Abstract Detail

Mycological Section

Abdurahimova, Zuvaydajan [1].

Lichens Flora of Deserts of Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan is located in the western part of Central Asia. It has a typical continental climate, which is however milder along the Caspian Sea and in the mountains. Less than one fifth of Turkmenistan is covered by mountain. Sand and loamy deserts cover up to 80% of Turkmenistan. At present as a result of long-term collections we possess data concerning lichen flora of Central (Lower) Karakums, amounting to 90 species and belonging to 25 genera. They include 35 species of lichens – epiphites. Epigey lichens from genera Diploschistes, Collema and Caloplaca are spread everywhere. Representative of genera Rinodina, Psora, Peccania, Psorotichia, Aspicilia and Endopyrenium are met quite rarely. The desert is strongly influenced by antropogenic impact. On the Caspian plain there are vast sandy massives of Sounaksak, Gerdjan, Chilmammedkum and Meshedkum among takyrs. On these massives we collected about 500 speciments of lichens. Owing to mists, brought from the Caspian sea the vitality of lichen growing there is much better that in Central Karakum in the area of Baharden. Lichen flora is identical and no species have been registered. Takyrs are typical elements of landscapes of the South-Western Turkmenistan. They are oftener covered with lichen-alga communities, up to 90-100% in some places. Takyrs of Tejen region and the Lower Karakum (near Baharden) have no such covering. The largest massives of lichen takyrs (in such a way soil scientists call them while classifying soils) are concentrated in the north-eastern part and in the south-western outskirts of the regions. These sections are mainly uplifted. Flora of the surface species of lichens, participating in the formation of biogeocenosis of takyrs, accounts for 68 species which belong to 22 genera 12 families. The following species are spread everywhere: Acarospora nodulosa var. reagens, Aspicilia aspera, Collema tenax, C.minor, C.bachmanianum, Fulgensia fulgens, Endocarpon adscendens, Endocarpon halophilum, Diploschistes scruposus, D.gypsaceus, Squamarina lentigera, Toninia sedifolia, Physcia caesia, Physconia grisea, Psora decipiens.

Broader Impacts:

1 - National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Department of Botany, West Loading Dock , 10th and Constitution Ave, NW, Washington D.C., D.C., 20013-7012, USA

Keywords:
Turkmenistan
lichens
desert
Karakum.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PMY002
Abstract ID:268