Comparative characteristics of Stemmacantha carthamoides (Willd.) Dittrich. Syktyvkar introduced population and Sayany variety during cultivation in the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic

A comparative assessment of biological and biochemical parameters of Stemmacantha carthamoides plants of local reproduction and the Sayany variety, cultivated in the conditions of the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic, was carried out. It was shown that under cultural conditions, individuals of both samples are characterized by high rates of individual vitality, seed productivity, and accumulate a sufficient amount of ecdysterone (at least 0,1%) in the aboveground and underground organs. It was noted that the soil and climatic conditions of the introduction area are favorable for growing both studied samples of St. carthamoides, and the Syktyvkar population can serve as a basis for creating a new variety. In terms of ecdysterone content in rhizomes with roots and spring rosette leaves, the Syktyvkar introduction population is not inferior to the Sayany variety and surpasses the latter in the amount of this substance in seeds. In unfolded leaves, the mass fraction of ecdysterone was at least 0,12 ± 0,01%. It was found that the maximum amount of ecdysteroids is found in mature seeds of St. carthamoides and their content depends on the sample and weather conditions of the growing season (Syktyvkar population – 3,04–4,28%, Sayany variety – 2,84–2,87%). Attention is drawn to the possibility of extracting ecdysterone in a technologically more advantageous way, using mature seeds of St. carthamoides. The problem of annual production of good-quality seeds of this species is noted – protecting the seed crop from pecking by finches.