•Markers for individual identification not available to date in cork and holm oaks.•Selection of SNP sets for affordable unambiguous genotyping provided.•Additional SNP sets for highly accurate ...estimation of introgression levels.•Performance checked in half sib families, mixed stands and unrelated individuals.
Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) and cork oak (Q. suber L.) are two species of great ecological and socio-economical relevance in the Mediterranean western basin, mainly in the Iberian Peninsula. However, although breeding programs are in progress, basic materials providing qualified and tested Forest Reproductive Materials (FRM) are still lacking. In order to enable an accurate identification at the individual level, allowing the certification of selected material, efficient and affordable molecular markers are required.
We report the identification of different sets of 96 and 500 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, selected in order to: I) allow the unambiguous identification at the individual level, both for holm oak and for cork oak and II) provide an accurate estimation of introgression level in hybrid individuals, at a low genotyping cost. These molecular tools fulfill the requirements for FRM certification, as well as for research and breeding purposes.
Analiza kretanja rasadničke proizvodnje šumskog sadnog materijala doprinosi kvalitetnijem planiranju proizvodnog programa kao i radova u uzgajanju šuma. Dostupnost sadnog materijala ključna je za ...mnoge dionike šumarskog sektora kako u šumarskoj znanosti tako i u šumarskoj praksi. Hrvatski šumarski institut tijekom stručnog nadzora rasadničke proizvodnje, stavljanja na tržište i/ili kakvoće šumskog sadnog materijala sakuplja podatke o kretanju proizvodnje svih rasadnika u Republici Hrvatskoj. To je omogućilo statističku analizu proizvedenog šumskog sadnog materijala prema rasadnicima, vlasništvu i vrstama šumskog drveća u aktualnom petogodišnjem razdoblju. Cjelokupni pregledi i analize rasadničke proizvodnje tek su u manjoj mjeri dostupni posljednja tri desetljeća, a uočava se i nedostatak recentnih znanstvenih publikacija i aktivnije znanstveno-istraživačke djelatnosti. Ciljevi rada su: (I) dati pregled proizvodnje prema vrstama, vlasništvu te rasadniku; (II) utvrditi je li količinom i programom proizvodnja bjelogorice usklađena s rastućim potrebama u šumarskoj praksi i recentnim međunarodnim znanstvenim kretanjima; (III) dati opće preporuke za planiranje proizvodnog programa za bjelogorične vrste u Republici Hrvatskoj. Provedena analiza ukazuje na mali broj vrsta u proizvodnom programu (hrast kitnjak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), hrast lužnjak (Quercus robur L.), obična bukva (Fagus sylvatica L.), poljski jasen (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl.)), što ukazuje na sve veće oslanjanje prirodne obnove šuma na rasadničku proizvodnju, dok je neznatan udio ostalih vrsta u proizvodnji (manje od 5 %). Udio voćkarica, alohtonih vrsta (pa čak i onih visoko produktivnih i otpornijih prema različitim ugrozama u usporedbi s domaćim vrstama) te pionirskih vrsta koje se koriste za rastuće potrebe biološke sanacije je nizak. Ističe se i važnost kvalitetnog šumskog sjemena kao preduvjeta za uspješnu rasadničku proizvodnju, kao i odabira optimalnih vrsta, provenijencija i karakteristika sadnog materijala. Potrebno je uskladiti proizvodni program s novim izazovima i ugrozama koji stoje pred šumarskim sektorom i šumama u Republici Hrvatskoj. Program treba uskladiti i s međunarodnim, znanstvenim i stručnim kretanjima i politikama Europske Unije, kao i bolje osigurati šumski sadni materijal za druge grane privrede. Karakter suvremenih šumskouzgojnih rješenja mora odražavati brzinu i učinkovitost provođenja zahvata, jer sve učestalije i intenzivnije prirodne nepogode, imaju odlučujući utjecaj na uspjeh sadnje tj. potrebu ponavljanja ovoga skupog i zahtjevnog procesa. Iako su teško predvidive, ugroze su neminovne, pa je pored kvalitetnog proizvodnog programa, kvalitetan, višegodišnji proizvodni plan potrebniji nego ikad. Plan je utoliko kvalitetniji što prepoznaje trenutne i predstojeće obveze i međunarodna kretanja, recentne znanstvene spoznaje, višegodišnje potrebe praktičnog šumarstva i ostalih grana privrede, predviđanja predstojećih ugroza i pomaka areala vrsta te suvremenih rješenja prilagodbe šuma na predstojeće ugroze i izazove.
