Local populations of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz in forest plantings of natural origin in the South-Podolsk Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

The determination of factors that adversely affect the populations of rare plant species and development of measures to eliminate them are the important conditions for maintaining the rare component of natural flora. The article describes the study of forest phytocoenoses in the eastern territory of South-Podolsk Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The influence of natural conditions, morphological and physiological features of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz on the distribution and population density in the studied region was analysed. The species is found in 80 quarters of different forestry districts with the population densities ranging from single to 300 individuals per hectare. The rare species has little prospect of natural seed restoration. The natural reforestation process of Sorbus torminalis is largely due to the specific conditions of phytocoenosis, age and vital structure of the forest stand. Most local populations have a low lifecycle. Very rare seed reproduction makes this species extremely vulnerable to the effects of any negative factors