Modification of the methodology for assessing the viability of introduced species in accordance with the conditions of dry steppe zone of the Orenburg region

The work was carried out to modify the method of assessing the viability of plants, taking into account the limiting factors of the climatic conditions of the Orenburg Preduralie. Are studied several species of plants, during the introduction at the steppe zone (on example of Orenburg). Introduction study of all taxons was carried out for 8 years (2012-2020). The results of visual and laboratory observations of the seasonal development of species. During the entire observation period such indicators, as lignification of shoots, heat resistance, drought resistance, winter hardiness, shoot-forming capacity, height increase, generative development, and possible ways of reproduction in culture were evaluated annually. For each indicator numerical values in points corresponding to a certain state of the plant were selected. Based on the integrated assessment, the total viability score was calculated separately for each year of observations and the average score for the observation period. The sum of the average scores is an integral numerical expression of the viability of the introduced plants. Was established that the studied species belong to the I and II group relatively the criterion of life skills. The most species and sorts are among the most promising plants for introduction.