Ecological and biological characteristic of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) in the conditions of the south of Western Siberia

The analysis of experience of introduction of the chestnut in the European and Asian parts of Russia and neighboring countries was conducted in the work. Optimal conditions for the introduction of the horse chestnut are the areas with moderate climate of the European part of Russia. The horse chestnut is frozen much in the harsh winter, also blooms and singly brings the fruit in the Urals and Western Siberia. The aim of the research was to study the growth and development of the horse chestnut in the conditions of introduction in the South of Western Siberia. Objectives of the research were: comparative analysis of the experience of introduction of the horse chestnut in the temperate latitudes of Russia; to study the characteristics of growth and development of horse chestnut in the conditions of Omsk, in the territory of the natural monument of regional significance “The Regional dendrological G.I. Genze gardenˮ. There were used standard methods of bioecological researches in the field conditions. The horse chestnut trees aged 15 to 34 years were studied, the chestnut blossom was observed at the end of May - at first decade of June (24.V-7.VI), the yellowing of leaves is in the first half of October (5 to 14.X), and the ripening and dispersion of fruits were observed at the beginning of October (2-10.X). The height of the model tree No. 1 at the age of 34 years reached 8.3 m and, when the height reached breast height (130 cm), it also reaches a diameter 15.5 cm. The stable rhythm of growth of annual chestnut’s shoots and the individual variability of these trees in winter hardiness were detected. It may serve as a basis for selection work of choosing winter-hardy phenotypes in the progeny. It is recognized that the horse chestnut is a promising species for introduction in this region and it deserves further study.