Growth of needles and shoots for thirteen species of the Pinaceae family: a case study in the Central Black-Soil region

Abstract

The growth features of needles and shoots for 13 species of coniferous woody plants from the pine family have been revealed in Voronezh region (Russia). Eleven species are representatives of the main genera of the Pinoid clade. The factors affecting vegetation have been identified according to the results of phenological observation and length measurements. Pinus sylvestris showed the largest annual shoots growth, Picea abies and Picea pungens – smallest. The longest needles have trees of genus Pinus (for example: P. flexilis – 7.7 cm, P. pallasiana – 7.0 cm). The most important factor for the beginning of the vegetation is the air temperature in April, threshold temperature (triggering the growth processes) is +2…+ 4°C. The species having late beginning and late ending of growth (Pinus sylvestris, Pinus flexilis, P. strobus) are less hardy than the earlier growth species. All the studied species are in good sanitary condition. They enter the phases of pollen dispersion and seed-bearing, are fully adapted to the Central Black Soil region. All of them can be introduced into the range of plants for landscaping and reforestation of the region and the regions having close climatic conditions.