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3-6 June 1999 - Birmendsorf, Switzerland 
J. Turok, A. Kremer, L. Paule, P. Bonfils and E. Lipman, 
compilers 
ii SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRl) is an autonomous international scientific 
organization, supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). 
IPGRl's mandate is to advance the conservation and use of genetic diversity for the well-being of present 
and future generations. IPGRl's headquarters is based in Rome, Italy, with offices in another 15 countries 
worldwide. It operates through three programmes: (1) the Plant Genetic Resources Programme, (2) the 
CGIAR Genetic Resources Support Programme, and (3) the International Network for the Improvement 
of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP). 
The international status of IPGRl is conferred under an Establishment Agreement which, by January 
2000, had been signed and ratified by the Governments of Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, 
Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, China, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, 
Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel; Italy, Jordan, Kenya, 
Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, 
Senegal; Slovakia, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda and Ukraine. 
Financial support for the Research Agenda of IPGRl is provided by the Governments of Australia, 
Austria, Belgium, Brazil; Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, 
F.R. Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, 
Ireland, Israel; Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia (F.Y.R.), Malta, 
Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal; Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, 
South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK the USA and by the Asian Development Bank, 
Common Fund for Commodities, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), 
European Environment Agency (EEA), European Union, Food and Agriculture Organization of the 
United Nations (FAO), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), International Fund for 
Agricultural Development (IFAD), Interamerican Development Bank, Natural Resources Institute (NRl), 
Centre de cooperation internationale en recherche agronomique pour le developpement (CIRAD), Nordic 
Genebank, Rockefeller Foundation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations 
Environment Programme (UNEP), Taiwan Banana Research Institute (IBRl) and the World Bank. 
The European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN) is a collaborative programme 
among European countries aimed at ensuring the effective conservation and the sustainable utilization of 
forest genetic resources in Europe. It was established to implement Resolution 2 of the Strasbourg 
Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe. EUFORGEN is financed by participating 
countries and is coordinated by IPGRl, in collaboration with the Forestry Department of F A0. It 
facilitates the dissemination of information and various collaborative initiatives. The Programme 
operates through networks in which forest geneticists and other forestry specialists work together to 
analyze needs, exchange experiences and develop conservation objectives and methods for selected 
species. The networks also contribute to the development of appropriate conservation strategies for the 
ecosystems to which these species belong. Network members and other scientists and forest managers 
from participating countries carry out an agreed workplan with their own resources as inputs in kind to 
the Programme. EUFORGEN is overseen by a Steering Committee composed of National Coordinators 
nominated by the participating countries. 
The geographical designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not 
imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IPGRl or the CGIAR concerning the legal 
status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers 
or boundaries. Similarly, the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the 
views of these participating organizations. 
Citation: 
Turok, J., A. Kremer, L. Paule, P. Bonfils and E. Lipman, compilers. 2000. Second EUFORGEN Meeting 
on Social Broadleaves. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy. 
ISBN 92-9043-439-2 
IPGRl 
Via delle Sette Chiese, 142 
00145 Rome 
Italy 
© International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, 2000 
CONTENTS iii 
Contents 
Summary of the meeting 
Introduction 
Workplan update 
Research needs and coordination of research priorities 
Progress Reports 
1 
1 
2 
3 
Moldova - In situ conservation of pedunculate oak (Quercus rubur) genetic resources 
Gh. Postolache 7 
Ukraine 
Igor M. Patlaj, Svitlana A. Los, Roman M. Jatsyk, Olga 1. Sverdlova, Nina O. Voloshynova, 
Jury I. Gajda, Eugeny 1. Savitch, Zoya M. Voronina, A.F. Olkhovsky and 
Konstantin P. Badalov 13 
Hungary 
Sandor Bordacs 16 
Czech Republic 
Vladimir Hynek 18 
Austria 
Thomas Geburek 19 
Switzerland 
Patrick Bonfils 21 
Italy 
Paolo Menozzi 22 
Slovenia 
Hojka Kraigher 24 
France 
Antoine Kremer, Alexis Ducousso and Eric Teissier Du Cros 28 
Luxembourg 
Frank WoIter 30 
Belgium 
Dominique Jacques and Bart De Cuyper 31 
The Netherlands 
Sven M.G. de Vries 32 
Germany 
B. Richard Stephan 33 
Lithuania 
Virgilijus Baliuckas 
Finland 
Pekka Vakkari 
Sweden 
Lennart Ackzell 
Introductory Country Reports 
Social Broadleaves genetic resources in Bulgaria 
Alexander H. Alexandrov, Emil Popov, Konstantin Genov and Ghyorghi Hinkov 
37 
38 
39 
41 
iv SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Beech and oak genetic resources in Croatia 
Joso Gra6:ln 53 
Oak and beech genetic resources in Ireland 
John Fennessy 62 
Conservation and state of genetic resources of oaks and beech in Norway 
Tor Myking and Tore Skreppa 69 
Present situation of deciduous oaks in Portugal 
Maria Regina Chambel, H. Sousa and M.H. Almeida 72 
Genetic resources of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and oaks (Quercus robur, 
Q. petraea and Q. pubescens) in Spain 
Dolores Agundez 74 
Management and conservation of oak (Quercus petraea, Quercus robur) and 
beech (Fagus sylvatica) genetic resources in the United Kingdom 
Ned Cundall 82 
Programme 88 
List of Participants 90 
SUMMARY 1 
Summary of the meeting 
Introduction 
The main objective of the second EUFORGEN Social Broadleaves Network meeting held 3-6 
June 1999 in Birmensdorf, Switzerland was to review the progress made in the conserv-ation 
of oak and beech genetic resources in European countries since the previous meeting and to 
update the joint workplan. Main tasks of the workplan concern the development of 
technical guidelines for gene conservation and management, common minimum 
documentation standards and public awareness activities (see Workplan update). 
