Phenotypic variability of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz trees in the central region of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

This study presents the results of the research on the variability of certain characters of the wild service tree in the central region of the Republic of Moldova (Vatici, Bravicea, Vărzărești, Călăraşi, Strășeni, Scoreni, Ciorăşti, Nisporeni forest districts and “Codrii” nature reserve). The studied samples included 600 trees from 7 forest sites and 7 forest types. In each site stand, observations and measurements were made on 30 trees in order to determine the diameter of the trunk, the total height, the pruned height (expressed in % of the total height), the crown diameter, the eccentricity of the cross section of the trunk, the straightness, the type of trunk (according to the presence and the position of the bifurcations), the presence of suckers, and the health of the trees. The height of the trees varied from 9.7 m to 20.1 m (CV = 11.5‐34.3 %) and the diameter varied from 12.8 to 37.0 cm (CV = 15.9‐52.5 %). The pruned height varied from 32.8 to 51.9 % of the total height, a favourable index that allows obtaining high yields of long logs. The variation of the eccentricity of the trunk is generally low (D/d=0.96‐1.07), (CV=3.0‐10.1 %), since the trees have round trunks. The trunks of the trees were not bifurcated, or bifurcated in the upper part; the trunks were straight or curved in the upper part, without suckers or with 1‐2 suckers on 1 linear meter of trunk, which indicates on the possibility to obtain high quality timber.