Analysis of nursery production contributes to better planning of production and silvicultural activities. Availability of planting material is crucial for many actors in forestry science and practice. According to Law on forest reproductive material Croatian Forest Research Institute conducts expert supervision and collects data on production programme and process for every nursery in Croatia (Figure 1). This enabled statistical analysis of total amounts of planting material production per nursery, ownership and tree species in recent five-year period. Comprehensive ovierviews and analysis of nursery production are limited for the last three decades, while there is also a lack o recent scientific publications and activities dealing with nursery production issues in Croatia. Aims of this paper are: (1) to give a production overview according to tree species, ownership and nursery, (II) to determine if amount and production programme is harmonised with growing needs of practical forestry and recent international scientific knowledge, (III) to give general guidelines for planning of production programmes for broadleaves in Croatia. Nursery production data used for production analysis is part of electronic database, which was established (based on expert supervision documentation) in period 2009-2011 by Đodan and Perić. Croatian Forests Ltd. are sigle producer of forest planting material in Croatia. Figure 2 gives overview of the size of nurseries in Croatia. Production of broadleaves planting material in respected period drops, while more detailed insight of production per nursery points to Cernik, Limbuš, Oštarije, Zdenački gaj and Višnjevac as the biggest producer in Croatia (Figure 3). Total broadeleaves production in five year period spannes from 12.373.091 pcs. (2021) to 21.654.920 pcs. (2019) (Table 1), with slight drop. Total production of Quercus spp. in respected period amounts to 62.245.950 pcs., while pedunculate and sessile oak participate in total oak production with 98,49% share. Other oaks in production are Quercus pubescens Willd., Quercus cerris L. and Quercus ilex L. In the same period total of 12.574.160 of Narrowed leaved ash was produced, with continuous annual increase. In 2021, due to significant dieback of transplanted ash seedlings (during restoration activities) Croatian Forests Ltd. limit and then stop ash production. Share of European beech varies (from 5,5% in 2018 to 13,8% in 2017) and with its total production of 7.505.337 seedlings takes forth place in braodleaves production. Conducted analysis showed predominance of small nuber of tree species in production (pedunculate oak, sessile oak, common beach and narrow-leaved ash), which points to the conclusion that natural regeneration is strongly dependant on nursery production. Only small share (less than 5 %) of other tree species is represented in production. Share of forest fruits, non native tree species (even highly productive and more resistant then domestic ones), pioneer species (used for growing needs of forest restoration) is relatively low. Importance of quality forest seed as prerequisite of successful nursery production is high, as well as importance of selection of apporpriate provenances and feature of forest planting material. Nursery production programmes need to be harmonised with real needs in practical forestry. Nevertheless, there is even stronger need of setting quality, multi-year nursery production plans, which will include a strong response to forthcoming challenges and threats, reduce risks in practical forestry and take into account international (scientific and expert) efforts, actual EU policies and growing needs of forestry and other sectors.
•In its natural distribution area Turkish hazel has been overexploited because of its valuable wood and can only be found in small and isolated populations.•Therefore, we examined the genetic ...structure and variation of Turkish hazel covering most of its natural distribution area in Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and the Balkan Peninsula.•Altogether, 689 Turkish hazel trees from 25 populations based on 15 nuclear and five chloroplast microsatellite markers were studied.•Both data sets revealed distinct genetic structures of Turkish hazel in its natural distribution range, suggesting separate refugia and migration pathways during the Holocene.•Medium to high level genetic variation was found, with somewhat lower values in Georgia and Turkey compared to the Balkan populations.•Overall, our results highlight needs to delineate provenance regions, identify conservation units and seed stands for Turkish hazel which are essential for species conservation, provenance research and possible assisted migration attempts.•Based on our results each country is able now to start the conservation programs and select GCUs for Turkish hazel.
