Adaptability of Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra) in Two Different Environmental Conditions of Romanian Carpathians
Source abstract
Abstract
Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) is a feasible solution for increasing the resistance of future mixed spruce–pine stands to windfall at the upper altitudinal limit of Romanian forests. This study aims to analyze the adaptability of ten full-sib families in two different environmental conditions and their evolution in time for predicting forward selection. At a seedling age of 33, evaluations were carried out for survival rate (Sr), growth (diameter at breast height—Dbh, and trees’ height), and branch traits, as well as for stem straightness. The high level of genetic variability, inheritance rate, and trait–trait correlations, registered in both trials, ensure the success of the breeding program. The Swiss stone pine shows a very good adaptation on high-sloping lands from the upper altitudinal limit of Romania’s forests, with the cross-pollinated (CP) families registering a 28.5% better survival in the Rodna trial (34° slope) compared to the Păltiniș experiment (7° slope). The consanguineous families registered only an 11% Sr in Păltiniș, while in the Rodna trial, the Sr was four times higher (in both trials, consanguineous trees were dominated). The juvenile–adult correlations of growth traits were significant, indicating that early selection could be efficient. The forward selection of the best 10% of CP families for Dbh could be applied, ensuring a 9% to 15% genetic gain.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Botany and Plant Ecology Studies · Forest ecology and management · Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
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Affiliations
National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry (INCDS) “Marin Drăcea”, SCDEP Brașov, 13 Cloşca Street, 500040 Brașov, Romania
INCDS “Marin Drăcea”, SCDEP Simeria, 1 Biscaria Street, 335900 Simeria, Romania
INCDS “Marin Drăcea”, 128 Eroilor Avenue, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
Funding
Romanian Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization · CNCS/CCCDI-UEFISCDI
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