Stepwise Introduction of Dendroflora Species to the Northeastern Part of the Russian Plain (Review)

Abstract

Introduction of economically valuable and ornamental species has long been one of the main methods of increasing the biological diversity of dendroflora. The aim of the research is to develop the theory of stepwise introduction of dendroflora species in the northern direction. The methodological basis of research was the works of experts in the field of forest introduction, including northern specialists, such as F.B. Orlov, P.M. Malakhovets, V.N. Nilov, N.A. Demidova, O.S. Zalyvskaya, E.B. Karbasnikova, M.M. Andronova, etc. The article is mostly theoretical and describes the development of the introduction of tree and shrub species in the harsh conditions of the northeastern part of the Russian Plain. Analysis of the results of scientific and spontaneous introduction allowed us to formulate a working hypothesis on the possibility of implementing a stepwise introduction of dendroflora valuable species due to the special microclimate formed in cities with a higher level of temperature regime compared to the periphery. It is assumed that the thermal resource of heat islands should be enough for successful acclimatization of cultivars, promotion of their seed offspring to suburban conditions with subsequent naturalization. Statements covering the main aspects of stepwise introduction development have been formulated based on long-term research. These are the beginning of the first stage of acclimatization, factors influencing the duration of the introduction stage, priority material for processing the basic principles of stepwise introduction, limiting factors of the northern border of the introduction range, compliance of the conditions of heat islands with the conditions of the northern part of the previous introduction stage. Practical implementation of these statements will increase the efficiency of acclimatization tests of introduced plant species. A table of the acclimatization success and naturalization of dendroflora species, taking into account different stages of ontogenesis, was proposed in order to objectively evaluate the results of experiments. Synthesis of conclusions and recommendations contributes to targeted plant adaptation measures and the formation of reliable predictions of their naturalization. For citation: Babich N.А., Karbasnikova Е.B., Andronova М.М., Zalyvskaya О.S., Aleksandrova Yu.V., Gayevskiy N.P. Stepwise Introduction of Dendroflora Species to the Northeastern Part of the Russian Plain (Review). Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 3, pp. 73–85. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-3-73-85