Variability of the Main Systematic Features of the Hybrid Shape of Firs Picea abies and P. obovata (Pinaceae)

The article is devoted to the study of individual and geographical variability of the main systematic traits of the hybrid (intermediate) form of European spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Siberian (P. obovata Ledeb.) - the length of the cones and the shape of the seed scales. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that these traits in hybrid populations of spruce have been insufficiently studied and mainly by visual-descriptive means. The main methods of this study are the use of metric and mathematicalstatistical techniques for processing large source material. The material was collected at 24 sites in the area of distribution of the hybrid form of spruce on the territory of Russia. The sample of cones from each plot included at least 100 pieces (one from a tree); the total number of trees was 4581 specimens. The analysis of the obtained material showed that intermediate parameters of the main systematic features were formed in the populations of the hybrid form of European and Siberian spruce. The average length of cones of a hybrid form of spruce is 76 (63–91) mm. The coefficients of narrowing (Cn) and projection (Cp) of the upper part of the seed scales are 45(36–54) and 52(47–71)%, respectively, their difference (Cn–Cp) is in the range from -16 to +23%. Individual (intrapopulation) variability of these traits is much higher than the geographical one. In the interpopulation variability of the parameters of the shape of the seed scales and the length of the cones, there is a correlation of the average level. The results of the study make it possible to substantiate the morphological and geographical differentiation of the intermediate form of spruce into three groups within the general area of its distribution, and can also be used to identify smaller taxa of the hybrid form of European and Siberian spruces. Given the relationship between the parameters under consideration and the quantity and quality of seeds in cones, the results obtained can be useful for practical forestry in the selection of the most promising forest-seed plots.