Climate change is already affecting all forest ecosystems and threatening species therein. By establishing mixed forests incorporating other tree species (e. g. scattered broadleaves) adaptation of forest stands to changing environmental conditions can be improved and the risks minimized. Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) has been currently discussed as a valuable so-called alternative tree species in some European regions because it is well adapted to difficult environmental conditions. However, in its natural distribution area Turkish hazel has been overexploited because of its valuable wood and can only be found in small and isolated populations. Therefore, we examined the genetic structure and variation of Turkish hazel covering most of its natural distribution range in Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and the Balkan Peninsula. Altogether, 689 Turkish hazel trees from 25 populations were analysed at 15 nuclear and five chloroplast microsatellite markers. Both data sets revealed distinct genetic clusters of Turkish hazel in its natural distribution range, suggesting separate refugia and migration pathways during the Holocene. Medium to high level genetic variation was found, with somewhat lower values in Georgia and Turkey compared to the Balkan populations. Overall, our results highlight the need to delineate provenance regions, identify gene conservation units (GCUs) and seed stands for Turkish hazel which are essential for species conservation, provenance research and possible assisted migration attempts. Based on our results each country is able now to start conservation programs and select GCUs for Turkish hazel.
•Procedures, standards and attributes used to control seedling quality vary greatly across Europe.•All countries monitor the origin of FRM as a potential genetic quality indicator.•Morphological ...attribute standards differ among countries.•The use of physiological attributes is very limited to a few countries of northern Europe.•European countries in general do not apply the “target plant concept“, except for the origin of FRM.•This indicates the need to review seedling quality attributes and standards based on scientific knowledge and the need to harmonize some of them between EU countries.
The relationship between the quality of forest seedlings and their outplanting survival and growth has long been recognized. Various attributes have been proposed to measure the quality of planted seedlings in forest regeneration projects, ranging from simple morphological traits to more complex physiological and performance attributes, or a combination thereof. However, the utility and meaning of seedling quality attributes can differ significantly among regions, nursery practices, site planting conditions, species and the establishment purpose. Here, forest scientists compiled information using a common agreed questionnaire to provide a review of current practices, experiences, legislation and standards for seedling quality across 23 European countries.
Large differences exist in measuring seedling quality across countries. The control of the origin of seed and vegetative material (genetic component of plant quality), and control of pests and diseases are common practices in all countries. Morphological attributes are widely used and mandatory in most cases. However, physiological attributes are hardly used at the operative level and mainly concentrated to Fennoscandia. Quality control legislation and seedling quality standards are less strict in northern European countries where seedling production is high, and quality control relies more on the agreements between producers and local plant material users. In contrast, quality standards are stricter in Southern Europe, especially in the Mediterranean countries.
The control of seedling quality based on plantation and reforestation success is uncommon and depends on the conditions of the planting site, the traditional practices and the financial support provided by each country. Overall, European countries do not apply the “target seedling concept” for seedling production except for seed origin. Seedling production in many countries is still driven by traditional “know-how” and much less by scientific knowledge progress, which is not adequately disseminated and transferred to the end-users.
Our review highlights the need for greater harmonization of seedling quality practices across Europe and the increased dissemination of scientific knowledge to improve seedling quality in forest regeneration activities.
•Evaluation of different sized approved Douglas-fir seed stands in Germany.•Improvement of the quality of forest reproductive material.•Selfing rate increased in correlation with inbreeding ...effects.•The loss of alleles at descending size cannot be compensated by pollen from outside.•The basic requirements should be adapted for approved seed stands in Germany.
