The Impact of Amelanchier spicata (Rosaceae) on the Natural Regeneration of Pine Forests in the Orekhovo-Zuyevsky Forestry of Moscow Region

Abstract— The natural renewal of forest plantations depends on the composition, density, and other parameters of the lower layers. The younger generation of woody plants is also influenced by invasive species naturalizing in natural ecosystems. During the work on the registration of renewal carried out in the Orekhovo-Zuyevsky forestry of Moscow region, the naturalization of Amelanchier × spicata in the structure of pine forests with the formation of dense and impenetrable undergrowth was noted in the trial areas. Assumptions were formulated about the causes of this phenomenon caused by the combined effects of climate change and the influence of economic activity on the structure of forest ecosystems. Data have been obtained indicating that the overgrowth of Amelanchier × spicata under the canopy of a stand has a negative impact both on the emergence of new generations of pine renewal and on the development of existing small and medium-sized undergrowth. It is noted that, in the areas of forest plantations, despite favorable conditions, the spread and negative impact of Amelanchier spicata are restrained by regular measures for the care of forest plants. A conclusion was made about the necessity of the further study of the processes of naturalization of Amelanchier × spicata in pine and derived plantations on poor soils against the background of climate changes in order to determine the optimal forestry methods that ensure the natural alternation of generations of the tree layer and the preservation of forest plants.