The results of the introduction of twisted pine ( Pinus contorta ) in Bolshoy Solovetsky Island

A comparative study of twisted pine (Pinus contorta) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island reveals that, despite similar growth conditions, twisted pine exhibits faster height growth but higher susceptibility to pathologies. While both species show comparable trunk volume-to-diameter relationships, Scots pine demonstrates more stable radial growth over time, with consistently high latewood proportion (12%) compared to twisted pine's 14%. Notably, twisted pine's bark is significantly thinner (38% less) than Scots pine's at maturity, and its assimilation apparatus—including branch density and needle lifespan—is more developed. However, the study found that twisted pine's radial growth peaks around 14–15 years before declining, contrasting with Scots pine's sustained performance. These findings suggest that while twisted pine may be viable for introduction in similar climates, its long-term stability and resistance to pathologies warrant further monitoring.

Sobolev, A., Feklistov, P., Bolotov, I., & Barzut, O. (2022). The results of the introduction of twisted pine ( Pinus contorta ) in Bolshoy Solovetsky Island. Folia Forestalia Polonica, 64(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.2478/ffp-2022-0001