Features of growth and development of Abies alba Mill. seedlings in the conditions of Voronezh (Russia)

Abstract

Phenological observations are one of the methods for studying the reaction of introduced species to new conditions and subsequent introduction into regional phytocenoses. This research wants to assess growth and development of Abies alba Mill., currentlyexotic in the Central Black Earth region of Russia. Seeds, obtained from individuals growing in the natural range (the Carpathians) in 1987 were sown in the university nursery. Then five-year-old seedlings were planted in the University arboretum. At the age of 22 the arboretum habitat was inferior to natural analogues. Phenological observations of bud opening and formation of annual growth coincide with the beginning of the growing season in natural plantings. High rates of seed germination (80%), high annual growth rates of seedlings (and transplanted plant) determined final success of silver fir in forest-steppe conditions. Precipitation has a dominant influence on growth and development, as shown by the correlation analysis between climate and growth, despite the fact that the species is drought-resistant in natural habitats. The study emphasizes the factors that control growth and development of silver fir. The use of this method of sowing is ecologically sound, which can further improve the success of species adaptation to the individual conditions of regional phytocenoses.