying flora and implementing sustainable resource-use methods have become essential measures for ecosystem preservation. Research into the flora of national parks and reserves plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues. There is currently a need for a comprehensive study of the floristic diversity of the Tarbagatai State National Park, primarily due to the lack of data on the region’s flora. A systematic study of the Rosaceae family, an important component of Tarbagatai’s vegetation, will reveal distribution patterns, ecological and biological characteristics of species, and evaluate their potential for economic use, as well as their role in ecosystem conservation and restoration. Additionally, the ongoing environmental changes within the park call for research aimed at improving the protection of natural complexes, preserving the genetic pool of flora, and assessing the environmental sustainability of ecosystems. Conducting an inventory of Rosaceae species and studying their bioecological characteristics will not only enhance the region's floristic database but also provide valuable recommendations for implementing effective nature conservation programs. Objects of the study. The objects of the study are populations of species from the Rosaceae Juss. family growing within the territory of the Tarbagatai State National Park. Subject of the study. The subject of the study is the ecological and biological characteristics of species from the Rosaceae Juss. family growing within the territory of the Tarbagatai State National Park. Purpose of the work: a comprehensive study of the ecological and biological characteristics of Rosaceae family representatives in the ecosystems of the Tarbagatai State National Nature Park, including their adaptive mechanisms and prospects for the rational use of natural resources. Research objectives: 1. Conduct an inventory and compile a summary of species from the Rosaceae family within the territory of the Tarbagatai State National Park. 2. Analyze the Rosaceae family from ecological, biomorphological, arealogical, and eco-geographical perspectives. 3. Assess the biodiversity index of Rosaceae family representatives and identify areas with high biodiversity concentrations. 4. Investigate the physiological and chemical characteristics of the plants and identify the limiting factors affecting the distribution of Rosaceae species. 5. Model the environmental conditions that are optimal for the distribution of Rosaceae family representatives. 6. Evaluate the economic potential of Rosaceae species and assess their prospects for practical use and conservation. Scientific novelty of the research. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the application of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to examining the flora of the Tarbagatai State National Park. For the first time, a combination of classical geobotanical, chemical, ecological-biological, and physiological methods was employed, enabling a more detailed analysis of the distribution patterns of Rosaceae family plants in the unique conditions of this natural zone. Innovative computer-based digital methods, including the analysis of environmental factors, provided a deeper understanding of the environmental and climatic constraints affecting the distribution of these plant populations. This approach generates more accurate data on the factors limiting their distribution and can serve as a foundation for developing effective strategies to preserve biodiversity in the face of climate change. The theoretical significance of the work. The theoretical significance of this study lies in advancing scientific knowledge about the species structure, ecological and biological characteristics, and distribution patterns of Rosaceae family plants within the Tarbagatai State National Park. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the relationships between the chemical composition of plants, soil, and climatic factors was conducted using modern methods of ecological modeling and correlation analysis. The data obtained on the physiological activity, biochemical composition, and adaptation mechanisms of Rosaceae representatives contribute to enhancing the existing theories of biological diversity and the ecological and geographical distribution of plants in the mountain ecosystems of Central Asia. This study also complements the theoretical foundations of functional plant ecology by revealing the mechanisms of species adaptation to various high-altitude and environmental conditions. The results can be applied to further research in ecology, botany, and nature conservation, as well as for modeling the dynamics of plant communities in response to climate change. The practical value of the research. The results of this study will enable the scientific staff of the national park and other interested research institutions to conduct scientific work focused on the reproduction and preservation of the gene pool of the Tarbagatai flora. Research methods: In the course of the dissertation research, traditional ecological and botanical methods were employed, along with ecological-physiological, chemical-analytical, statistical, and cartographic research techniques. Various biomorphological parameters, such as plant communities, life form, plant height, and leaf blade volume, were determined. Arealogical and ecological-geographical studies of plants were conducted across the area. Field data were plotted on maps using GIS mapping methods in the ArcGIS and QGIS programs. A physiological assessment of plant condition was carried out in the field using chlorophyll measurements and fluorometry, employing portable devices. The collected biological and soil samples were prepared according to standard protocols and analyzed in the laboratory for parameters such as total carbon, nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium), total phosphorus, potassium, calcium, aluminum, iron, and pH. These analyses were conducted using instruments such as the SAN++ (Skalar) continuous analyzer, atomic absorption spectroscopy (contrAA 700), and others. The empirical data obtained were analyzed using various computer-based statistical programs to conduct dispersion and correlation analysis. Additionally, a computer ecological model for calculating entropy was utilized through the MaxEnt and Diva-GIS programs. The main provisions for the defense: Species diversity of Rosaceae plants peaks on the southern slopes of the ridge due to milder climate conditions and soil diversity. Biomorphological analysis revealed the dominance of perennial herbs and shrubs, which are best adapted to the local environment. Biodiversity indices correlate with phosphorus (P) content in the soil (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). The physiological activity of Rosaceae plants, including chlorophyll content and Fv/Fm fluorescence indices (ranging