Korean pine introduction in the southern part of Tomsk region

The results of evaluating the potential for introducing seed and vegetative progeny of Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. into the southern part of Western Siberia are presented. The seed progeny were represented by three age groups: 4, 8, and 17 years. Seed germination rate was 84%, and seedling survival by the end of the third year was 66% of the total number of germinants. The vegetative progeny consisted of heteroplastic grafts of Korean pine onto rootstocks of a local ecotype of Pinus sibirica Du Tour; observations were conducted at graft ages of 7 and 21 years. Graft success rate was 73%, and their survival rate was 52%. The phenomenon of scion-rootstock incompatibility in trunk diameter, where the scion's trunk is significantly thinner than that of the rootstock, was observed from an early age. Although by the age of 21 years the incompatibility coefficient increased by 8%, no scion mortality was observed. The study demonstrates that Korean pine successfully grows in the introduction area, both as seed progeny and as heteroplastic grafts. The species exhibits a relatively high growth rate for boreal conifers and develops a wide, spreading crown. The growth rates of grafts were higher than those of seed progeny; significant differences in height and trunk diameter were already observed between 7-year-old grafts and 8-year-old seed progeny. By age 17, the seed progeny reached an average height of 3 m, and by this age, none of the trees had formed reproductive structures. The grafts exceeded 4 m in height by age 21. Some grafts entered the generative phase by age 9, and by age 21, 75% of grafts formed macrostrobili, and 90% formed microstrobili. The phenological development of Korean pine is adapted to a milder, temperate monsoon climate compared to the region of introduction. As a result, shoot growth after winter dormancy began later, and the growth period was significantly longer than that of local Siberian coniferous species, contributing to its reduced winter hardiness. Nevertheless, shoot growth usually finished before the onset of freezing temperatures. Cone ripening occurred by the end of September. Throughout most of their life in the new environment, the trees suffered minor damage from winter and spring frosts. In certain years, however, both seed and grafted progeny of Korean pine sustained more severe frost injury to shoots and needles, although this rarely led to whole-plant mortality. Based on the totality of traits, Korean pine is promising for introduction into the southern part of Western Siberia and is recommended for wider use in silviculture and urban greening.

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