The international significance of Siberian forest genetic resources

Milyutin L.I.

V.N. Sukachev Institute of Forest SB RAS (Krasnoyarsk)

The Siberian forest genetic resources are the invaluable storeroom for improvement of gene pool and increase of productivity of forests not only of Russia, but many foreign countries. Rich diversity of forest forming of Siberian woody plants; considerable part of autochthon forest stands affected relatively weakly by anthropogenic influence; ability of many species to grow in the most different conditions including in extreme conditions are promote for these. Talking about concrete forest forming species it should be note that foreign researchers show the greatest interest for species of Larix and Pinus sibirica Du Tour. Other species, Picea obovata Ledeb. or Abies sibirica Ledeb., for example, aren’t cultivated practically in foreign countries because low productivity in comparison with European vicarious species and comparatively narrow ecological niches of these species. In my opinion, such state is not correct, because, for example, “blue” form of Picea obovata or the “blue” Yakut climatype of Picea ajanensis Fisch. et Carr. can be used in the breeding of decorative plants, especially in the northern regions. Analyse of genetic resources of Larix species it is necessary to note, first of all, that one are used long age and successful by afforestation in the republics of the former USSR (Ukraina, Belarus, Latvia etc.). These experiments are reflected in many publications as well as in materials of International meeting about forest genetic resources in countries of former USSR (Belovezhskaya Putsha, 1996). Numerous experiments for use of genetic resources of larch in the Scandinavian countries and Finland are generalized in detail by Swedish researcher O. Martinsson (Martinsson, Lesinski, 2007 etc.). According his data, progenies of larch from less continental regions in particular Larix sukaczhewii Dylis, demonstrate best growth. Larch excels in rate of growth, for example, in some regions of Sweden considerably native Scots pine and spruce. Siberian species of larch were experiment in Canada and USA too. Genetic resources of Pinus sibirica attract attention Asiatic researchers, mainly in contradistinction to larch, though some experiments are conducted in other countries, for example, Canada. Unfortunately, the generalize publications about this problems aren’t known for me. It is necessary to note, that international significance of rich intraspecific diversity of Siberian woody plants isn’t limited to direct results of introduction. Forest genetic resources of Siberia are base for development of global theoretical ideas of forests dynamics. For example, investigations of American genetic G. Refeldt (Refeldt et al., 2004 etc.) based on careful analysis of provenance trials of Scots pine and larch established mainly in the Siberia allowed to suggest the original hypothesis about transference of climatypes of these species in the global change of climate. Noted materials testify that important international significance of forest genetic resources of Siberia is really. Conclusions of some researchers (Shutyaev and Giertych, 1987) that hopes on discovery in Siberia of genetic “treasures” aren’t grounded, are categorical and not correspond to the fact.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition