Wielocechowa ocena potomstwa populacji buka zwyczajnego (Fagus sylvatica L.) z południowo-wschodniej Polski w początkowych latach wzrostu

European beech is one of the most important broadleaved tree species in Poland and will play probably even more significant role in the future due to the predicted climate change. The main objectives of this study was to analyse and compare the growth parameters and morphological traits between 23 European beech provenances from south−eastern Poland (fig. 1). The research was conducted on the experimental plot established in Łosie Forest District in 2006. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design consisting of 92 plots (23 provenances×4 blocks). On each plot 100 trees representing given provenance were planted in 1.5×1.5 m spacing. In the spring and autumn 2015 we measured and determined the following parameters for the subsample of 36 trees on each plot: survival rate, tree height, diameter at breast height, diameter of the branch at the middle height of the crown length, stem straightness, crown shape, tendency to create forks, mean angle between stem and branches and spring phenology. We also included different eco−physiographical characteristics for each provenances (tab. 1). We performed basic statistics to describe mean values and standard errors (fig. 2, tab. 2) and finally we quantified the interaction between traits and eco−physiographical characteristics by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) (fig 3, tab. 3). The obtained results indicates that under growth conditions on experimental trial in Łosie Forest District, the provenances from lower elevated regions with lower precipitation and higher mean temperature (i.e. more arid conditions; Kielce and Narol provenances) were characterized by thicker dbh and branch dimeters in contrast to regions from southern Poland (Łosie, Bricza 1, Stary Sącz and Nawojowa). European beech provenances from regions with more humid conditions and lower mean annual temperature, as well as shorter vegetation season are characterized by higher survival rate. They are also higher than other provenances, but reveal the lower ratio dbh to branch diameter.