COMPARISON OF QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF DISTANT SCOTS PINE POPULATIONS IN PANERIAI EXPERIMENTAL PLANTATION

Abstract

Object of the research – Scots pine experimental plantation of Paneriai forest district of Nemenčinė Regional Division of State Forest Enterprise.

Aim of the research: to investigate and measure the economic benefits of the transfer of non-native and brought to Lithuania populations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), acquisition, and growth indicators, and to compare the qualitative and quantitative characteristics in the face of climate change.

Objectives:

1. to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) populations in Scot's pine experimental plantation of Paneriai Forestry district;
2. to investigate the comparative analysis of the survival, productivity, and quality of stems and branches of remote Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) populations;
3. to find which of the Scots' pine (Pinus sylvestris) populations of remote regions of origin have the highest economic value and the best adaptation in Lithuanian climatic conditions.

Research methods: The research was carried out in experimental plantation of distant populations of Scots pine, which were introduced back in 1960, in an area of 10.1 ha. During the study, a total of 270 trees from 27 administrative areas of different origins were measured and evaluated. In the evaluation, 10 trees from each administrative district of origin were taken. To determine both quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the diameter of each tree at the height of the trunk (1.3 m), the straightness of the stem, the presence or absence of wedge branches, the general condition of the tree, and the angle and thickness of the branches were measured. Population survival, stem straightness, and other tree quality indices were determined based on the previously mentioned indicators.