The article gives a geobotanical description and a floristic analysis of communities with the participation of the rare and relict species Alnus glutinosa in condition of Aktobe region. The aim of the study is to provide a geobotanical assessment of the current status of a rare, relict species of the Alnus glutinosa population, which was included in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. At present, the flora of the Aktobe region is not sufficiently studied. Conservation of the biodiversity of the Aktobe region flora is one of the most topical issues. In Aktobe region, due to the lack of grazing, felling of trees, using as fuel and the emergence of uncontrolled tourism and at the same time due to the lack of natural renewal of the area, these consequences lead to a quantitative reduction in the species. In this regard, it is necessary to study the species and organize protection and conservation measures. The results of the study showed that the plant Alnus glutinosa is rarely found in the flora of Kazakhstan and also the distribution areas are reduced. Of the three investigated points, plants from 24 families were identified. Plant communities of Alnus glutinosa are being studied for the first time in the Aktobe region. For the first time in the conditions of the Aktobe region, the habitat of black alder was discovered. The floral composition of plant communities of Alnus glutinosa grown in various ecological environments was revealed, the ratio of life forms and phytocenotic features were studied for the first time. In addition, alder felt mite and ground bug, damaging black alder, were identified from 3 studied populations. It has been established that the main reason for the spread of this pest is a very strong moistening of the ground on which sticky Alder grows. Results sequencing showed that the DNA sample under study belongs to the fungus Alternaria alternata.

В статье представлены результаты комплексного ботанико-географического исследования популяций тополя сереющего (Populus × canescens (Aiton) Sm.) в пределах среднего течения реки Урал на территории Западно-Казахстанской области. На основании полевых наблюдений, гербарных данных и флористического анализа проведена оценка современного состояния и устойчивости серотополевых сообществ. Выявлено восемь популяций вида, приуроченных преимущественно к пойменно-притеррасным участкам долины реки Урал. Флористический анализ показал присутствие 103 видов сосудистых растений, относящихся к 37 семействам и 83 родам. В биоморфологической структуре флоры преобладают многолетние травянистые поликарпики 64 % , а также значительная доля древесно-кустарниковых видов 22,3 %. Фитоценотический анализ позволил выделить шесть основных экологических групп растений: лесную, луговую, степную, лесостепную, лугово-болотную и прибрежно-водную, при доминировании лесных 31 % и луговых 25,2 % элементов. Хорологический анализ выявил преобладание голарктических и европейских ареальных типов, что указывает на евроазиатскую направленность флоры и её бореальный характер.

Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. has extensive use in traditional medicine and diverse biological activities due to its rich phytochemical profile. In this study, firstly, the physicochemical characteristics of the plant material were evaluated, revealing a high content of extractive substances (17.684%), followed by ash (6.740%) and moisture (5.000%). Among the bioactive constituents, tannins were the most abundant (7.439%). Analysis of macroelements in the plant ash showed K (11.4330 mg/g) as the predominant element, followed by Mg (97.13 mg/g), Ca (75.30 mg/g), and Na (72.41 mg/g). Trace element analysis indicated Fe (1.2266 mg/g) as the most abundant microelement, with Zn (0.8870 mg/g) and Mn (0.8141 mg/g) present in comparable amounts. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the ethanolic leaf extract characterized volatile and semi-volatile constituents of 43 phytochemical components, where vitamin E was the predominant compound (20.52%), followed by phytol (12.46%) and squalene (10.29%). Further high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed the presumed presence of naringin (56.421 mg/L), followed by epicatechin (15.123 mg/L), catechin (12.485 mg/L), and phloridzin (11.800 mg/L), while gallic acid was detected at a comparatively lower concentration (0.402 mg/L). The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous leaf extract was evaluated against typical Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella abony, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. To evaluate the effect of compositional changes on antimicrobial activity, the fermented and non-fermented formulations of A. glutinosa leaf extracts were prepared. These results demonstrate measurable antibacterial effects, thereby confirming the ethnopharmacological significance of A. glutinosa and highlighting its potential as a source of natural antimicrobial agents for further pharmacological development.

This study evaluates the influence of environmental factors on the morphological and morphometric variability of Populus tremula L. in the floodplain ravine forests of the West Kazakhstan region. The research compares three natural aspen populations that differ in hydrological regimes, soil characteristics, levels of anthropogenic pressure. The main objective was to identify adaptive morphological changes occurring under the combined effects of natural - climatic technogenic environmental factors. Field methods included measuring tree height, stem diameter at breast height (DBH), and crown parameters using a Suunto PM-5/1250 hypsometer and a forestry measuring tape. Leaf morphology was assessed using 20 - 30 representative leaf blades per tree, measured with a caliper (0.1 mm accuracy). Examined traits included shape, color, thickness of the leaf blade, petiole length, shoot structure, and bark condition. Herbarium specimens collected between 1927 and 2015 were analyzed to identify long-term morphological variation. Forest inventory data were used to determine age structure, stand volume, and stand dynamics. The results showed that the population growing in ravine forest conditions maintains stable morphological characteristics typical of P. tremula, indicating favorable ecological conditions. In contrast, the second and third populations - located near the Karachaganak oil and gas condensate complex and the “Karachaganak - Atyrau” pipeline - demonstrated distinct morphological deviations. These included changes in leaf shape and color, increased leaf blade thickness, deformation of young shoots, and signs of pathogen-induced damage. Such deviations were found to correlate with increasing levels of anthropogenic impact. Overall, the study confirms that Populus tremula L. exhibits high sensitivity to environmental gradients and serves as a reliable bioindicator for assessing the ecological condition of forest ecosystems in Western Kazakhstan. Keywords: Populus tremula L., morphometric traits, ecological - cenotic conditions, adaptive plant responses, herbarium studies, forest inventory indicators, forest ecosystems of West Kazakhstan.

This study examines the distribution and ecological characteristics of Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill in the forest communities of the Ural River valley in the West Kazakhstan region. This fungus, possessing both parasitic and saprotrophic properties, plays a crucial role in the nutrient cycle by decomposing lignin in the wood of deciduous trees. Based on a comprehensive geobotanical and mycological analysis conducted during field studies from 2019 to 2024, it has been determined that L.sulphureus is present across a wide range of forest communities, including elm, willow, poplar, aspen, alder, and oak forests. A strong association between the fungus and tree species such as Quercus robur, Salix alba, and Populus alba has been observed. The results of the study highlight the high ecological plasticity of L. sulphureus, enabling it to effectively adapt to various types of forest communities. ...