Rhaponticum carthamoides (Asteraceae) in the Altai Republic: Assessment of the State of the Plant Affected by Human Activities

Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin is a rhizome polycarpic plant with monocarpic generative shoots. This species of commercial importance. The aboveground and belowground parts the are used as fodder, medicinal raw material, material for cosmetic industry. classified rare throughout Russia, except Altai Republic. Irrational use leads to disruption seed vegetative propagation plants. literature data on this mainly include resource estimates practical applications. Variations morphometric characteristics associated human impact have not been sufficiently studied. purpose work comparative analysis growth development R. in various ecological geographical conditions was investigated two undisturbed habitats (UH), near village Kaitanak Katun Nature Reserve (Ust-Koksinsky District), sites affected by activities, namely, livestock grazing (Seminsky Pass, Shebalinsky District) Shavla Protected Area (Ongudaysky District). Morphometric features were studied mature study showed presence very productive regeneration zone more developed system rosette shoots large leaves UH. In grazing, power productivity plants decreased, process disturbed. Significant correlations found diameter part related number shoots, size their leaves, height (r = 0.75; 0.55; 0.63). These parameters determine stability individuals species. Adaptation activities accompanied disintegration characteristics. We revealed decrease photosynthetic surface area reduction capacity zone. can lead an impairment function ecosystem even its disappearance from grass stand