from 0.78 to 0.83), demonstrates their resistance to varying altitudinal and climatic conditions, as confirmed by their adaptability data. Chemical analysis of Rosaceae plants revealed high nitrogen (up to 2.8%) and potassium (up to 3.5%) content in the leaves, along with significant variation in microelement content based on soil composition. The highest chemical concentrations were found on the southern slopes. Significant correlations were observed between: Nitrogen (N) content in leaves (2.1–2.8%) and humus content in the soil (r = 0.78, p < 0.01), Potassium (K) content in leaves (2.8–3.5%) and exchangeable potassium content in the soil (r = 0.83, p < 0.01), Magnesium (Mg) content in plant tissues (0.2–0.6%) and soil pH (r = -0.65, p < 0.05). Computer modeling of environmental conditions and correlation analysis of environmental factors revealed that climatic conditions (air temperatures ranging from -17.3 °C in winter to +24.5 °C in summer, with precipitation up to 94.6 mm) and soil conditions (humus content up to 3.2%) significantly influence biodiversity and the physiological activity of Rosaceae plants. Correlation analysis of chemical composition and environmental factors confirmed that soils rich in humus and microelements are limiting factors for the growth and distribution of Rosaceae species, particularly on the southern slopes. Key research findings and conclusions: Studies of the ecological and biological characteristics of Rosaceae family representatives growing in the Tarbagatai State National Park have revealed important patterns related to their distribution, physiological activity, and chemical composition. These plants play a crucial role in the formation of plant communities in this natural zone, possessing significant ecological plasticity and the ability to adapt to a variety of environmental conditions. 1. As a result of the flora inventory in the Tarbagatai State National Park, an annotated summary of the Rosaceae family was compiled, representing 90 species from 20 genera. Among these, shrubs stand out as the dominant group. 2. The taxonomic diversity of the Rosaceae family in the Tarbagatai State National Park underscores its significant biodiversity and ecological importance. Species diversity reaches its highest point on the southern slopes of the ridge due to milder climatic conditions and soil diversity. Areal analysis shows a prevalence of species from Holarctic (24 species, 26.37%), Eurasian (16 species, 17.59%), and boreal (16 species, 17.59%) areas. This highlights the significant role of the Rosaceae family in shaping the floristic structure of the region and its interrelation with other floristic areas. Ecological analysis identified five ecological groups, with xerophytes (39 species, 42.86%) being dominant. A transitional group of mesoxerophytes included 29 species (31.87%), mesophytes 16 species (17.58%), and mesohygrophytes 7 species (7.69%). Analysis of life forms according to I.G. Serebryakov indicated that woody plants account for 28 species (30.76%), semi-woody plants for 5 species (5.50%), and herbaceous polycarpics for 57 species (62.64%). Biomorphological analysis based on H. Raunkiaer showed that the flora is predominantly hemicryptophytes (54 species, 59.32%), followed by phanerophytes (24 species, 26.38%) and chamaephytes (9 species, 9.90%). 3. Biodiversity indices across different parts of the Tarbagatai Ridge revealed that the western part of the ridge has the highest species richness and a high level of diversity for most alpha diversity indices. The Simpson index is 0.9761, the Shannon index is 3.933, the Mennon index is 5.044, the Margalef index is 12.4, and species richness, as assessed using the Chao method, is 78.53. The central part of the ridge exhibits moderate species richness with balanced species distribution, while the eastern part has the lowest species richness but the greatest uniformity in species distribution. These results suggest a high level of ecosystem diversity in the western part, stable environmental conditions in the eastern part, and moderate biodiversity in the central part. 4. Physiological analysis showed that the Fv/Fm index, which measures the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, varied from 0.78 to 0.83, indicating the plants' high adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. These high Fv/Fm values across most of the SNNP territory confirm the resistance of Rosaceae representatives to stress factors, including temperature and humidity fluctuations. Chemical analysis revealed high nitrogen (up to 2.8%) and potassium (up to 3.5%) content in the leaves, which helps maintain physiological activity and adaptability to local soil conditions. Significant correlations were found between nitrogen content in leaves and humus content in the soil (r = 0.78, p < 0.01), and between potassium content in leaves and exchangeable potassium content in the soil (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). This suggests a direct relationship between soil chemical composition and the physiological state of the plants. 5. Computer modeling of environmental conditions and correlation analysis of environmental factors showed that climatic and soil conditions significantly impact biodiversity and the physiological activity of Rosaceae plants. The southern slopes, with their milder climate and higher humidity, provide optimal conditions for plant development, while the harsher climatic conditions on the northern slopes require plants to be highly resilient. 6. Economic assessment of Rosaceae plants revealed a predominance of fruit-bearing species, such as Crataegus sanguinea, Fragaria vesca, F. viridis, and Rubus saxatilis. Honey species make up a significant portion of economically valuable plants, with 18 species identified. There are also 19 ornamental species, including Red Book species Malus sieversii and Prunus ledebouriana. Honey species, predominantly shrubs and trees, include Cotoneaster melanocarpus, Dasiphora fruticosa, Prunus griffithii var. tianshanica, Prunus padus, and Spiraea crenata. Connection with the plan of the main scientific works. The dissertation was completed as part of the grant-funded project “Zhas Galym” (AP22687057), titled «Study the current state of shrubs in Eastern Kazakhstan based on the bioecological and genetic characteristics of Rosa L. populations». Publications. The results of the study are presented in four scientific publications, including three articles in Q1 and Q2 journals (Web of Science, Scopus) and one article in publications recommended by SHEQAC MSHE KR. The author also registered a patent for a utility model. The significance and relevance of the study are further validated by these publications, as well as by its presentation at international and national conferences.
Conclusion of the Research Ethics Committee
Defense of the dissertation: https://youtu.be/Pm01yllPMgk
