Natural hybridization and features between alnus incana (L.) moenc. and alnus glutinosa (L.) gaertn. in Lithuania

Trees of the black alder, grey alder and their hybrids were evaluated according to morphological features of bark and leaves in mixed species composition seed plantation, short-term 0.05 ha plots self-regenerating young stands, near mixed stands of both species in four forest districts and in experimental plantations in Lithuania. Phenological differences in the distribution of leaves of these trees were also identified. According to the wood samples, the width and density of the annual tree rings of both species and hybrids were determined. We performed a phenological and taxonomic evaluation. We found 8.8% of hybrid alders of the total number of trees in the plots. The proportion of hybrids found in the experimental plantations was 2.6% of the total number of trees. 49% of the hybrid trees selected in the plantations were harder and denser than their family average. Selected hybrid trees were 70% more resistant to frost than their families on average. The use of specific combinatorial power can produce good results in cross-planting in black alder and grey alder and their hybrid plantations. The flowering time of hybrids and parent species overlaps (in this case, the phenomenon of black alder is more important, because the grey alder pollination of black alder pollen is more successful)Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centro filialas Miškų institutasMiškų ir ekologijos fakultetasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta