Rakhmonov V., Nomozova Z., Tashpulatov Y.
DISTRIBUTION OF AZOLLA IN THE WORLD AND IN UZBEKISTAN *
Аннотация:
this article provides information on the geographical distribution, ecological characteristics, and species of Azolla (Azolla spp.) found in Uzbekistan. It also discusses the use of Azolla in agriculture, ecology, and fisheries.
Ключевые слова:
Azolla distribution, Aquatic fern, symbiosis, cyanobacteria, Biofertilizer, Sustainable agriculture, Nitrogen fixation
Introduction. Azolla is a tropical and subtropical plant with small leaves that grows rapidly in water bodies and is found in many countries of the world, both natural and introduced [1,2,3]. Its unique biological feature is its ability to live in symbiosis with cyanobacteria and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Therefore, Azolla is of great importance not only as a biological fertilizer, but also as a fodder and biological cleaning agent [4,5].Worldwide: Azolla is widely distributed across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, with species such as A. pinnata, A. filiculoides, A. caroliniana, and A. mexicana being the most common. In Southeast Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam), Azolla has traditionally been used as green manure in rice fields. In South America and Africa, it serves as a feed source in livestock production and as natural food in aquaculture, while in developed countries it is increasingly studied for biogas production and bio-food industries. Due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, Azolla is recognized as an important biotechnological resource for sustainable agriculture.In Uzbekistan: Research has confirmed the occurrence of A. pinnata, A. filiculoides, and A. caroliniana in different regions of Uzbekistan. Their applications vary across regions: in Tashkent region, they are used in agricultural university experimental farms, in Samarkand region, in water reservoirs as organic fertilizer, in Bukhara region, for biogas production and organic manure, in the Fergana Valley, as a feed source in aquaculture, and in Kashkadarya region, as green manure for cotton fields. This demonstrates not only the ecological but also the economic significance of Azolla. Overall, the findings suggest that Azolla has great potential to be applied more widely in Uzbekistan in the fields of sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and bioenergy. Azolla distribution worldwide: There are 6–7 species of the genus Azolla, which are mainly distributed in warm climates. South America: Brazil, Argentina, Peru, North America: Southern United States, Mexico, Africa: Nile Delta, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Europe: Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Greece) (Fig 1).Fig. 1. Azolla distribution areas.Asia: India, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand: natural and introduced populations exist.Azolla can grow year-round in tropical and subtropical climates, but in temperate climates it develops mainly in the summer (Fig 2).Distribution in Uzbekistan Azolla is not widely distributed in Uzbekistan in its natural state, but in recent years it has been introduced into experimental areas and water management facilities.Fig. 2. Azolla plant distribution coordinates.Its cultivation has been carried out experimentally mainly in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Fergana and Kashkadarya regions [6,7,8]. Azolla pinnata is the most common species, adapted to tropical and subtropical conditions. Azolla filiculoides also grows in cooler regions. Azolla caroliniana is introduced as an experiment in Uzbekistan, but is not widely distributed [9].Table 1. Azolla outbreak in UzbekistanScientific research: Research on Azolla in Uzbekistan is being conducted by scientists from Tashkent State Agrarian University, Samarkand State University, and Bukhara State University. Research is mainly focused on the use of Azolla as a biological fertilizer, as a feed source in aquaculture, and its ecological role in the purification of water bodies.In Uzbekistan, Azolla is mainly found in irrigated lands, canals, rivers and artificial ponds (Tab 1). The main species found in our republic are: Azolla pinnata - Tashkent region, Fergana Valley, Amu Darya basin. Azolla filiculoides - Zarafshan and Syrdarya basins, irrigation canals. Azolla caroliniana - introduced in some experimental farms and scientific laboratories [10-12].Research and contribution of scientists In Uzbekistan, a number of scientists have conducted scientific research on Azolla: Djumaniozova G.I. - studied the ecological role of Azolla in wastewater treatment. Mustafayeva M.I. - studied the effectiveness of using Azolla in biological ponds in the conditions of the Bukhara region. Buriev S., Tokhirov B., Hayitov E. - scientifically substantiated the use of Azolla in biotechnological treatment of wastewater in industrial enterprises.Conclusion.The Azolla plant is widespread in many regions of the world and is being widely studied in Uzbekistan. It has high ecological and economic value: it can be used in agriculture as a biological fertilizer, in animal husbandry as a fodder, and in environmental protection as a biological cleaning agent.In the future, Uzbekistan has the opportunity to eliminate environmental problems and increase agricultural efficiency through the integrated use of Azolla biomass.
Номер журнала Вестник науки №8 (89) том 4
Ссылка для цитирования:
Rakhmonov V., Nomozova Z., Tashpulatov Y. DISTRIBUTION OF AZOLLA IN THE WORLD AND IN UZBEKISTAN // Вестник науки №8 (89) том 4. С. 246 - 251. 2025 г. ISSN 2712-8849 // Электронный ресурс: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/25453 (дата обращения: 21.01.2026 г.)
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