Advances in Biology & Earth Sciences

Species of the genus Allium L. (Alliaceae J. Agardh.), - bulbous, rhizome-bulb, rhizome polycarpic, often branching due to the development of axillary buds. Due to the limited research in the Caucasus, a comprehensive  study of the ecological and biological characteristics of species of the genus  Allium L. is urgently needed. The purpose of the study was to intestigate the bioecological features and assess the current state of the cenopopulations (CPs) of some species of the genus Allium L. in the Lesser Caucasus region of Azerbaijan. We studied 12 cenopopulations of 4 wild onions species growing under various environmental conditions. The assessment of natural cenopopulations of wild onions showed that 3 CPs are in a critical state; of these, the most vulnerable is CP IV A. rotundum L., which is subject to high anthropogenic pressure in the form of excessive trampling (for the purpose of collecting and selling on the market both fresh and salted) and overgrazing by cattle. The results of the studies serve as a basis for assessing the state and development prospects of natural CPs of the studied species, which is important when developing recommendations for their conservation.