PROSPECTS FOR SEED REPRODUCTION Prunus sargentii Rehder IN THE MOSCOW REGION

Abstract

Deciduous trees are important in the formation of a system of green spaces and the creation of a comfortable urban environment. The bright accents of urban gardens and parks are flowering trees. However, there is a shortage of early-flowering species in the landscaping of Moscow. East Asian stone fruit species with significant winter hardiness, stable decorative properties and high resistance to diseases and pests can replenish the assortment. One of these species is the Sargent plum (Prunus sargentii Rehder), which in Moscow has proven itself as a stable and consistently decorative species. For successful introduction into culture at the first stages of introduction, it is important to determine the prospects for seed reproduction of the species, since the expediency of attempts at mass reproduction in nurseries largely depends on this. To obtain a full range of characteristics of fruits and seeds of the studied species, its morphometric parameters were determined, the individual variability of these characteristics was evaluated, as well as the germination of seeds of the first year of sowing. A number of patterns and features have been identified that allow us to recommend P. sargentii for use for breeding purposes and for introduction into culture.