Natural resources of Pulicaria gaertn -Genus in the Fergana Valley

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Introduction

The study of medicinal plants of the Fergana Valley dates back to the distant past-the first millennium AD. In particular, the valley where the Great Silk Road passed was first mentioned by Greek geographers and Chinese travelers.

The medical geography and description of cleanliness of the Fergana Valley provides information about medicinal plants used by the local population in V.I. Kushelevsky scientific work (Abu Ali, 1956).

M.M. Arifkhonova (1967) made a great contribution to the scientific study of the nature and flora of the Fergana Valley. V.A.

Lesnevsky divided the study of the flora of the Fergana Valley into six groups:

1. Moderately warm (280-1050 m above sea level)

2. Dry desert

3. The barren desert

4. Desert pastures

5. Cupressoideae forests

6. Upper Desert (Alay pastures)

Since 1992, plant seeds have been collected to study their morphology and fertility. In recent years, under scientific observing of the Institute of Plant Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Laboratory of Medicinal Plants, expeditions to the Fergana Valley were organized in several directions, and the natural resources and biology of the our materials group were studied. During the work, several experimental sites were selected, where the ontogenesis of plants was studied and their role in plant cover was also determined.

Aim of the Research

The goal of our research is to study of the distribution, ontogeny and natural resources of Pulicaria Gaertn. genus in the Fergana Valley.

Also in determining the natural reserves of plants is to determine whether future use of these plants on an industrial scale will preserve their natural resources and what measures should be taken to preserve them.

Materials and Methods

We used the scientific methods of many researchers in doing the work. In the section "Useful plants of the Fergana Valley" N.A. Severtsov, G.I. Krauze, A.Regel, R.A. Khasanovich, O.E. Knorring, 1915. In addition to study the work of such scholars as Kh. Kh.Kholmatov and S.Yu. Yunusov, we also used the information given in Babur's "Boburnoma" and Ibn Sina's "Laws of Medicine".

We used the scientific data presented mainly A.F. Middendarf (1982), A.N. Razanov, B.Fyodorov, S.P.Suchkova, G. Maksudov and others’ works in the study of the physical-geographical description of the Fergana Valley.

We first used the division of the valley into deserts, hills, mountains, pastures in studying the Pulicaria Gaertn. genus vegetation cover, position of the Fergana Valley. In addition, during this work special forms adopted by the Laboratory of Medicinal Plants of the Institute of Plant Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Institute of Botany and the Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the National University of Uzbekistan about 70 geobotanical descriptions and about 1,500 herbarium specimens were collected. In the list of plants, their phenophase, plant condition, degree of distribution were given, and the system of Drudeni 7-point scale was mainly used. This was equal to 1 point-SOL, 2 points-SOL, 3 points-SP, 4 points-SP2, 5 points-COP 1, 6 points-COP 2, 7 points-COP 3.

The range of Pulicaria Gaertn. genus species was created using herbarium samples stored in the Institute of Botany and the Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the institutes of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the books "Flora" and "Central Asian Plant Identifier".

We conducted research on the biological properties of plants in the Kyrgyz Republic, Jalalabad region, Bazarkurgan district, north-eastern part of the village of Kyzyljar, at an altitude of 800 m above sea level, in a small gravel area. An experimental area was selected for Pulicaria saviifolia and R. gnphalodes. The Republic of Uzbekistan, Namangan region, Pop district, Pungon village was selected as an experimental site for Pulicaris uliginosa plant. Fergana region, Uchkuprik district, the southern part of the village of Sarikkurgan, 500 m above sea level, rocky areas for Pulicaria saviifolia and P. gnphalodes as well as experimental areas of the "Uzbekistan" branch of the Association of Companies "Tomosha" in Fergana region, Furkat district were allocated for experimental work. Experimental areas were taken from 25 m² for each round.

The methods developed by M.G. Nikoloaeva (1950), G.N. Novikov, M.G.Nikalaeva (1940), I.T. Vasilchenko (1979) and A.I. Stratanovich (1947) were used in the study of the biology of plant species Pulicaria salviifolia, P. gnaphalodes and P. uliginosa. In this case, the physiological effects of temperature on seed germination on the substances in the seeds, the effect of the seeds on the surrounding shells and the effect on the development of buds were observed (Fig. 1).

Fig 1. Pulicaria saviifolia.

