Dynamics of the growth processes of Prunus armeniaca L. seedlings in the conditions of Inner Mountain Dagestan

The paper presents the results of assessing the dynamics of growth processes 364 seedlings of 16 apricot samples under conditions of a critical altitude level for them in Dagestan (1900 m). A comparative study of apricot samples showed that during the growing season, annual seedlings form a small height of the main shoot (18.7–28.7 cm), subramose (0.4–2.7) and leafiness (14.7–23.6). Analysis of the relative dynamics of shoot growth showed that the maximum growth was observed in May-June (62.8–95.7%) and low in July-September (1.0–24.5%). A reliable correlation was established between the relative growth of the studied samples and their winter hardiness, namely, the higher the relative increase in July-September, the lower the winter hardiness. The correlation in MayJune was -0.77**, and in July and September 0.62* and 0.64 **, respectively. The experiment showed the information content of studying the growth of shoot length as a diagnostic feature in assessing the winter hardiness of apricot seedlings in the mountainous conditions of Dagestan.