Sokol O. Species of the genus Arctium L. in Ukraine: biological features and prospects for introduction into culture

The dissertation presents the results of studies of biological and phytochemical features of four species of plants of the genus Arctium. Due to the similarity of morphological features and the lack of clear diagnostic criteria for plant species, additional diagnostic features of plants such as shape and microscopic structure of the leaf blade, flower structure, ultrastructure of pollen grains are involved. To identify the depth of affinity by structural features, a comparative morphological analysis the genus Arctium species was carried out by calculating the normalized deviation and divergence coefficient of these features. This will expand the morphological description of these species and allow clearer definition. The productive potential and methods of reproduction of plants of species of the genus Arctium as the basis of their introduction into the culture have been established. The regularities of accumulation of biologically active compounds (polysaccharides, tannins, flavonoid compounds, ascorbic acid, the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids) in roots and leaves in the species of genus Arctium during the growing season have been clarified. It was found that by assessing the success of the introduction and stability of species of the genus Arctium are promising and resistant plants. Promising, productive species A. tomentosum and A. lappa are proposed for further selection.