Keywords
tree condition
stem straightness
promising species ріст інтродуцентів
стан дерев
прямизна стовбурів
перспективність інтродуцентів
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction
Collections of non-native woody plants in arboreta represent important research objects for studying their growth, development, and adaptation to new environmental conditions. Generalization of such research results makes it possible to identify species promising for further testing and to draw preliminary conclusions regarding their suitability for establishing forest plantations of various purposes under specific site conditions. Previous studies of introduced coniferous species in the Arboretum of the State Biotechnological University were conducted by I. Sytnyk, N. Vysotska, Yu. Potashev, and S. Poznyakova. According to the most recent inventory, the gymnosperm collection includes 33 species. Currently, most trees in the arboretum are about 50 years old, allowing for reliable assessment of their growth and development and enabling scientifically grounded conclusions regarding their current condition and future prospects. The aim of the study was to identify the most well-adapted coniferous species in the Arboretum of the State Biotechnological University through a comprehensive evaluation.
Materials and Methods
The Arboretum of the State Biotechnological University was established in 1972. According to soil and climatic conditions, it is located in the southern part of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, with forest site conditions classified as fresh fertile sites. The study focused mainly on forest-forming species that are used for timber production in their native ranges and are potentially promising for forestry in Ukraine. The survey was conducted during 2022–2023. Conclusions regarding the prospects of the studied species were based on the results of a comprehensive assessment.
Results
Douglas fir and Engelmann spruce showed the highest average annual diameter increments. These species, together with Siberian larch and Oriental spruce, also demonstrated the greatest average annual height increments. Based on the obtained mensurational and selection indicators, a comprehensive assessment was carried out for species represented by more than 10 trees. Promising species were identified according to the total score obtained. Of the nine studied non-native coniferous species, Larix ? eurolepis, Larix sibirica Ledeb., Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, Abies alba Mill., Picea orientalis (L.) Link, and Picea pungens Engelm. were found to be suitable for seed collection and the establishment of forest plantations in the Kharkiv region under fresh fertile site conditions. Among the species identified as promising, some are already well known and have long demonstrated their high adaptive potential. This group includes Douglas fir, Siberian and hybrid larches, blue spruce, and Norway spruce. Our study confirmed the high potential of all these species except Norway spruce. The remaining species are less widespread and insufficiently studied. In particular, Oriental spruce and rough spruce were identified as promising in the present study, whereas according to the research of N. Vysotska (2010), they were not included among the promising species.
Conclusions
The surveyed 15 species of non-native conifers in the Arboretum of the State Biotechnological University were characterized by good or satisfactory condition, and six species were found suitable for establishing forest plantations in the region under D2 site conditions. All studied species have reached the reproductive stage. Natural regeneration was absent in almost all species, except for silver fir, under whose canopy small numbers of 1–2-year-old seedlings were observed. No signs of invasive activity were detected.
3 Figs., 3 Tables, 27 Refs.
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