The influence of meteorological factors on growth and vegetation rhytmics of Artemisia pontica 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 [3]. These changes are important in the context of plant species introduction from their natural habitats to ex situ collections. 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 in 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 pontica L.− a medicinal, perennial herbaceous plant of the largest Asteraceae (Bercht. & J. Presl) family, native of North America, Southern Europe, Southeast Asia. The results of a study on the dependence of growth and vegetation process of Artemisia pontica 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). Than 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 pontica started earlier than 2018 about 20 days. In conclusions, Artemisia pontica passes the whole development cycle under climatic conditions of Central LithuaniaInstrumentinės analizės APCVytauto Didžiojo universiteta