Identification of the field elm gene pool in the protected natural area KOSMAJ (Serbia) as a basis for its conservation and sustainable use

Abstract

The field elm (Ulmus minor Mill.) is an autochthonous tree species in Serbia that occurs as a secondary species in oak forests. In the forest fund of Serbia, this species is rare/endangered due to the genetic erosion and disappearance of elms from natural populations, mainly as a result of Dutch elm disease. In the protected natural area „Kosmaj“ the field elm was identified as one of the target species from the aspect of conservation. This research aimed to identify and assess the state of available field elm genepool in the protected natural area „Kosmaj“, as a basis for its conservation and sustainable use. By terrain reconnaissance a field elm gene pool was identified, representing almost 100 trees: 47 individuals and 8 groups of trees, on an area of 652.99 ha. All trees were georeferenced and mapped. The average height of the trees is 10.34 m, the diameter at breast height is 15.68 cm, the perimeter is 51.09 cm, while the average crown span is 3.95 m. Dry tops or dry side branches of trees, absence of yield for a long period, and weak natural rejuvenation were recorded. The selected trees will be included inconservation units, which were proposed to conserve the available gene pool in situ. To conserve the available genepool ex situ, the cuttings from selected mother trees were collected and the clonal test was established in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade. This clonal test could be a basis for the establishment of a field gene bank in the future. It is planned to determine the variability of the selected trees, using morphological and molecular markers. The initiated activities should contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the field elm gene pool in the protected natural area „Kosmaj“ and further breeding of the species.