A multi-trait assessment of selected provenances of Scots pine following 50 years of growth on a provenance experiment in Central Poland, in the light of climate change

Abstract The unpredictable nature of climate change impacts, e.g. warming producing a latitudinal shift in photoperiod, may modify trees’ rates survival and capacities for growth. This is also true the Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.), as one Europe’s main forest-forming tree species. best results study responses to can be obtained during long-term experiments carried out on provenance trials. Such objects make it possible precisely determine growth adaptation reactions offspring coming from different soil climatic conditions research area. Research this kind has been conducted by analysing progeny 16 Polish provenances single experiment located centre Poland, an area where annual precipitation at rather low average level 580 mm. was established 1966, using randomised block design with five replicates each tested provenances. In autumn 2015, trees present were monitored analysis variance used their heights diameters breast height, estimates made regarding straightness trunk, crown width branching angle. At same time, ecophysiographic features places occurrence parent stands analysed, quantification relationship between traits studied achieved PCA, while Ward’s Method clustering establish groups characterised multi-trait similarity. light what known about forecast change, would transfer populations, if only levels are lower, along values De Martonne aridity index. practice, Central Poland might play host progenies pines western part country—as represented here Bolewice, Rychtal, Karsko Gubin On other hand, higher altitudes will not suitable cultivation lowland locations Poland.