Improvement of agrotechnical conditions of growing paulownia in the Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to improve the agrotechnical conditions for growing paulownia and its artificially bred variety Clone in vitro 112 in the Forest Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, visual, measuring and weighing, mathematical and statistical. Results. The article presents the results of research on the improvement of agrotechnical growing conditions and establishment of indicators of growth and development of paulownia plants in the Central Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The methods of planting, the optimal width between the rows, and the options for caring for the plantation of plants have been substantiated. It was established that in the first year of vegetation, the root system of paulownia plants is intensively formed. In order to obtain high-quality wood, after the first year of vegetation, it is necessary to make a technical cut at a height of 2–3 cm from the surface of the ground and remove young newly formed shoots (tillers). The highest trunk height of Clone in vitro 112 was formed in the first and second year of vegetation and reached 5–6 m. The optimal planting density is 625 plants per hectare. Conclusions. It was established that paulownia seedlings in vitro should undergo adaptation to the temperature conditions of the growing area for two to three weeks before planting in open ground.