Morphobiological features of black elder (Sambucus Nigra L.) under different lighting conditions of the place of growth

Abstract

Goal. To study the morphobiological features of the black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) in the conditions of the Left-Bank Forest Steppe, to determine the raw material productivity under different lighting conditions of the place of growth. Methods. Field — to observe the growth and development of plants, measuring and weighing – to determine the biometric indicators and yield, calculation-comparative — to fix the economically valuable features, mathematical-statistical — to establish the reliability of the obtained results, scientific analysis. Results. The morphobiological features of S. nigra in the Left-Bank Forest Steppe were studied, where plant growth conditions were as close as possible to natural ones. Observations showed that S. nigra plants in the generative phase of development at the age of 6–7 years intensively flowered and bore fruit. It was proven that the weight and size of freshly harvested panicles depended on their location on the bush within the selected technological storeys. Model samples formed the largest number of panicles at a height of 1–2 m above the soil surface, where the maximum number of racemes was 209±9 pcs for 90,000–130,000 lux lighting, minimum — 6±0.3 pcs for 40,000–50,000 lux lighting. When determining the height of the effective collection of raw materials from 1 bush, it was established that the largest number of flowers was formed in racemes at a height of more than 1 m under illumination of 90,000–130,000 lux — 610±28–958±43 pcs. Freshly collected racemes with the largest mass (12.66±0.57 g) were formed on the upper part of the crown. The yield of freshly picked racemes from 1 bush under different lighting conditions ranged from 0.2±0.01 kg in the shade to 3.97±0.18 kg in illuminated places of growth. Conclusions. The potential yield of S. nigra raw material (racemes) under different lighting conditions of the plant’s growing area and the amount of harvest available at different levels of the crown were determined. When organizing the harvesting S. nigra racemes and subfruits, it is recommended to form plants up to 2.5–3.0 m in height to simplify the collection process and better physical availability of raw materials. During the formation of the crowns, periodic plant care should be carried out, which involves the rejuvenation of the trunks and pruning branches.