INSTYTUT DENDROLOGII

Introduction of Riga pine in the 18^th and 19^th century France. Analysis of biological, historical, political and economical factors

I analyzed early introduction of Scots pine in the 18^th-19^th century France as well as the effect of ship building industry on deforestation of pine forests in the central and eastern Europe. Detailed description of Scots pine introduction in Bretagne, Fontainbleau and Landes is provided together with the pioneering 18^th century provenance experiments established by Duhamel du Monceau. Import and distribution of Scots pine seeds in France originated from Riga was described.

Results of the first provenance experiments with Scots pine established by Delamarre and Vilmorin were analyzed together with their interpretation given in the 19^th and the beginning of 20^th century. This data provided information on gradual increase in knowledge of genetic variability of Scots pine. Detailed description was given of the pioneering studies of Bravais and Martins on the effect of climatic and geographical factors of Scots pine growth.

Reforestation strategy with Scots pine in the 19^th France was described together with early seed extraction techniques, an import of "Riga pine" seeds and procedures of purchasing of seeds by the forest administration.