MACEDONIAN PINE (PINUS PEUCE GRISEB.) POPULATIONS, GROWTH PECULIARITIES AND HEALTH STATUS IN PIRIN MT. NATIONAL PARK

Rosnev, B.N., Tsakov, H. I.

Forest Research Institute – Sofia, BAS, Bulgaria forestin@bas.bg

Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce Griseb.) is basic forest composer in the upper mountain belt in Northern Pirin Mt. It is typical Balkan endemic species and grows on sites on high altitude with short growing period and stony and aerated soils.

Generalised data is presented about Macedonian pine distribution and its share in stands composition from 1400 up to 2200 m a.s.l. in Pirin Mt. National Park. Studies were carried out in pure populations, where diversity in stands structure and some growth parameters was determined, depending on crowns shape and their spatial configuration. Assessment was made of abiotic and biotic damages, as well as of species’ adaptive capability to environmental conditions. The scattered character of Macedonian pine area of distribution, due to anthropogenic intervention in the past, has brought to separation of populations for seed production, determination of elite trees and establishment of geographic plantations.

The species is sustainable to climatic influences and biotic damages. It shows good growth and productivity for higher altitudes, where it is naturally spread. Genetic and dendrometric studies are actual due to the insufficient knowledge about this tree species.