We did not find any data on the reserves of plant species belonging to the category referring to Pulicaria gaertn. genus in the literature. Therefore, we used the methods in the work of N.A. Barisova (1981), A.I Tolmachev (1962), V.B. Kuvaev (1965), A.I. Shchreter (1966), E.V. Wolf, O.F. Maleeva (1969), I.L. Krylova, A.I. Shreter (1971), M.E. Pimenova, M.G. Pimonov (1970), M.E. Pimenova, V.Yu. Gusev, V.A. Ganishin, M.G. Pimenov (1978), M.E. Pimenova (1979), N.D. Sakalov (1982), I.L. Krylova (1981, 1988), N.A. Borisova, V.D. Tokareva, M.A. Kuznetsova (1982), M.G. Pavlov, Yu.A. Baranova (1983), I.L.Krylova (1981, 1988), V.B. Kubaev, V.G. Klyaznika, O.A. Lukyanov (1987) and others in determining the natural resources of the species in the Pulicaria family. According to I.L. Krylova (1988) calculating the biological reserves of Pulicaria species, all individuals of the species within the range are taken into account. These included the weight of diseased, insect-infested plants, as well as plants in the juvenile, generative, and senile stages. In this case, only the surface part of the Pulicaria species used as raw material was obtained. At the same time, in compiling the area scheme, we studied the reserves of areas where plants grow thick, have good transportability, and are close to settlements. Based on the V.B. Kuvaev, V.G. Klyaznika, O.A. Lukyanov (1987) method, plants that are left to reproduce to the weight of plants that can be used in natural accounting were not included. According to the method of N.A. Barisova (1961) in determining the plant stock in the areas where the plant is distributed, 100 sq.m. from 10 to 15 areas were taken, the number of plants in those areas, their age and weight in the dry state were determined, and then the data obtained from this were applied to the hectare and the total area (Kushalevsky, 1981).

In order to determine the range of species of the genus Pulicaria and the areas where they can be collected as raw materials, in 2018-2020, expeditions were conducted along the Fergana Valley in the following directions:

• First in 2018 Kokand-Sarikurgan-Sokh-Haydarkon-Botkent-Isfara-Vorik-Laylak-Uratepa-Khojand-Mogoltog-Adraspan-Asht-Chodak-Pop-Kokand;

• Second in 2019 Kokand-Pungon-Chorkesar-Koktash-Chust-Kosonsoy-Namangan-Balikchi-Jamashuy-Navbahor-Buvayda-Kokand;

• Third in 2020 Kokand-Sarikurgan-Rishtan-Altiariq-Vodil-Shokhimardon-Qizilkiya-Uchkurgan-Osh-Karasuv-Jalal-Abad-Bazarkurgan-Arslonbob-Andijan-Kuva-Margilan-Boz-Yazyovan – Yangiqor directions were done scientific works.

To determine plant reserves, we determined the number of plants in an area of 10 m², harvested from them suitable for raw materials, and determined the biomass by weighing in moisture and dry. Plant specimens with more than 4 stems in a bush were taken as raw materials. Plants with one to four stems are considered young plants. Because experiments show that plants produce 1 stem in the first year, 2-3 stems in the second year, and 3-5 stems in the third year. Adult plants produce 9-10 stems.

Thus, we determined the number of plants per 10 m² and the quantities of biomass applied to the total area.

In 4 directions in the form of a strip from 1000 m to 1 m of the total area, we listed the age of the plants and their suitability for raw materials and divided the obtained numbers into categories of areas with thick flowerbeds within the habitats of an average bush (Tables 1-3).

We included in category 1 areas where plants grow thick, where it is easy to transport raw materials, and which are close to populated villages.

Table 1. The natural reserve of Pulicaria saviifolia in the Fergana Valley.

Table 2. The natural reserve of Рulicaria gnaphalodes in the Fergana Valley.

Table 3. The natural reserve of Pulicaria uliginosa in the Fergana Valley.

Results and Discussion

Category II areas were those where the vegetation was not very thick or when the vegetation was thick, the transport could not come closer than 1-2 km, the areas far from the population.

Category III areas with low traffic capacity of plants were taken. If raw materials are prepared from such areas, they will have to be brought in using live animals.

Pulicaria saviifolia Beg-at the base of the perennial stem of this plant is a branched stem and the leaves are completed with ball flowers, collected in a basket, flying from the stalk branches, covered with soft, short, thick hairs. The flowers are yellow.

Plant height is 40-60 cm, obtained for raw materials weighs an average of 70-100 g of dry weight on the surface of the earth.

As can be seen from Table 1, the total area grown by Pulicaria salviifolia is 375.5 hectares and the biomass in this area is 80.72+0.21 t, available biomass is 64.34+0.26 t.

If the use of the fields once every three years, taking into account that their area changes every 6-7 years, the natural resources of this plant will not be able to supply the raw materials needed for medicine on an industrial scale. Therefore, we need to plant and propagate plant seeds in the areas of non-irrigated, fine-grained and seasonally flowing rivers and streams in the foothills.

