The infuence of meteorological factors on vegetation rhytmics of Artemisia absinthium L

The seasonal development rhythms of the medicinal, spice (aromatic) plants (MAPs) match with the length of vegetation period and reflect seasonal and periodic climatic conditions. These changes are important in the context of plant species introduction from their natural habitats to ex situ collections [4]. Previous studies have found that Lithuania's largest number of (MAPs) species − 46 are Astraceae (Bercht. & J. Presl) family [2]. In the plant kingdom, family Asteraceae is endowed with prospective plants and among these plants, the genus Artemisia L. occupies top position for its bio − prospection. The genus consists of small herbs and shrubs, found in northern temperate regions and comprises of about 500 species [1]. The investigations were conducted in Spice − Melliferous plants collections of Scientific sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Botanical Garden at Vytautas Magnus University during vegetation periods in 2017-2018. The object of investigations was Artemisia absinthium L.− medicinal, spice (aromatic) perennial herbaceous plant of the largest Asteraceae (Bercht. & J. Presl) family, native of Europe, Caucasus, North India, North and South America, Asia Minor [3]. The results of a study on the dependence of growth and vegetation process of Artemisia absinthium upon meteorological factors are presented that the earliest beginning of vegetation and optimal climatic conditions for growth are when hydrothermic coefficient reaches 1.50-1.0 (optimal climatic conditions). Then conditions of excessive humidity for massive flowering and the end of flowering maturation are observed when hydrothermic coefficient increases to 1.6- 2.0. Research found that 2017 all phenological phases of Artemisia absinthium started earlier than 2018 about 10 days. Artemisia absinthium L. passes the whole development cycle under climatic conditions of Central LithuaniaInstrumentinės analizės APCVytauto Didžiojo universiteta