Petrokas, R. 2008. Growth Vigor in Wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.): a Review. Baltic Forestry 14(2): 204-215. (Review Paper)

The objective of the review is to identify morphogenetic phenomena related to growth vigor in Wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.). It may provide guidance for the improved initial selection of the plants and planting sites, as well as strict adherence to correct planting techniques - the primary considerations in preventing dieback condition in Wych elm. An approach and framework to the research of growth vigor in Wych elm are presented relating to the concepts of apical dominance, branching architecture, branch shedding, dormancy, etc., as reported in the scientific literature on temperate and boreal woody angiosperms. Clear, healthy bark and perfect natural pruning seems to be the background for the presence of growth vigor in Wych elm. Growth vigor, i.e. resistance to biotic and abiotic stress and the ability to repair and recover from damage, is a phenomenon; hypothetically, all the factors, phenological and architectural, contributing to this phenomenon complies with the axiom of uniform stress. Finally, it must be checked in the future research of Wych elm, whether or not the adaptive stress is a consequence of highly determinate growth pattern.

Key words: apical dominance, branch shedding, branching architecture, dormancy, growth pattern, growth vigor, Wych elm