Evaluation of survival and growth of Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Picea obovata Ledeb. provenances in the north of Russia

Abstract

Adaptation variability and ecological plasticity in the "genotype-environment" system of 22 provenances of Picea abies (Linnaeus) H. Karsten, Picea obovata (von Ledebour) and their introgressive hybrids growing within the Russian Plain were studied. Provenances grow in provenance trials located in the Arkhangelsk, Vologda Regions, and Komi Republic. For assessment of provenances in the "genotype-environment" system, the ranking method was used. Based on a complex ranking index (survival, diameter, height) two local areas of the most adaptive geographic races of P. abies, P. obovata and their hybrid forms were distinguished. In the south-western part of the Russian Plain the best provenances are represented by P. abies and related hybrids from Karelia, Vologda, Leningrad, and Pskov Regions. In the north-eastern part they are represented by P. obovata and its hybrids from the Komi Republic, Arkhangelsk, Sverdlovsk Regions. Provenances of local P. abies and related hybrid forms demonstrate high ecological plasticity on their growing in harsh climatic conditions of the north outside of the species distribution area.

Keywords

• spruce
• provenances test
• ranking
• adaptation variability