Analysis of the growth and physiological parameters of the hybrid form of oak in arid conditions

The aim of the study was to study the effectiveness of the interecotypic crossing of the black oak using the Alder ecotype as a source of valuable hereditary traits. The objects of the study were the positive trees of Chapurnikovsky (Krasnoarmeysky district of the Volgograd region) and Olkhovsky (Olkhovsky district of the Volgograd region) ecotypes. The relevance of the study is due to the need to create highly productive and sustainable oak forms for afforestation in an arid region. Studies have been conducted on a 3.5-hectare royal forest seed plantation. The research methods included biometric analysis, radiography of seeds using a mobile X-ray unit PRDU-2, assessment of physiological parameters, analysis of variance and statistical processing of the data obtained. A pronounced heterotic effect was observed in the hybrid form, which exceeded the control samples in height and diameter (t = 2,8 and 2,4, respectively). The diameter of the hybrid-shaped barrel exceeded the control values by 15% (1,35 cm for the control and 1,55 cm for the hybrid). The water retention capacity of the hybrid leaves was 43,5-55,0% of the initial mass, which is comparable to the parent forms. The transpiration rate of the hybrid (387 mg/g/hour) was 16% lower than that of the Chapurnik ecotype (463 mg/g/hour) and 19% higher than that of the Olkhovsky (326 mg/g/hour). The predominant influence of the mother plant on the development of the hybrid has been established (55% of the variability of phenotypic characteristics), studies have shown a high uniformity of planting material in Q. robur (Olkhovsky ecotype) (Cv < 15%). X-ray examination revealed the internal defects of the acorns and determined the quality of the seed material, as well as the effect of damage on the further condition of the seed material. The results obtained are important for the development of selective seed production and the creation of sustainable forest crops in arid regions. The practical significance of the work is determined by the possibility of using the developed approaches to create highly productive oak plantations in arid climates.

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