The introduction of Paulownia (<i>Paulownia tomentosa</i> Steud.) and the prospects of its use in the conditions of Stavropol

Abstract

Paulownia tree are one of the plants that have the property of extremely rapid accumulation of plant mass. In this regard, interest in this tree culture has increased significantly in recent years. The purpose of this work is to study the adaptive capabilities of P. tomentosa in the conditions of Stavropol and the prospects for its further use for economic purposes and landscaping of the region. The object of the study was the plants of the collection of the Stavropol Botanical Garden (SBG). Archival data and accounting documentation were used to review the history of the introduction of Paulownia. Biometric measurements of plants were performed according to N.P. Anuchin (1982). The integral assessment of the prospects for the introduction of Paulownia plants was carried out according to the scale of P.I. Lapin and S.V. Sidneva (1973), modified and supplemented by M.A. Koltsova (1983). P. tomentosa has been introduced into the SBG since 1984. Currently, there are several groups of adult Paulownia specimens of various origins in the SBG. The height of adult trees in them varies from 4.3 to 9.0 m, the trunk diameter is from 2.7 to 19.5 cm. The growth of annual shoots reaches 120 cm. The article presents the timing of flowering and fruiting of Paulownia, the peculiarities of the development of culture when grown under different conditions. The methods of reproduction are described: seed and vegetative. P. tomentosa belongs to thermophilic plants — it starts and ends the growing season late. The lignification of annual shoots does not take place fully, as a result of which they are damaged by frosts. Young plants need winter shelter, and in the summer they need sufficient moisture. According to the conducted integral assessment, P. tomentosa belongs to the group of less promising species in the conditions of the SBG, but can be grown as a solitare and in a little groups.