Survival and growth of Common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances in North-Eastern Bulgaria

Abstract

Two provenance tests in  North-Eastern Bulgaria have been studied, whose purpose is to test the response of beech provenances from Southern Germany to the drier and warmer climatic conditions in Bulgaria, in order to predict how they would perform in a warming and drying climate. The provenance tests were established in the spring of 2010 in the area of the Varbitza and Kipilovo Forest Services with 2-year-old seedlings in a 2 x 1 m scheme in 3 replications. Four provenances of common beech were studied - 2 German (Silberbach and Ebersdorf) and 2 Bulgarian (Petrohan and Berkovitza). On the 12th year after afforestation, an inventory and measurements of the height and root collar diameter were carried out. The results were processed statistically by applying one and two-factor analysis of variance, as well as Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons. A higher survival rate was found in the provenance test in Kipilovo. The Bulgarian provenances Petrohan and Berkovitza were characterized by better growth in height in both provenance tests, and in root collar diameter - provenance Petrohan. Provenance Ebersdorf could be recommended for use in drier and warmer places in Southern Germany.