The meeting was attended by Network members from 25 countries. All country reports 
are published in this volume and are also available from the Internet web page. The List of 
Participants is given at the end of this volume. 
A joint session on genetic research in oaks was organized on the first day of the meeting. 
A number of research partners involved in the EU IF AIR Project on Oaks (Synthetic maps of 
gene diversity and provenance performance for utilization and conservation of oak genetic 
resources) attended this session (see List of Participants). This provided an opportunity not 
only to present and discuss the main results obtained within the project, but also to 
exchange views and information regarding the further research needs in Europe. 
Possibilities for submitting joint project proposals for funding within the Fifth Framework 
Programme of the European Union and other, complementary options for cooperation and 
collaboration (such as bilateral 'twinning' arrangements) were discussed and will be 
pursued. 
In view of the outcomes of the EUFORGEN Steering Committee meeting (held in 
November 1998), the scope of the Network regarding species was also discussed. It was 
agreed that a practical approach should be taken by the Network in addressing the overall 
gene conservation issues in oak and beech species, rather than their taxonomic status. 
Complementarity and possible overlap with the Mediterranean oaks Network will be 
clarified by the new Inter-Network Group composed of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of all five 
EUFORGEN Networks. At present the Social Broadleaves Network includes principal 
European white oaks (Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens) and related minor oak species, 
as well as beech (Fagus sp.). 
The meeting was concluded by adopting the Workplan update.1 Colleagues from the 
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape in Birmensdorf were thanked for the 
excellent local organization of the meeting. Bulgaria offered to host the third Network 
meeting at a forestry training facility in the Rhodope Mountains. Implementation of the 
tasks agreed to be carried out by Network members and coordination of the ongoing 
activities will be on the agenda. The participants appreciated this offer and agreed that the 
meeting would be held in mid-June 2000. 
1 See Internet site http://www.cgiar.org/ipgrileuforgenfor news and follow-up information. 
2 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Workplan update 
Information exchange 
Network members from Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, 
Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, 
Lithuania, Finland and Sweden briefly reported on the progress made at the national level 
since the first Network meeting (held in Bordeaux, in October 1997). Introductory country 
reports from Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom 
were presented. 
During this period significant progress has been made in monitoring genetic diversity in 
both beech and oak throughout their natural distribution range. Intensive research has been 
carried out in a number of countries, particularly those involved in the EU /F AIR project and 
the project on broadleaved species in southeast Europe. 
It was agreed that the introductory country reports and the updates be published in the 
Report of the meeting. The updates should be no longer than one single-spaced page of text 
plus tables/figures. They should typically mention the following items: practical 
conservation activities, inventories, legislation, research and public awareness. 
The introductory reports should be no longer than 10 pages of text. Figures and statistics 
(e.g. area occupied by the species, overview of conservation activities) should be given in 
tables. The reports should follow the structure outlined previously (see Report of the first 
Network meeting): 
• Occurrence and origin of Social Broadleaves in the country 
• Current economical importance for the forestry sector 
• Silvicultural approaches used 
• Health state of the forest stands and threats to their genetic diversity 
• Research activities and capacities related to genetic resources 
• Current gene conservation activities in situ and ex situ (overview) 
• Relevant nature protection policies and activities 
• Tree improvement 
• Use of reproductive material 
• Institutions involved in the genetic resources activities in the country 
• Summary of country priorities 
• Needs for international collaboration. 
All the country reports will be made available on the Internet [homepage of the Network 
http.Jjwww.cgiar.orglipgri/euforgen/networks/social.htIl}]. Other relevant information 
that should be included on this Web site was recommended: list of Network members, 
minimum list of descriptors for databases (see below), links with research projects and with 
institutes hosting national information about Social Broadleaves. 
