A complex ecological-geographical experiment has been performed for monitoring of natural populations and representative population cultures of white birches (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh.) established on a half-sib basis in the Middle Urals. The experiment has demonstrated that population cultures distinguished by the biodiversity condition and character (representing the basic structure elements of natural populations) can be considered as one of the priority methods for conserving the genetic resources and biodiversity of forestforming species, in particular, white birches.

A distinctive feature of the proposed method is that conserving the genetic resources and biodiversity of the forest-forming species is carried out through the establishment of a system of artificial plantations (population cultures) on a half-sib basis supported by well-preserved natural populations rather than through creating genetic reservations. That is especially important because of the deficiency and fragmentariness of natural forests, especially in large industrial and agricultural areas.

FIELD OF APPLICATION : FORESTRY AND FORESTATION