Comparative study of root, stem, and leaf anatomy of young Sogdian ash trees (Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge) growing in river valleys of the Sharyn State National Park

Abstract

The study of endangered relict woody plants is a key component of biodiversity conservation strategies. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to compare anatomical features of the vegetative organs of relict Sogdian ash (Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge) growing in river valleys of the Sharyn State National Park in the Almaty region. In 2020-2021 young individuals of Sogdian ash were sampled, in the valleys of the Sharyn and Temirlik rivers to study, their root, stem, and leaf anatomical features for the first time. The lower and upper epidermis of F. sogdiana leaves were thicker in individuals growing at the Sharyn site than at the Temirlik site. In contrast to that, the thickness of the mesophyll was thicker in leaves from the Temirlik site. The cross-sectional area of the conductive bundles of plants were larger in trees from the Sharyn site. The morphometric parameters of the stem also had different results. The diameter of the roots were twice as large in Sogdian ash trees growing at the Sharyn site, likely due to the growing conditions,  since the soil of the Sharyn River valley is meadow, stony and pebbly, compared to the Temirlik River, which is a deposit of red clay mixed with crushed stone and rock remnants. Since Sogdian ash is drought tolerant dry air well, due to its resistance to heat and soil salinity, it can be recommended in order to preserve biodiversity, for landscaping, and for improving ecosystem conditions.