AGROBIOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF GENOTYPE OF AGASTACHE FOENICULUM (PURSH) KUNTZE) AND OTHER GENUS SPECIES AGASTACHE L. IN THE FORMATION OF STABLE AGROPHYTOCENOSES

Abstract

Purpose of the work. The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive agrobiological assessment of new genotypes of the genus Agastache under the agroclimatic conditions of the Carpathian region and to determine their suitability for the formation of stable agrophytocenoses.

Methodology. The research was conducted during the 2021–2025 growing seasons in the collection and introduction nursery of the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Development of NAAS. The studied material included domestic varieties, local breeding lines LAM-1 and LAM-2, and introduced decorative genotypes of the genus Agastache. The analysis combined phenological observations, evaluation of interphase periods, assessment of productivity, and calculation of Selyaninov’s hydrothermal coefficient, relative developmental rate (V), and intensity index (I).

Scientific novelty. The study substantiates the differentiation of Agastache genotypes according to their ontogenetic strategies under increasing hydrothermal stress. It was established that the 2021–2025 period was characterized by a pronounced tendency toward aridization, with critically low values of the hydrothermal coefficient in individual months. On this basis, the studied samples were divided into intensive, moderate, and extensive developmental types.

Conclusions. Black Adder showed the highest intensity of development (I=108.6 %) and can be regarded as a genotype with a strategy of drought avoidance due to the accelerated passage of phenological phases. The variety Leleka and the new breeding lines LAM-1 and LAM-2 formed a moderate group (I=89.8–91.7 %) with a balanced rhythm of ontogenesis, high biological reliability, and good adaptation to the local growing season. The genotypes Alabaster, Apache Sunset, and Tangerine Dream belonged to the extensive group and were characterized by prolonged vegetative development and higher dependence on moisture availability. The obtained results indicate that LAM-1 and LAM-2 are promising genetic resources for breeding and for modeling stable agrophytocenoses of essential oil and medicinal plants under changing climate conditions.