engleski

Progress on national activities on gene conservation of Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and Common beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) in Croatia

In Croatia forests are the most valuable regenerative natural resource. They cover two million ha or 35% of the Croatian territory. The species that is dominant and characteristic for our country is the Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.). Specific natural conditions have enabled the widespread development of Pedunculate oak forests. The Pedunculate oak creates a series of forest communities that are among the most valuable and most beautiful, not only economically but also as regards general useful forest functions such as its hydrological function, climate, ecology, protective function and others. Oak stands account for 10% of all forested areas in Croatia. They are very present in the flood prone areas of the Drava, Sava, Kupa river basins as well as their tributaries. The wide area naturally covered by the Pedunculate oak indicate its significant ecological amplitude. Pedunculate oak populations easily adapt to different micro-locations, and form inter and intra-population variability. Due to the existence of broad variability in morphological and physiological features, examining the Pedunculate oak, its colonisation directions, analysing its DNA and researching the success rate of its provenances are very important. Along side the Pedunculate oak, the Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) also has a very significant economical and ecological value. Beech stands, homogenous and mixed form very stable forest eco-systems. Beech forests account for 47% of all forested areas in Croatia. We consider the Beech to be one of the most vital species since its stands are not damaged by pests, disease or pollution (Glavaš et al. 1992 ; Potočić and Seletković, 2000). This report include data from conservation in situ and ex situ, legal regulations, forest inventory, research conducted on the Pedunculate oak, Sessile oak (Quercus petraea L.) and common Beech during the past three years (2000-2003).

oaks; beech; gene conservation

nije evidentirano