Success of introduction of species of the genus <i>Cotoneaster</i> Medik. in the Komi Republic

Abstract

Among the woody plants preserved and studied in the arboretum of the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biology of the Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for nine years (2013–2021) include representatives of the polymorphic genus Cotoneaster of different geographical origins. As a result of generalization and analysis of data on biomorphology, characteristics of the generative period, dynamics of seasonal growth and development, winter hardiness of plants of species of the genus Cotoneaster introduced in the North, based on an assessment of the main indicators of viability, the studied plants were divided into groups of prospects for cultivation in the northern region. Plants of Eurasian origin C. melanocarpus and C. integerrimus, which undergo a full cycle of seasonal development, are characterized by high winter hardiness, form full-fledged seeds and retain their vital form under introduction conditions, are classified in Group I as quite promising. The East Asian species C. dammeri, C. horizontalis are assigned to the II group of promising plants and C. ascendens to the III group of unpromising plants. These introduced species were characterized by an extended period of growth and development, late completion of the growing season, low winter hardiness, but good shoot recovery ability after winter damage. C. bullatus turned out to be an unpromising species (group V) with low winter hardiness, and therefore the impossibility of transition to the generative period of development. Additional study of this decorative species with the involvement of other specimens is necessary. Based on the data obtained, species such as C. melanocarpus, C. integerrimus, C. dammeri and C. horizontalis can be recommended for cultivation and use in landscaping in some areas of the Komi Republic.