The introductory country reports and the updates should be sent electronically to J. Turok 
for compilation in the Report of the meeting no later than 31 July 1999. J. Turok will contact 
countries not represented in the meeting and will ask for their input according to the agreed 
structure and deadline. 
SUMMARY 3 
Research needs and coordination of research priorities 
Ongoing EUIFAIR research project on genetic diversity in oaks 
Results were presented of the EU /FAIR project entitled "Synthetic maps of gene diversity 
and provenance performance for utilization and conservation of oak genetic resources" 
(FAIR/OAK). This project brings together 12 different research stations from eight 
countries. Range-wide maps of chloroplast DNA polymorphism were shown and compared 
with fossil pollen deposit maps compiled from the European Pollen Data Base (EPD), 
managed by the University of Marseille. These maps revealed clear patterns of post-glacial 
recolonization routes across Europe. Phenotypic data for adaptive traits were compared 
among different provenances from a multi site provenance test established by S. Madsen in 
different European countries. The results indicated significant variation for survival, bud 
burst and growth components. Finally a genetic inventory of gene diversity based on six 
microsatellite loci was conducted in nine different Intensive Studied Populations (ISP) 
distributed across Europe. Oaks appear to be extremely variable, as indicated by the high 
number of alleles that were scored in all populations (from 12 to 32), but no significant trend 
of variation (among populations or between species) was detected for microsatellites. This 
project will end on 31 August 1999. 
Project submitted to INCO-COPERNICUS 
In 1997, an extension of the FAIR project to east European countries was submitted within 
the INCO-Copernicus programme. It had similar objectives as the FAIR project, particularly 
relating to the extension of the synthetic map of cpDNA polymorphism in east European 
countries. Twelve institutes were involved (six from east European countries and six from 
west European countries); the cooperation was planned in the form of a 'twinning' 
arrangement between labs. 
New proposal for the EU Fifth Framework Programme (FFP) 
A new proposal on oaks has been made for the Fifth Framework Programme (Quality of 
Life). Its objectives are: (1) to quantify intra- and interspecific geneflow, (2) to evaluate 
genetic and ecological consequences of gene flow, and (3) to identify effects of gene flow on 
the management of seed and conservation stands and on natural regeneration practices. 
Future proposals for the inventory of gene diversity in the white oak complex 
The extension of the survey of genetic chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) diversity to eastern 
Europe was discussed by the participants and a general agreement was reached to conduct 
these investigations following a systematic sampling scheme up to the limit of the 
distribution range of European white oak species (Ural Mountains). A most appropriate and 
feasible way was to consider separately the countries associated with EU /FFP (most Central 
and East European states) and non-associated countries (most European Newly Independent 
States), in view of the different sources for supporting cooperative efforts. These include: 
• EU RTD (research, technology and development) projects 
• Bilateral cooperation agreements between east and west European countries. 
4 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
The following countries expressed interest in joining such a project: 
EU member countriest East European countries; 
Austria Bulgaria 
France Croatia 
Germany Hungary 
United Kingdom Lithuania 
Spain Moldova 
The Netherlands Slovenia 
Slovakia 
Ukraine 
r Greece was not part of the prevIous FAIR project but should be associated In a new cooperative 
rroject. 
Contacts should be made with other countries that were not represented at the meeting. Albania, 
Belarus, Macedonia (FYR) and Romania will be contacted. 
The general frame of cooperation could be that the east European countries contribute to 
the inventory and collection of material and that the partners in west European (EU 
member) countries share the molecular techniques for scoring the cpDNA polymorphism. 
Six research labs involved in the ongoing EU IF AIR project intend to join a future project 
aiming at the extension of the cpDNA map to eastern Europe. 
J. Turok will analyze the possible funding mechanisms to submit such a project within 
the FFP and will circulate this information to all Network members by 15 September 1999. 
Particular emphasis should be paid to involving the Caucasus countries (Armenia, 
Azerbaijan and Georgia). An overview of ongoing national and international projects and 
programmes related to genetic resources will be extracted from the country reports and 
distributed to all Network members by J. Turok. 
Legislation 
A brief synthesis was presented by S. de Vries on the basis of the information available in 
the country reports from the first Network meeting in Bordeaux. A form on the status of 
legislation and other regulations on genetic resources of oak and beech was distributed and 
completed by most participating countries during the meeting. Additional modifications 
should be sent to S. de Vries no later than 20 June 1999. J. Turok will circulate the updated 
version before including it in the Report of the meeting. 
The distribution of the latest versions of the OECD and EU regulations by L. Ackzell to all 
Network members was acknowledged. 
