ANTIECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SEED PRODUCTIVITY OF PHACELIA TANACETIFOLIA IN LENINGRAD OBLAST

Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. from the Hydrophyllaceae family is an annual herbaceous hairy plant up to 80 cm high. It grows wild in the southwest of North America and Mexico. It is cultivated as a melliferous crop. Phacelia is low maintenance to growing conditions, it grows well in the pure state and with other melliferous plants. It is often sown at different times to create a flowering conveyor, strengthen the feed base for bees and long-term honey collection. Phacelia has many economically valuable properties. We studied the morphology of the phacelia flower, its adaptation to cross fertilization and insect pollination. Diurnal rhythm of phacelia flowering, features of nectar secretion during the day and at different phases of flower development. We also researched the morphology of seeds, fruits and seed productivity. The study of phacelia tanacetifolia in the conditions of the Leningrad oblast showed that it has ecological plasticity, adapts well to a rapidly changing climate. It has high honey and seed productivity. Phacelia is promising as a melliferous, feed, medicinal plant, as well as a green fertilizer.