The height growth dynamics of three interspecific crosses with Greek fir (Abies cephalonica Loud.) acting as mother and a control variant from self-pollination were followed throughout a period of 30 years. The hybrid combination A. cephalonica × A. nordmanniana exhibited enhanced growth relative to the selfed control at stage of 4-year old seedlings already, whereas the hybrid A. cephalonica × A. alba only at stage of 9-year old saplings. At age of 30, the heterotic growth persisted only in the latter, the hybrid A. cephalonica × A.nordmanniana was comparable in height growth parameters with a selfed control. The interspecific cross A. cephalonica × A. numidica was remarkable by its accelerated growth during early stages of the development. At age of 4 years it has surpassed in height growth both A. cephalonica × A. alba and control but has declined profoundly during subsequent stages of its development. A conspicuous feature of the hybrid needle anatomy were abundant resin canals and reduced size of some anatomical traits of its needles. In spite of variable growth potentials, all the three interspecific hybrids are recommended for planting in Slovakia, especially at densely polluted areas where domestic silver fir cannot withstand emission pressure.
The results of morphological and anatomical studies on Pinus uliginosa needles from newly-discovered localities of this species in Węglowiec (Bory Dolnośląskie) are presented. The data obtained were compared to similar published material on P. uliginosa needles from its loco classico in Batorow and from the lowland locality in Węgliniec Nature Reserve, and to P. sylvestris growing nearby. In terms of needle structure, all three P. uliginosa populations were slightly different. The samples analyzed differed markedly from the sample of P. sylvestris, which contradicts the hypothesis that Scots pine has had a significant influence on the gene pool of P. uliginosa.
Mutational witches’ brooms (WBs) in conifers are widely used in landscaping. However, there have been few WB morphology and anatomy investigations. The needle structure of witches’ brooms and normal crown (NC) in Pinus sibirica clones was studied, using light microscopy technique. The aim was to compare the needle structure in WBs and NC and to reveal the effects of the mutation on the needle traits. Three WB and NC pairs of clones from the same trees were used in the study. WBs in the parental trees were characterized by different density in the affected part of the tree. In all pairs, WB needles were shorter and thinner than in NC. In contrast to NC needles, WB needle length was positively correlated with resin duct total area and width of endodermis cell. Thus, the affected needles had a changed structure, and the effect of the mutation was determined by mutation expression.
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