Selection of the main tree species for the creation of permanent forest seed base in the arid zone

The article presents data on the survey of forest plantations with the participation of Robinia pseudoacacia L., Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC., Gleditsia triacanthos L., Acer tataricum L., Acer negundo L., Pyrus communis ssp. pyraster (L.) Ehrh., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., Quercus robur L., Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik., Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe, Ulmus minor Mill., Ribes aureum Pursh, Morus alba L., Prunus armeniaca L., Pinus sylvestris L., Lonicera caprifolium L., Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Amorpha fruticosa L. from various habitats in order to select species and forms for the creation of a permanent forest seed base. It has been established that the main criteria for the selection of the gene pool are viability, drought, salt, frost resistance, height and rapid growth of the surveyed plantations. Despite the partial freezing of annual shoots of some species and forms, including the pyramidal and mast forms of Robinia pseudoacacia, they can also be used to create permanent forest seed bases (PFSB) and plantings of various types due to annual fruiting and sufficient growth. Groups of plants have been identified in relation to the main limiting environmental factors, of which Canadian serviceberry, Crimean pine, field elm, golden currant, desert false indigo, black locust, Tatarian maple, European wild pear, English oak, apricot, Russian olive and sea buckthorn are the most promising for creating PFSB in arid conditions. According to growth indicators, the maximum height was noted in Crimean pine, English oak, field elm, sea buckthorn, intensive growth of shoots – in honey locust. An improved scheme for the creation and use of breeding and seed-growing facilities for protective afforestation is proposed.

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