Assessment of phenotypic plasticity of spruce species Picea abies (L.) Karst. and P. obovata (Ledeb.) on provenances tests in European North of Russia

Phenotypic plasticity of 22 spruce provenances in three test plots located in the European North of Russia was studied. Parent spruce stands are located within the Russian Plain and are represented by Picea abies (L.) Karst., P. obovata (Ledeb.) and two introgressive hybrids. In the test plots located in the middle and southern taiga subzones P. abies provenances are tested northward of its distribution area and P. obovata provenances are tested within the distribution area and nearby its boundaries. phenotypic plasticity of the spruce provenances was assessed. Straight-line regression coefficient based on survival, diameter, and height was calculated. All provenances are divided into two groups: plastic and non-plastic provenances. High plasticity is observed more often for P. abies and hybrids forms with properties of P. abies. Plastic provenances based on three parameters grow in the Leningrad, Pskov, Vologda, Kostroma and Karelia. Area of parent stands growing is quite small-size and lies between 56º30´ – 61º40´ N and 30º30´ – 42º30´ E. Adaptive provenances of P. obovata and its related hybrids forms grow in the North-Eastern part of the Russian Plain that could be consequence of its distribution in Holocene. Picea abies being the more adaptive species would be more responsive to climate changes in terms of survival and growth rate than P. obovata. Therefore, in case of sustainable climate warming in the Northern areas of the Russian Plain, the further propagation and major distribution of P. abies with further competitive replacement of P. obovata can be expected.