Efficiency of methods to support natural regeneration in scots pine genetic reserves

Anotacija

Artificial regeneration of forests affects their genetic composition. Under natural regeneration, the evolutionary processes are less disturbed and the initial genetic composition of the populations is efficiently preserved. The objectives of this study were to assess natural regeneration in three genetic reserves of Scots pine in Lithuania and to determine the main factors affecting the success of regeneration. The results have shown that regeneration fellings of variable intensity are the most suitable method in poor sites with a low grass and shrub cover. On richer sites, specific means to eliminate the suppressing vegetation and to support natural regeneration are necessary. The felling shall be synchronized with a year of abundant seed yield. To ensure a sufficient genetic diversity of the new generation, the number of seed trees and their even distribution over the site are important factors to consider. For this purpose, the list of measures in the National Regulations on Forest Genetic Reserves are appropriate for a successful regeneration of Scots pine genetic reserves. Keywords: gene conservation, genetic recourses, natural regeneration