RESULTS OF THE INTRODUCTION OF SPECIES OF THE GENUS SALIX L. IN UKRAINE

Abstract

he aim of the study of the study was to analyze the success of the introduction of Salix species in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine based on the characteristics of their growth and development, winter hardiness and drought tolerance. Ten of the autochthonous species are found in Ukraine on the southern or southeastern border of their ranges, which is explained by climate change from the northwest to the southeast of the country. Two species change their life form from a “tree” to a “bush” under conditions of introduction. Six species have not fully lignified shoots at the end of the growing season, which is an indicator of their lower winter hardiness. In Ukraine, the introduced species of the Salix genus form viable seeds, however, they do not form self-seeding and have a full (10 species) or good (6 species) degree of acclimatization. It has been established that the limiting factors for the expansion of the Salix cultural range in Ukraine are high temperature and low humidity of air and soil in summer, which leads to a decrease in their drought resistance.