Introduction of Karelian birch: history, experience and assessment of prospects

Data are presented reflecting domestic and foreign experience in the introduction of Karelian birch Betula pendula Roth var. carelica (Mercklin) Hämet-Ahti), which has a unique, highly valuable patterned wood texture. It is shown that, thanks to its introduction, it currently occupies a vast territory, covering different natural and climatic zones and extends far beyond its range. At the same time, in new areas, Karelian birch retains the rhythms of growth processes and features of phenological development inherent in it in natural habitats, although the passage of individual phenophases may shift to earlier or later dates in southern and northern latitudes, respectively, indicating its fairly high ecological plasticity and significant introduction potential. The high efficiency of using Karelian birch planting material obtained by clonal micropropagation in vitro or through seed progeny from controlled pollination is emphasized. Some methods and techniques are presented for assessing the prospects for introduction work with Karelian birch, the use of which can increase its effectiveness, thereby helping to solve the problems of both conservation and expanded reproduction of the gene pool of this unique tree species.