Ársrit Skógræktarfélags Íslands - 15.12.1990, Page 117

species (see fig. 3 for it’s distribution in Russia).
Occasionally larch occurs in small stands but is
usually mixed with broadleaved species on the
better sites. In these northern regions larch rea-
ches some 20-25 m in height, occasionally upto 30
m. Larch regeneration does not appear to be pro-
lific and very likely conditions for this have deter-
iorated with the decrease in forest fires as larch
regeneration seems to require fire to enable it to
compete with the other species.
Timber production is an important industry in
Archangel and the annual cut is about 23 million
cu.m, of which 80% is spruce, 15% pine and 5%
birch and aspen. Larch fellings are about 100.000
cu.m annually (0.4% of the total cut). In the
Mezen and Pinega districts in northern Arch-
angel one finds a higher percentage of larch and
in the latter district there are still many fine
stands. It appears that larch is a reserved species
and is only taken when mixed stands are clear-
felled. Furthermore the larch is usually far from
population centres in areas with no or very few
roads. Even to-day much of the timber is floated
in Archangel district and as Iarch floats badly it is
not coveted.
The problem of seed purchase was discussed
with forestry officials. During the visit the aut-
hors observed considerable flowering on the
larch and there were prospects of a good seed
crop. Apparently larch produces seed at about 7
year intervals in Archangel district. However it is
difficult and expensive to collect. The larch
stands are far from man’s habitations and the
trees are dangerous to climb, being tall, with
fragile branches and the cones occurring on the
branch ends. The only feasible way to collect
cones is from felled trees, which means a special
collection must be made. Arrangements were
made with the Archangel forestry officials to col-
lect seed that autumn, providing there was a good
crop. Apart from the vagaries of the weather the
biggest danger to the seed is predation by insects,
notably the larch seed-fly, Tomeasianina sibirica
Mamajev, which has been known to destroy over
95% of the seed in seed orchards.
Finally it is pleasant to report that the visit was
successful in it's objectives and seed of Russian
larch from the Pinega district was delivered the
following autumn, the first batch to be received
for almost 20 years.
Nytjaskógar
Halldór Sigurðsson
Arnartanga 74
270 Mosfellsbæ
Sími: 91 - 666607
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