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), native to western North America, was introduced to Europe about 150 years ago. Nowadays it represents the most frequent non-native forest tree species in Germany, covering about 2% of the forest area. While seeds were initially imported from its natural distribution range, the German seed market is now mainly supplied with seeds from local stands. In this study we examined four representative, different sized artificial Douglas-fir stands. We used microsatellite markers to characterise adults and offspring by analysing the genetic diversity and mating system. We detected a negative correlation of population size and genetic diversity. The loss of alleles with descending population sizes cannot be compensated by pollen from outside of the stand. The results showed an increased selfing rate (1–13%) correlated with increased inbreeding effects like a high percentage of empty seeds. Diversity parameters calculated as averages across the analysed loci should always be completed with the calculation of effective population sizes considering sibship structures based on multilocus genotypes. The combined approaches are an improved basis for drawing practical conclusions. We recommend that the current regulations for forest reproductive material should be adapted. For wind-pollinated stand-forming tree species a minimum number of 100 adult trees should be required to form approved seed stands in the category “Selected”.
Purpose of Review
Non-native tree species (NNT) raise a range of different associations and emotions—to many citizens they are just an exotic curiosity in parks, to many conservationists they are an ...evil to native ecosystems that should be eradicated, to a rising group of foresters they are part of the solution to climate change and an increasing timber demand, and to others they are already daily forestry business. In this review, where we also summarise the findings of the recent COST Action FP1403 (NNEXT) ‘Non-native tree species for European forests: experiences, risks and opportunities’, we highlight opportunities and challenges in the light of climate change, ecological risks and legislative limits of growing non-native tree species in Europe.
Recent Findings
Few NNT in Europe show invasive behaviour and are listed as prohibited species or as species to be monitored. A larger number of NNT is utilised in productive forestry and forest restoration due to their superior growth, valuable timber properties and good performance under harsh growing conditions. Current species distribution, experiences with success and failures and environmental concerns differ profoundly across Europe, with Western Europe overall revealing higher shares in NNT and showing a stronger interest of forestry related stakeholder groups to continue planting NNT.
Summary
Many more NNT are already used in forestry than previously thought, but relatively few species have major importance in terms of area, mainly in western European countries. Diversification, mixing and avoidance of invasion in relation to NNT are necessities that are relatively new on the agenda. In contrast, provenance research of major NNT has been going on for many decades and now provides important information for climate change adaptation. Despite the limitations to the use of NNT either through legal restrictions or forest certification that differ considerably across Europe, the careful integration of a range of tested NNT also into future forest management planning shows a high potential for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Key message
Understanding forest genetic diversity and national legislation on trade and utilization of forest reproductive material (FRM) are key aspects for management and adapting forests to ...climate change. Despite concerns about the negative effects of climate change on forests, awareness of the role of genetic diversity in climate change adaptation is limited.
• Context
Adaptive forest management strategies such as afforestation and reforestation depend on the selection of appropriate FRM and their knowledge among the relevant stakeholders.
• Aims
To analyze the perceptions among the forest, conservation, and nursery managers of six Central European countries on awareness of genetic diversity and practical and legislative issues of afforestation and reforestation in climate change.
• Methods
A survey was conducted with structured questionnaires.
• Results
Around 80% of the respondents believe in climate change. Local FRM is preferred for reforestation. Although 80% of the conservation and forest managers perceive the importance of forest genetic diversity, almost half of them feel unaware of it. The majority of respondents believe that national and European legislation on seed transfer is not adapted to climate change.
• Conclusion
Inadequacy in the awareness of genetic diversity and policies on FRM is likely to influence forest adaptation to climate change in Europe.
Central European populations of silver fir ( Abies alba Mill.) grow under a relatively wide amplitude of environmental conditions. Assuming that forest tree stands are locally adapted, the use of ...forest reproductive material from sites with limited water availability is expected to increase drought tolerance in future forests. At the same time, genetic diversity is of utmost importance as the basis of adaptation to a changing environment. Currently, a selection of potential sources for climate-smart reproductive material of silver fir is under way in Southern Germany. It is based on a multidisciplinary approach elucidating the genetic variation, site conditions, as well as tree resilience based on a dendroecological approach. The analysis encompasses a large number of stands representing the whole range of the species’ ecological requirements. The population genetic analysis based on molecular markers (nuclear microsatellites) provided important information concerning the gene pool of the species in Southern Germany. On one hand, it revealed genetic differentiation and transition zones between western and eastern clusters. On the other hand, the results indicated gradients and regional variation of genetic diversity. These patterns can be explained by post glacial recolonization and the peripheral character of the species at the northern limit of its distribution. Together with the outcomes of the site condition and dendroecological approaches, the results of the genetic analysis will be used to inform future provenance recommendations.
