Abstract
Rhodiola linearifoliaBoriss. is a rare high-mountain species of the genus Rhodiola, which has pronounced adaptive and medicinal properties, but its genetic structure has been insufficiently studied to date. In this paper, a molecular genetic analysis of R. linearifoliapopulations growing in the Northern Tien Shan (BAU –Big Almaty gorge, QUR –Kurmeti gorge, YT –floodplain of the Shelek River),was carried out in order to assess their genetic diversity and adaptive potential to abiotic stress. The use of the EPIC-PCR method allowed us to study the polymorphism of key genes involved in the signaling pathways of the phytohormone auxin (ARF6) and the antioxidant system (SOD). It was found that the populations demonstrate different degrees of genetic variability, and the highest level of diversity in SOD genes was found in the BAU population.It has been shown that variations in the ARF and SOD genes can play an important role in plant adaptation to extreme climatic conditions of highlands without significant morphophysiological changes. The obtained results emphasize the importance of hidden genetic variability as the basis for the adaptation of rare species to changing environmental conditions and are valuable for further research in the field of plant gene pool protection and sustainable use of natural resources