STRUCTURE OF SERRIED LARCH CANOPY IN THE NORTHEAST OF EURASIA

The structure of larch canopy on the microcommunity level is described in terms of direct contact of its elements. In case of adjacent growth genetic range of species should be maximally implemented by morphological features (linear dimensions, crown architectonics etc.) and environmental properties, particularly light conditions, which is confirmed by our results. The analysis was performed in compact biogroups of 10 trees taken as models in close-canopy larch stands of Khabarovsk and Magadan region. In general, the ratio of height and crown indexes is represented by four options: (a) leader in height with a short crown, (b) the same with an extended crown; c) stunted with a short crown, d) the same with a long crown. Light-demanding individuals can not have too long crown; either, if circumstances and genetic potential allow, they occupy a leading position (a) or become candidates for decease (с). More shade-tolerant trees with a relatively long crown look quite vital both when forestall neighbors in growth (b) and lagging from these (d). In some biogroups trees with heights less than average in the mean proved to be elder than dominants; i.e. the differentiation of trees in the process of coenogenesis into predominating, indifferent and depressed, the latter being almost doomed to extinction, does not look evident and unconditional. Individual ecological differences can have some economic value as a basis for selection, if we confirm the version that more light-demanding plants not only can achieve greater heights, but will do it quicker, i.e. will give a more precocious wood.