The Archives of Clones of Scots Pine Plus Trees in the Republic of Karelia

Abstract

Archives of clones (ACs) of plus trees (PTs) are laid to preserve their genotypes. The genotype of each plus tree is unique, and its loss is irreplaceable. In addition, scientific observations are carried out in the archives, in particular, the selection of clones for forest seed orchards (FCOs) of increased genetic value (FSO-I,5). The aim of this research has been to study the dynamics of creating and preserving the archives of clones, as well as their state, in Russia in general and in the Republic of Karelia in particular. As of 2019 there were 31,514 plus trees in the Russian Federation, and the archives of clones covered an area of 573.6 ha, or 17 % less than in 1976. In the Republic of Karelia, despite discarding 40 % of them, as of 01.01.2023, there were 1,486 plus trees, including 1,100 trees of the most valuable forest species – Scots pine. Only 12.8 % of the progeny of this species grow in the archives of clones (8.4 % of a total of 1,695 selected Scots pine plus trees). For a full-fledged archive of clones (1,695 pcs. of the progeny of Scots pine plus trees), it is required to additionally plant 38.9 ha (in two repetitions – 81.3 ha) of trees. First of all, it is necessary to create the archives of clones of Scots pine from the plus trees listed in the register of the Republic of Karelia as of 2023 (1,110 pcs.). In this case, the area of additional planting will be 52 ha. To date, the selection inventory of forests in Russia as a whole and its regions, including the Republic of Karelia, has been partially completed, i.e. the selection of plus trees, considering the huge size of forested area, has also been carried out to a limited extent. Meanwhile, it is the plus plantations, plus trees and forest seed orchards created by their clone progeny that are a sample of the best phenotypic gene pool of the main forest-forming species, both in the regions of the RF and in the country as a whole. But over time these objects are aging, dying and being cut down. The best specimens may not always be preserved even in forest seed orchards and matrix plantations (MPs). Constant deforestation, a decrease in the age of felling, and the natural aging of certified plus tress necessitate the resumption of systematic selection of plus trees in the best ripening plantations of the Republic, especially its northern and central parts, and the cultivation of the best trees in the archives of clones in the form of clone progeny. This article indicates the importance of clone archives for preserving the valuable gene pool of forest woody plants and their use even in the event of the disappearance of plus trees in the places of selection and registration.