Reintroduction of Curly Birch
Journal Title: Lesnoy Zhurnal (Russian Forestry Journal) - Year 2022, Vol 22, Issue 3
Abstract
The paper offers a systematic overview of the results of research regarding reintroduction of curly (Karelian) birch Betula pendula Roth var. carelica (Mercklin) Hämet-Ahti published by Russian and foreign authors over the past few decades. We briefly outline the current situation with its resources and the key causes of their decline in the late 20th – early 21st centuries, such as mass-scope illegal logging, vanishing or substantial alteration of typical curly birch habitats, as well as some biological features (fragmented distribution, low competitive capacity, etc.). The main outcomes of the curly birch introduction activities in the areas lying far beyond its natural distribution (mainly to the south-east from it) are reported. It is shown that the experience of curly birch reintroduction in Russia is mostly based on planting of forests and establishment of specially protected areas. The results of curly birch reintroduction in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Belarus and other countries are observed. Although reintroduction is not equally effective in all countries (its success depends on many factors), it has made and is making a significant contribution to the preservation and augmentation of the resources of this unique member of the European forest tree flora. Importantly, the curly birch from the reintroductions performed in different years and different edaphic and climatic conditions steadily retains its key biological features, such as figured grain and diversity of growth forms and trunk surface characteristics, which once again confirms the authors’ previously expressed opinion that there are grounds for classifying the curly birch as a separate biological species. Proceeding from the analysis of the data amassed by now, it is suggested that that the efficiency of curly birch reintroduction to its natural habitats can be promoted by mainly using the stocking material of local provenance (when restoring populations) or by transferring it from other populations (for repatriation cases). An important role in the preservation and reproduction of curly birch belongs to the micropropagation technique.
Authors and Affiliations
Lidia V. Vetchinnikova, Alexander F. Titov
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP704902
- DOI 10.37482/0536-1036-2022-3-9–31
- Views 122
- Downloads 0
Birch Wood Modification Technology for Creating Neutron Shielding Materials
The article considers a method for producing neutron shielding materials based on modified birch wood. It is known that shielding materials based on polyethylene with boron addition are widely used in the nuclear industr...
Features of the Harvesting and Logging Equipment Market in Russia
Russian forest sector forms an attractive market for harvesting and logging equipment, however the position of Russian manufacturers is extremely weak. A brief overview of the current state of the market is presented wit...
Growth and State of Mixed Stands of Forest Plantations of the Kamennaya Steppe
By now, a vast amount of experimental material has been accumulated in the field of protective afforestation of the Central Chernozem Region of Russia, which allows estimating the stability and longevity of various trees...
Plant Viability in an Urbanized Environment
The aim of the study has been to analyze the vitality of woody plants in an urbanized environment to solve the problems of landscaping a large city (using the example of Khabarovsk). The methods of geobotanical, forest i...
Stiffness Analysis of Connections of LVL Structures with Claw Washers
The use of claw washers in dowel connections allows to increase the bearing capacity and stiffness of joints. However, joint action of claw washers and dowels in the structures of advanced materials is studied insufficie...