The power properties of autochthonous species of Salicacae mirbei. family in Ukraine

According to the experts’ estimation the production of solid bio fuel in Ukraine in 2011 was approximately 300 000 tons per hour, including 95 % which were exported to the EU. Renewable energy crops’ reserve should be sought among the indigenous flora species, which grow quickly in edaphic-climatic conditions of Ukraine, considering continentality increasing and climate aridization. In international practice willows and poplars are widely used for formation of energy plantations. In natural flora of Ukraine the family Salicaceae Mirbel. is represented by two species - willow (Salix L.) and poplar ( Populus L.). The class Salix has 25 autochthonous species and the class Populus - only 3 species and a number of hybrid forms. But not all of the representative species have energetic qualities and sufficient raw-material base. Willows of alpine and subalpine belt of the Carpathians, in particular S. alpina L., S. hastata L., S. herbaceae L., S. lapponum L., S. phylicifolia L., S. reticulata L., S. retusa L. and S. starkeana Willd. are characterized by slow growth, creeping form, sparse areal and poor reserve stocks. Therefore, they are not useful for energy plantations. Besides, S. herbaceae, S. retusa, S. alpina, S. lapponum and S. starkeana, and also S. myrtilloides L. are included into the last edition of The Red Book of Ukraine. Such factors as sparse or disjunctive areal and poor reserve stocks make the species S. silesiaca Willd., S. myrsinifolia Salisb., S. eleagnos Scop., S. daphnoides Vill. impossible for energy plantation. The analysis of taxonomic composition, chorology, resource potential and energetic qualities of Salicaceae class plantings in Ukraine shows perspective species for energetic plantations formation: S. viminalis L., S. acutufolia, S. trianda, S. purpurea, S. alba, S. pentandra, S. fragilis, P. nigra, P. alba, P. tremula.