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Comprehensive morphometric and adaptive assessment of the suitability of Thuja plicata Donn ex D.Don cultivars for landscaping the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

In modern urban landscaping, the use of introduced woody species and their cultivars is becoming increasingly important due to their high ornamental value and adaptability to urban environments. Among coniferous plants, Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don occupies a prominent place, being characterized by vigorous growth, shade tolerance, and yearround декоративністю. The aim of this study was to conduct a morphometric assessment of T. plicata cultivars under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and to determine the level of their variability as an indicator of adaptive potential. The research was carried out in 2025. The cultivars ‘Atrovirens’, ‘Gelderland’, ‘Kornik’, and ‘Zebrina’ were selected as the study objects. The main morphometric parameters were determined, including plant height, crown diameter, and annual shoot growth. Statistical analysis of the obtained data included the calculation of mean values, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. In addition, an integral suitability index was applied to provide a comprehensive evaluation of cultivar prospects, taking into account morphometric, adaptive, ornamental, and phytosanitary characteristics. The results showed that the cultivar ‘Gelderland’ demonstrated the highest growth intensity, whereas the lowest plant height was recorded for ‘Kornik’. The coefficient of variation for plant height ranged from 6.1 % to 8.1 %, indicating a low level of variability and stability of growth processes. According to the integral suitability index, the cultivar ‘Atrovirens’ exhibited the highest level of suitability for landscaping conditions in the region. The cultivars ‘Gelderland’, ‘Kornik’, and ‘Zebrina’ also demonstrated high adaptive potential and ornamental value. The obtained results confirm the strong prospects for the use of the studied Thuja plicata cultivars in landscaping within the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and may serve as a scientific basis for the selection of ornamental coniferous plants for urban ecosystems.

Key words: Thuja plicata, cultivars, introduction, morphometric parameters, trait variability, adaptive potential, Right-Bank Forest-Steppe, landscaping.

Ivashchenko I. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5831-8490


Vitenko V. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5762-9238


Mamchur V. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1579-4467


Koval S. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5897-9376


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AGROBIOLOGY №1 2026