Analysis of differences of growth and phenology of provenances of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in provenance experiment at Žepče

Abstract

This paper analyses the growth and phenology of fourteen European provenances of Scots pine at the international experimental plot at Zepce. The experiment with the provenances was developed during the spring of 2012 with two (2+0) year old plants. In total 1400 Scots pine saplings were planted in an experimental random block layout, fourteen provenances in four repetitions (4 x 25 plants). The experiment is composed of provenances from ten European countries: Austria (Traisen, Rein, Sistrans), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bugojno), Scotland (Shieldaig), Ukraine (IvanoFrankivsk), Slovakia (Hanusovce), Romania (Sacueini), Norway (Narvik), Germany (Trippstadt), Poland (Raciane – Nida) and Italy (Ca del Lupo, Fenestrelle, Piani – Valda). The morphological results relate to the differences in survival, height, diameter on the root neck and the ratio of these measurements to the height of the saplings of different provenances of Scots pine. Phenological details relate to the phenology of the buds and complete formation of pine needles. All of the details researched have yielded notably different findings. The results of the research can play a significant role in reforestation as well as the preservation of the genetic wealth of Scots pine.