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European black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is a widespread tree species associated with wetlands and riparian ecosystems, thus it plays an important ecological role. Due to its fast growth and favorable wood properties it also has a potential to satisfy a growing demand for wood and fiber. However, its growth potential is not fully realized in Poland. In this study we investigated variation in growth traits, productivity, and stem straightness among 11 populations of European black alder originating from the lowland distribution of the species in Poland. The common−garden experiment located in 1968 in Kórnik (mid−western Poland) has been so far the only provenance experiment with this species in our country. We measured height and diameter of all trees at the site, assessed stem straightness in a 5−step scale (1−crooked; 5−straight), and calculated productivity at age of 50 years, which should be considered close to the rotation age. We found significant variation among populations in all investigated traits. The difference in productivity between the best and the worst provenance reached 75%. Using published and unpublished data from previous measurements at this site we also analyzed a trend in provenance ranking through time. The best and worst provenance could be identified at age 16 years, but many ranking shifts took place afterwards at the intermediate rank positions. We conclude that growth, productivity and stem quality of black alder could be improved through selection of favorable provenances within the species. Selection decisions can be made at the age below the half the rotation age, although decisions at of rotation age would be more precise., Sylwan 163 (10): 830-838

The biomass productivity of individual trees at age 14 years was investigated in the experiment with 8 provenances and 186 half−sib families of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.). The aim of the study was to develop allometric equations and estimate heritability of tree biomass. We sampled 28 model trees and measured dry mass of their components, including roots (on 14 trees). A decreasing share of aboveground biomass was allocated to stems, and an increasing share to branches and foliage with increasing tree size. Also a decreasing share of total tree biomass was found in roots with increasing tree dimensions. Allometric equations involving diameter at breast height in combination with tree height were developed to model biomass of all components and whole tree. We used those equations to estimate tree biomass on the subset of research area, involving all provenances and 180 half−sib families. Heritability coefficients for tree biomass were the greatest for provenances (0.84), average for families (0.58) and the lowest for individual trees (0.18). However, estimates of family heritability varied by provenance (from 0.18 to 0.74). These findings suggest that the most efficient strategy for improvement of productivity in pedunculate oak would be selection of provenances and families within provenances., Sylwan 158 (11): 829-839

We have investigated among−family variation in growth and quality traits of Polish larch [Larix decidua subsp. polonica (Racib.) Domin] from Góra Chełmowa and Bliżyn. Growth traits were measured several times during the 37 years of growth in a progeny test in Kórnik (5215’N and 1704’E), while quality traits were investigated at age 22. We have found significant among−family variation in survival rate at age 15; DBH at age 15, 20, 22 and 37; and stand productivity at age 22. Family heritability was high for DBH (0.6−0.8), except after the thinning (0.41). For basal area it was increasing from about 0.4 at age 15 to about 0.7 at age 37. The larch population from Góra Chełmowa is distinguished by a characteristic deformation of a lower trunk (saber−shape). Such a deformation was also observed in this experiment with a high family heritability (0.83). Other quality traits – self−prunning, branch thickness and branch length – did not vary among families. In all traits, the larch family from Bliżyn was better−performing than families from Góra Chełmowa. However, a high variation among tested families and high values of heritability estimates lend possibility of selecting best parents that could potentially be crossed with other highly productive ones of better quality to transmit into progeny other favorable traits of larch from Góra Chełmowa – high resistance to abiotic stresses and low susceptibility to larch cancer. Value of such progeny should be tested in the future., Sylwan 155 (9): 599-609

Ongoing climate change will likely expose trees and forests to new stresses and disturbances during this century. Trees naturally adapt to changes in climate, but their natural adaptive ability may be compromised by the rapid changes projected for this century. In the broad sense, adaptation to climate change also includes the purposeful adaptation of human systems, which includes forestry. In this article, we briefly review the expected impacts of projected climate change on trees and forest ecosystems in Poland. We further provide a framework for designing adaptive strategies to sustain or enhance forest growth, health, and ecosystem services in new climates. Within this framework, we distinguish two related objectives: (1) adaptation of decision−making process in forest management and (2) adaptation of forest ecosystems. Each of these objectives may be achieved through strategies and options whose applicability is discussed in relation to major forest functions – ecological and societal, commercial, and multiple−use. Knowledge gaps and research needs are also identified. We conclude that the recent emphasis on sustainable multifunctional forestry and the current ownership structure in Poland will facilitate adaptation of Polish forests to future climates. However, much remains to be learned about the impacts of climate change, especially at the ecosystem level. Cooperation between researchers and forest managers is critical for developing better management strategies for adapting forests to climate change., Sylwan 154 (9): 587-602