As can be seen from Table 3 above, if the distributed area of the Pulicaria uliginosa plant is 600 hectares, then the biological reserve is 6525 ± 17 kg and the extractable biomass is 1330 ± 10 kg. If we use this area once in 3 years, it will be possible to produce 440.3 kg per year. In such cases, it is not possible to use the natural resources of these plants on an industrial scale. Therefore, if necessary, it is advisable to plant this plant in the tugai forests near the riverbeds or in areas where groundwater is close, where it is not possible to plant other types of crops.

It should also be noted that the area under rice in the Fergana Valley is not permanent. It is important to take into account that they vary. Therefore, when calculating the reserves of Pulicaria uliginosa we did not take into account the areas formed by rice fields, permanent water structures, drainage ditches, irrigated, tugai forests around rivers and areas unsuitable for cultivation near groundwater.

As can be seen from Table 2 above, the usable area within the areas where the Pulicaria gnaphalodes plant is distributed is 727 hectares and the surface biomass of the available plant is 147.8 t. Of these, category 1 areas are 387 hectares and their biomass of raw materials is 65.24 t. This amount covers industrial demand. However, considering the use of the fields once every 3 years, it cannot meet the demand of the industry.

The habitat of Pulicaria gnaphalodes extends to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In addition, we found this plant area in the Tashkent region, in the village of Bolgoli in the Akhangaran district, around Baliklikul village in the Jizzakh region, in the Saryagoch district of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the southern part of Alimtog hill.

Although the area is widespread, its areas that can be used as raw materials are insufficient. It should also be noted that since this plant is an annual, it is necessary to leave in the amount required for the recovery of the plant when harvesting it.

There are no other plants that are morphologically close to this plant in the areas prepared for raw materials. Therefore, manufacturers do not mix it with other plants. It is noteworthy that all the above-ground parts of the plant are covered with soft, fluffy hairs, it has a peculiar odor, and is lighter green (whiter) than other plants. However, in some cases P. salviifolia and P.gnaphalodes also occur together.

In such cases, the height or low height of the plant is distinguished by the color of the plant, annual and perennial characteristics (Table 4).

Table 4. Morphological characteristics of plants

Conclusion

Since the biologically active substances isolated from the Pulicaria Gaertn. genus species were recommended for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, they were studied in the deserts and hills of Uzbekistan.

Pulicaria salviifolia distributed in the foothills of the Chatkal, Kurama, Olay, Turkestan mountain ranges of Uzbekistan, Rulicaria gnaphalodes in the Ustyurt and Kyzylkum, Turkestan, Zarafshan, Gissar, Kokhitang, Nurata mountains, and Pulicaria uliginosa distributed in the Ugom, Piskom, Chatkal, Chatkal, Ugom, Piskom, Chatkal. in the mountains, as well as in the Fergana and Surkhan-Sherabad valleys.

Pulicaria salviifolia area of the Fergana Valley is 375 hectares, the biological reserve of the surface is about 80.7 t, the usable reserve is 64 t. The area of Pulicaria gnaphalodes is 727 hectares, with a biological reserve is 147 t and an available reserve is 105.9 t. The total area of Pulicaria uliginosa was found to be 600 hectares, with a biological reserve is 6.5 t and a usable reserve is 1.3 t.

Pulicaria Gaertn. genus species for the first time in the Fergana Valley, the role of valley vegetation was studied, 6 associations involving Pulicaria sаlviifolia and 3 associations involving Pulicaria gnaphalodes-5 associations involving Pulicaria uliginosa were described.

Biological properties of the Pulicaria Gaertn. genus three species were studied. All three species reproduce in nature using seeds. If the seeds are sown in the Autumn (October), it is determined that they will germinate fully in March next year.

The ontogenesis of Pulicaria salviifolia, P. gnaphalodes and P. uliginosa species has been fully studied and it has been found that they have through latent, vegetative, generative and senile stages (without Pulicaria gnaphalodes) within a year.

The first guide for manufacturers of raw materials for the industry has been prepared. It describes the harvesting times of plants, drying, storage, restoration of natural resources and measures for their rational use.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interests.

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to help us an assistant of Uzbek state world language university Ms.Umida Rakhmatullaeva for his paper work.

References

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Arifkhanova, M.M. (1967). Vegetation of the Fergana Valley. Ed. "Fan". Tashkent, p:295.

Knorring, O.E. (1915). Botanical and geographical sketch of the Namangan district. Tr. soil.-botan. Expeditions to explore the Colonies. Districts of Asia. T. Russia, p:111.

Middendorf, A.F. (1982). Fergana valley sketch. Fergana, p:604.

Vasilchenko, I.T. (1979). Identifier of weed seedlings. Leningrad, p:280.

Pimenova, M.E. (1979). Methods for accounting for stocks of plant raw materials in mountain conditions. The state and prospects of the study and use of natural plant resources in the USSR. Tashkent, "Fan", pp:133-141.

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