The Results of Introduction of Pinus sibirica and Pinus cembra (Pinaceae) in the Lipetsk Region

The paper summarizes the results of ecological and biological studies of Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) and Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) introduced to the Lipetsk Region. The methods and conditions of their cultivation related to their biology, degree of plasticity, morphology of growth and development of young trees were examined. At the Forest-Steppe experimental and breeding station (LOSS), the high survival rate of the examined species in comparison with other five-needle pines was observed. According to the bound water to free water ratio in the studied pine species, as well as in Scots pine, higher stability of water exchange was determined compared to other introduced species: Pinus strobus L. and Pinus peuce Griseb. It has been established that under the same conditions, the development of P. cembra in comparison with P. sibirica is more extended in time and demonstrates easier adaptation to environmental conditions. At the Museum-estate of P. P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, on 170-year-old tree of P. sibirica mutational witches’ brooms have developed, which are a valuable source of local material for breeding ornamental and dwarf nut-bearing pine varieties. An offspring of the old tree was studied for the height increment dynamics. Using the values of a complex estimated indicator, the advance in the development of the studied introduced species compared to the same in the natural range was determined. A breeding assessment of P. cembra trees of different states at the LOSS is given, and their vitality categories are set. The results of grafting different pine species onto Scots pine rootstock and trends in their development over the growing season are presented. The line for further activities on breeding and establishing plantings involving P. sibirica in the Lipetsk Region are outlined.

stone pines, cedar pines, Pinus sibirica, Pinus cembra, tree height, trunk diameter, introduction, features of the water regime, comprehensive assessment indicator, vital condition