ZLV Online

Abstract

This study contains results obtained in the evaluation of seven research plots of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) at 25 years of age. All experimental plots were established in the Czech Republic. As for plant material, 9 provenances are of national origin, while 9 originated from Slovakia and 2 from Hungary. Results presented contain qualitative comparison of provenances (stem quality, crown type, branching angle), and observation of flushing phenology on one plot with complete assortment of provenances. The aim is also to complement the previously published results from evaluation of quantitative growth of verified provenances by their qualitative characteristics. Totally, 10,378 beech individuals have been evaluated. Characteristics of stem quality were shown to be good in the case of provenances 13 – Nové Město, 3 – Brumov and 9 – Hanušovice. Good crown type was identified for provenances 6 – Vlašim and 34 – Kamenica (SK). Branching angle was established as good for provenances 17 – Kamenica (SK) and 1 – Trenčín (SK). The quality of the same provenance is different on different plots. Some provenances were on some experimental plots simultaneously evaluated as good in high growth and qualitative traits. A relatively early flushing was observed in provenances 18 – Jablunkov, 16 – Jihlava and 26 – Bardejov (SK), while provenance 8 – Javorník was evaluated as late flushing. Comparison of provenances flushing between the ages of 6 and 25 years is in accordance with the hypothesis about flushing hereditary stability. Late flushing provenances 8 and 9 – Hanušovice were more broadly characterized as satisfactory as regards quality but their higher volume production was not proved. For the future, it is necessary to focus on the development of climate change, which may affect the environment over large areas.