<i>Abies sibirica</i> Male Reproductive Cones Developmental Shift at Introduction

Abstract

A strong effect of climate on phenological events in conifers has been documented by several studies. To study adaptation of reproductive processes in Abies sibirica Ledeb. to changing environment, the phenology of the development of the species male reproductive cones at introduction was studied. Phenological shift in Abies sibirica meiosis and pollination was observed. An earlier start of male bud reproductive development is founded in V.N. Sukachev Institute of Forest Arboretum resulted in increasing meiosis and pollen irregularities. Insufficient high quality pollen in the species at its pollination stage may be a major factor responsible for the incapability to produce the viable seeds in quantities sufficient for pollination in seed gardens. Responses of the fir male cone development to the current environmental conditions at the Arboretum may be considered as a model of adaptation of the species to climatic changes.