Reproduction strategies of the silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) at post-industrial sites

The study aimed to evaluate the parameters of reproductive traits, specimens’ fertility and reproductive efficiency observed in Betula pendula populations growing at different types of sites (zinc-lead heaps, coal mine heaps and unpolluted site). The leaf biomass and the biometric characteristics of inflorescences and fructifications were identified. Moreover, the biometric parameters of B. pendula seedlings were evaluated for examined sites. Seed-originated trees mostly of age 40 were randomly selected and from each tree, a branches from 1.70 m height and orientation N–S, W–E to the cardinal points of the stem were chosen. In the laboratory, selected soil parameters, the viability of pollen and the seeding value of seeds were analysed. According to the multidimensional statistical analysis the populations of B. pendula growing on post-industrial wastelands represent different morphotypes with lower values of almost all the reproductive traits, compared to the unpolluted birch population. Such traits as the male:female catkin number ratio and the non-embryo seed number were positively correlated with the heavy metal content at the zinc-lead heaps; at the same time these traits were negatively correlated with soil fertility. The fully developed seed number and the mature female catkin number were strongly correlated with the available potassium and phosphorus soil content but also with the leaf number on the generative shoots. The specimens of birch growing in these three habitats did not develop a universal reproductive strategy. Some differences in fecundity, the condition of seeds and the patterns of seed germination were found. The resulting seedling survival is determined by the plasticity of biometric traits, sheltered places for germination, etc. Seedlings that originated from heaps (local gene resources) are more suitable for use in the reclamation of large amounts of waste.