Europski pitomi kesten plemenita je listača od koje imamo višestruku gospodarsku korist. Osim jestivih plodova i kvalitetnog drva, kestenove šume su još od davnina predstavljale važan izvor ...različitih sirovina. Međutim, intenzivnim korištenjem kestenovih šuma i nasada te pojavom raka kestenove kore, sredinom prošloga stoljeća došlo je do njihovog propadanja i sušenja. Iz tih je razloga u mnogim europskim zemljama pokrenut niz multidisciplinarnih projekta kojima je svrha očuvanje genskih resursa pitomog kestena i njegovog povrataka na nekadašnje značajno mjesto u ruralnim područjima i šumskim ekosustavima. U ovom radu dan je pregled najznačajnijih dugoročnih strategija usmjerenih na očuvanje genofonda ove plemenite listače na europskoj razini, kao i prijedlog smjernica za očuvanje genofonda ove vrste
in situ
i
ex situ
metodama na području Hrvatske.
Sweet chestnut (
Castanea
sativa
Mill.) is a noble, multi-purpose hardwood species. In addition to edible fruits and high-quality wood, chestnut forests have been used as a source of various resources since the antiquity. Intensive management of forests and stands, however, together with the emergence of chestnut blight, has led to their decline and dieback. As a result, in numerous European countries multidisciplinary projects were initialized, with goals of conserving the genetic resources of the species, as well as reestablishing its significance in rural and forest ecosystems. In this paper, an overview of the most important long-term gene conservation strategies is presented, with suggestions for guidelines for application of
in situ
and
ex situ
conservation methods in Croatia.
The recognition of the key role of forests in contrasting the dramatic effects of climate change and biodiversity crisis is the pillar of many initiatives on a global, European, and national scale ...calling for afforestation campaigns. The Italian forest nursery sector is currently inadequate to meet the demand for tree seedlings for the national campaigns. Forest nursery production is characterized by regional or local companies that are remarkably different from each other in organization and efficiency. It is therefore urgent to develop a comprehensive restructuring of the entire sector to be able to respond to the specific needs of forestry projects in Italy and Europe. In this paper, we present a series of key principles and criteria aimed at guiding the renaissance of the sector. Strategic actions are proposed by integrating research, governance, public/private partnership, training, and communication. The strategic approach presented is based on a collaborative structure integrating various skills and responsibilities. The first step is an expert review of the Basic Materials (BM) included in the National Register thanks to the development of the genetic studies of forest stands and the inclusion of shrub and herbaceous species, essentials for ecosystem restoration projects counteracting the biodiversity crisis. A series of actions concerns the aspects of certification, voluntary or prescriptive, of the quality of BM, and the ultimate harmonization of national production to European standards. Particular importance needs to be devoted to the collection, evaluation, and conservation of seeds to develop innovative solutions both for the production of BM and for specific implementation phases of afforestation projects and ecosystem restoration. The governance phase might be implemented through the creation of interregional centers with the duty of collecting and conserving seeds, thus enhancing the existing experiences of outstanding regional and provincial tree nurseries with the support of the National Centers for the study and conservation of Forest Biodiversity. Furthermore, the promotion of partnerships between public and private companies and the creation of a shared and accessible national platform represent strategic actions of primary importance. A fundamental role is then assigned to the implementation of training programs and the construction of an open and incremental communication plan. Thanks to these actions it will be possible to place forest nurseries at the center of the relationships between tree planting and afforestation plans and programs, integrated forest design, implementation of new forests, and their adaptive management.
PDF
