Assessing the Adaptive Capacity of Salix, Chosenia and Toisusu (Salicaceae) Species Introduced in the North-West Region of Russia (St. Petersburg)

Abstract

—The study of the adaptive capacity of the introduced plants is an important component of willow breeding. The characteristics of vegetative organs and species’ reproductive ability were used as adaptation indicators. Insufficient knowledge of vegetative and generative structures adaptability in introduced Salicaceae species established ground for the study. It was aimed at identifying Salicaceae species most adapted to the climatic conditions of the North-West region of Russia. The specimens of Salix, Chosenia and Toisusu in the family Salicaceae, introduced in the Botanical Garden of Peter the Great of the Komarov Botanical Institute were studied and compared with the Salicaceae species native to the region. In the examined species the values of shoot extension over the growing season, winter hardiness of flower buds and stems, and seed productivity were determined. The article assesses the characters’ variations, which in some cases demonstrate the species instability under new conditions. The most stable indicators of shoot extension and sufficient winter hardiness of flower buds are found in introduced in St. Petersburg Salix vinogradovii and S. integra. The most stable values of these indicators in plants of the local flora are in S. phylicifolia and S. caprea.