Genetic variability of populations within forest seed regions and problems of seed production Quercus robur L

Abstract

In provenance trial of English oak, the coefficients of genetic variation in the height and diameter of the trunk of populations within the forest seed regions were determined. Calculations were made for 3 forest seed regions (No. 1; No. 2, No. 3). The age of cultures is 19 years, located in the forest-steppe zone of the European part RF. The presence of a large variability of populations according to economically important traits within the regions is shown. Coefficients of genetic variation in forest seed regions range from 15.1% to 19.8% for stem height and from 2.5 to 12.7% for stem diameter. The possibility of a large effect of positive and negative selection of populations according to economically important traits within the forest seed regions is shown. These effects must be taken into account when choosing a scenario for the development of English oak seed production. It is especially important to take into account the large effect of negative selection of populations. Over the past 50 years, in the Middle Volga region, the area occupied by English oak has decreased by almost 2 times, and this process continues. The loss of the best natural oak stands will worsen the oak gene pool and can significantly reduce the productivity and sustainability of oak crops. It is necessary to allocate and arrange as many plus forests as possible. When creating forest seed objects, preference should be given to the cheapest type of objects to produce - permanent forest seed plots. In order to preserve the natural structure of populations and create a seed base for positive selection of populations, one should strive to create permanent forest seed plots.