Ecological, cenotic and phytochemical characteristics of Cacalia hastata L. in Western Transbaikalia

In the article the results of study of Cacalia hastata L. ecological and phytocenotic neighborhood in the conditions of Western Transbaikalia are presented. It is identified that Cacalia hastata in the studied territory doesn’t form a large bush and is timed to communities with good soil moisture conditions where the undergrowth of resident species is expressed: Rosa acicularis, Ribes nigrum, R. spicatum, Swida alba, Spiraea salicifolia. Constant companions of C. hastata in the first grass layer are: Heracleum dissectum, Equisetum pretense, Thalictrum baicalense, Calamagrostis langsdorfii. The determination of medicinal raw materials reserves of Cacalia hastata has shown that the yield of air- dry raw materials of this type varies from 14.59 to 22,62 g/m 2. The maximum value of this parameter is marked for bird cherry forb (22.62 g/m 2), the minimum for pine forb-reed (14.59 g/m 2). Operating reserve of air-dry raw Cacalia hastata in the studied cenopopulations is low (18,05-95,20 kg) and insufficient for industrial harvesting. At the same time the Cacalia hastata widespread in the Transbaikal region and these reserves of raw materials can satisfy the needs of local population. The influence of habitat conditions on the content of alkaloids sums in some organs of Cacalia hastata is considered. It is identified that the BAS content in the organs of Cacalia hastata is not constant and changes in the course of individual growth of the plant. The study of the influence of seasonal rhythm and habitats on the BAS content (including microelements) allows identification of terms and places of herbal raw materials gathering that is characterized by the optimal accumulation of the BAS.