PINUS SYLVESTRIS L. REGENERATION FROM SEED TREES IN VACCINIOSA AND MYRTILLOSA

Abstract

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is an economically important tree species in temperate forests, including Latvia. Purposeful selection work has resulted in the provision of faster-growing planting material for forest planting. Natural restoration initially requires less investment, it has several disadvantages. When using this method, it must be considered that the forest stands will have an uneven species composition, the age and height of the trees will differ. The study was carried out in young naturally regenerated stands in Vacciniosa and Myrtillosa forest site type and compared with planted stands The aim of the study was to evaluate the natural regeneration and last 5 year tree height increment of Scots pine  regenerated from the seed trees in the Vacciniosa and Myrtillosa, compared to planted stands, as well as to assess the impact of tree health on pine height increment. In total 10 young stands were surveyed, 66 sample plots were established and 704 trees were measured. The area of the temporary sample plot was 25 m² with a radius of 2.82 m. Comparing the annual height increases of Scots pine, both in naturally regenerated and planted young stands in Vacciniosa and Myrtillosa, it was found that there are statistically significant differences between forest types, stand origin type, as well as in existing stands in the last 5 years by years (p <0.05). The most significant damage to young pine stands is caused by needle cast, ungulates, and large pine weevil.