Propagation and Bioecological Peculiarities of Higher Water Plants in Conditions of Karakalpakstan

Abstract

This study investigates the adaptation strategies, reproductive potential, and bioecological characteristics of four higher aquatic plant species - Pistia stratiotes, Azolla caroliniana, Eichhornia crassipes, and Nelumbo nucifera - under the arid and saline environmental conditions of Karakalpakstan. These species were selected for their ecological significance and potential applications in environmental management. Field observations and controlled experiments were conducted to assess their growth dynamics, reproduction rates, and responses to key environmental variables such as water salinity, temperature fluctuations, nutrient concentrations, and light availability. The results revealed that all four species exhibited high levels of ecological plasticity and tolerance to abiotic stress factors characteristic of the region. Azolla caroliniana and Eichhornia crassipes, in particular, showed rapid vegetative reproduction and significant nitrogen-fixing capacity, which can improve water quality and soil fertility. Pistia stratiotes and Nelumbo nucifera demonstrated efficient biomass production and potential for phytoremediation. All studied species contributed to ecosystem services such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and habitat creation for aquatic organisms. These attributes suggest their utility in integrated water resource management, wetland restoration, and climate adaptation frameworks in arid zones. The study emphasizes the necessity of including such resilient aquatic macrophytes in regional biodiversity strategies to enhance ecological stability and sustainability. The findings provide a scientific basis for the future use of these species in biotechnological and conservation-oriented projects across Central Asia, where water scarcity and environmental degradation pose ongoing challenges.