Comprehensive assessment of Robinia genus forms for creating sustainable protective forests in arid conditions
Rubrics: ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD SECURITY
Type:
Article
Pages:
from 573
to 577
Status:
In work
Received:
15.08.2026
Accepted:
15.08.2026
Published:
15.08.2026
Language:
Russian
Keywords:
locust, Robinia, growth, fruiting, development, morphometric indicators
Funding:
The work was carried out on the topic of the State assignment FNFE – 2025 – 0009 «Creation of new genotypes, varieties, forms of woody, shrubby, cultivated plants with high-value signs of productivity, quality, resistance to bio- and abiostressors using classical and modern breeding methods, new innovative technologies in nursery and seed production, to solve problems of preventing degradation and desertification of agricultural landscapes in a changing climate». The research was conducted as part of the thematic plan of the Laboratory of breeding, seed Production, and nursery farming at the Federal Scientific Centre of Agroecology, Complex Melioration and Protective Afforestation, of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Abstract:
The article presents the results of studies of the forms of pseudoacacia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in order to select promising samples for use in the establishment of protective forest plantations under conditions of moisture deficiency and environmental stress factors (drought, soil salinity, and low air temperatures). The experimental data were obtained between 2020 and 2025 at the experimental site of the Volgograd Breeding and Seed Production Complex «Kirovsky». The studies included 3 forms of Robinia: frost-resistant, mast, and pyramidal. Morphological features, growth dynamics, vitality, as well as reproductive and adaptive characteristics, including winter hardiness and plant development phases, were studied. The results showed that 21-year-old plants had a high degree of preservation (94,5-98,9%), even after severe drought periods and the harsh winter of 2020/2021. The Robinia macheta form showed the maximum height (9,5 m), while the Robinia pyramidalis form showed the maximum annual growth (50,0 cm), despite minor damage from frost. The analysis of reproductive indicators revealed significant differences between the phenoclasses: the mast and frost-resistant forms (I phenoclass) had smaller fruits and seeds, but they also showed better resistance to the acacia moth and higher seed production. The study showed that the selection of frost-resistant forms of Robinia successfully promotes its spread to more northern regions. Candidate trees were identified that significantly exceed the control samples in terms of growth (25 % higher) and thickness (62 % thicker), as well as consistently producing fruit. This indicates the high potential of the selected forms of Robinia pseudoacacia to increase the stability and ornamental value of plantations in the Lower Volga region. The obtained results will be used for breeding purposes to improve the frost resistance and forest reclamation properties of species, cultivars, and forms of the Robinia genus.
The article presents the results of studies of the forms of pseudoacacia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in order to select promising samples for use in the establishment of protective forest plantations under conditions of moisture deficiency and environmental stress factors (drought, soil salinity, and low air temperatures). The experimental data were obtained between 2020 and 2025 at the experimental site of the Volgograd Breeding and Seed Production Complex «Kirovsky». The studies included 3 forms of Robinia: frost-resistant, mast, and pyramidal. Morphological features, growth dynamics, vitality, as well as reproductive and adaptive characteristics, including winter hardiness and plant development phases, were studied. The results showed that 21-year-old plants had a high degree of preservation (94,5-98,9%), even after severe drought periods and the harsh winter of 2020/2021. The Robinia macheta form showed the maximum height (9,5 m), while the Robinia pyramidalis form showed the maximum annual growth (50,0 cm), despite minor damage from frost. The analysis of reproductive indicators revealed significant differences between the phenoclasses: the mast and frost-resistant forms (I phenoclass) had smaller fruits and seeds, but they also showed better resistance to the acacia moth and higher seed production. The study showed that the selection of frost-resistant forms of Robinia successfully promotes its spread to more northern regions. Candidate trees were identified that significantly exceed the control samples in terms of growth (25 % higher) and thickness (62 % thicker), as well as consistently producing fruit. This indicates the high potential of the selected forms of Robinia pseudoacacia to increase the stability and ornamental value of plantations in the Lower Volga region. The obtained results will be used for breeding purposes to improve the frost resistance and forest reclamation properties of species, cultivars, and forms of the Robinia genus.
Keywords:
locust, Robinia, growth, fruiting, development, morphometric indicators
locust, Robinia, growth, fruiting, development, morphometric indicators
