2024 Issue №2

This article is dedicated to the study of lichen biota as part of the research and conservation of biodiversity in the Kaliningrad region. Biological studies of little-known territories are a crucial component of the ecologically oriented development of the Kaliningrad region, especially for areas with heavily transformed landscapes. Expanding the understanding of the diversity and distribution of lichens plays an important role in nature conservation and supporting the biodiversity of the Kaliningrad region. The aim of the study was to examine the lichen biota of the northwestern part of the Krasnoznamensk municipal district (part of the Sheshupe ancient alluvial plain). This is the first such study for the Krasnoznamensk district. Field research was conducted in the vicinity of the western part of the Neman forest and the Velikoe bog in 2022 and 2023. Laboratory processing of the collected materials with species identification was carried out using standard methods. The collected field materials significantly enriched the lichen collection of the KLGU herbarium with new specimens. As a result of the study, one hundred and five species of lichens and lichenicolous fungi were identified for the northwestern part of the Krasnoznamensk district, eighty-two of which are reported for the first time for the district. Among the discovered species are rare lichens of the Kaliningrad region, as well as indicator species of minimally disturbed and old-growth forest communities. These data make a significant contribution to the understanding of lichens in the Kaliningrad region, filling long-standing gaps in lichen biota research in the area. Consequently, the number of known taxa in the lichen biota of the Krasnoznamensk district increased to one hundred and thirty-one species. Based on our results, further study of the lichen biota of the Krasnoznamensk district appears promising.

The use of synthetic growth stimulants is a promising approach to enhancing the productivity of the fermentation process. The advantages of such compounds include minimal consumption, stability during storage, and lower cost compared to natural growth stimulants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of protatrans on cell development and intracellular protein biosynthesis in the yeast Candida ethanolica. It was established that the effects of protatrans depend on the concentrations of these compounds as well as the method of their application (separate or combined). Positive effects of synthetic stimulants on cell development and intracellular protein accumulation were observed when they were jointly present in the nutrient medium. Thus, the studied protatrans can be used to improve the efficiency of the fermentation stage of Candida ethanolica yeast. Additionally, characteristic features of the stimulants’ effects, such as abrupt changes, the presence of multiple peaks of maxima and minima, and negative impacts, were identified. The reasons for the diverse effects of protatrans on biosynthesis processes in yeast cells require further research.