Documentation 
J. Jensen prepared a list of common minimum descriptors for Noble Hardwoods which was 
recognized as a good starting point for Social Broadleaves. The minimum descriptors on 
Norway spruce as well as the concept note on databases and common minimum standards 
for inventories on Noble Hardwoods were mentioned. Several modifications in the list of 
descriptors were agreed upon. The list of obligatory descriptors was completed with 
voluntary descriptors on conservation status and regeneration. J. Jensen will summarize the 
modifications and send them to J. Turok for publication in the Report of the meeting by 15 
July 1999. Any additional comments or suggestions should be sent to J. Jensen before 20 
June 1999. The objective is to provide a minimum common format for databases on gene 
conservation units at a national level. 
It was agreed that an international database for oak and beech species may be set up later 
but is not required at the present. -
SUMMARY 5 
Joint conservation strategies and technical guidelines 
A questionnaire on the status of the conservation and management of Social Broadleaves in 
European countries was compiled by a working group composed of T. Geburek, R. Stephan 
and P. Bonfils. The questionnaire was distributed to Network members in March 1999. 
Response has so far been received from 12 countries. The questionnaire was divided into 
five chapters: 
• - Distribution of species 
• Conservation measures implemented 
• Assessment of genetic diversity within the country range 
• Silvicultural management and use 
• EUFORGEN Social Broadleaves Network. 
The compilation was presented and discussed during the meeting. It indicated the need 
to clarify the following questions: completion of the survey, species covered by the Network 
and their natural range of distribution, monitoring of progress and technical guidelines. 
All countries will either send their response or complete the missing information in the 
questionnaire and send it to T. Geburek by 15 July 1999. 
It was agreed that up-to-date maps of the distribution ranges of individual Social 
Broadleaves should be developed in the future. Maps that are presently used in countries 
will be collected and completed with information about seed zones by Network members. 
These should be sent to T. Geburek along with the response to the questionnaire, or later, if 
they are not readily available. A proposal for producing joint maps will be made and 
discussed at the next Network meeting. 
It was decided that the Network will develop Technical Guidelines on gene conservation 
and management of European white oaks. If the results of the survey clearly indicate the 
need to also consider beech, this species will be added. 
The Guidelines will offer a synthesis of the knowledge available and will aim at 
providing advice to forest officers responsible for genetic resources at the national or 
regional level. Similar guidelines were produced by the Picea abies, Noble Hardwoods and 
Quercus suber Networks. They should be considered as a starting point for the Guidelines to 
be developed. The following outline was proposed and Network members were invited to 
contribute: 
1. Introduction (A. Kremer and T. Geburek) 
2. Genetic processes promoting diversity in species with natural hybridization 
(A. Kremer and P. Menozzi) 
3. In situ conservation (including conservation strategies at the margins of the 
distribution range and conservation of valuable origins) (P. Bonfils, A. Alexandrov and 
J. Gracan) 
4. Ex situ conservation (T. Skmppa and S. Bordacs) 
5. Silvicultural management and use including movement of reproductive material 
(T. Geburek and L. Ackzell) 
6. Conclusions (A. Kremer, T. Geburek, L. Paule and J. Turok). 
The draft chapters will be prepared and distributed to all Network members one month 
before the next meeting. J. Turok will circulate the respective chapters from the other 
Networks to all authors before 15 June 1999. 
6 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Public awareness 
D. Jacques presented a detailed outline of the slide collection and the accompanying 
information. Network members were strongly encouraged to contribute most relevant 
slides from their countries to the collection. The set of slides will be compiled and stored on 
a Photo-CD which will be presented during the next Network meeting. Missing items will 
then be identified. It was agreed that the collection will be made available separately for oak 
and beech on Photo-CDs (with high resolution) to Network members as well as on the 
Internet (with medium resolution). The name of the author and the EUFORGEN Social 
Broadleaves Network will be cited as source for using the collection in the future. 
Slides should be sent to D. Jacques before 15 October 1999. All slides must be 
accompanied with a short text following the slide collection form proposed by D. Jacques. 
D. Jacques in consultation with F. WoIter will clarify the structure of the database and will 
send the modified version of the slide collection form to all Network members by 15 July 
1999. 
It was agreed to produce the public awareness leaflet in English before the next Network 
meeting (by IPGRI). Additional language versions will be discussed at the next meeting. 
Comments and suggestions on draft text (provided by r. Blada) should be sent to N. Cundall 
no later than 15 September 1999. N. Cundall, D. Jacques and J. Turok will develop the 
leaflet by the end of the year. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 7 
Progress Reports 
Moldova - In situ conservation of pedunculate oak (Quercus robul) 
genetic resources 
Ch. Postolache 
Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences, Chi~niiu, Moldova 
Owing to the continuous exploitation of forest resources the intraspecific, floristic and 
phytocenotic diversity is reduced. The disappearance of certain plant varieties and species 
causes the reduction of the genetic potential of the populations and leads to changes in the 
composition and structure of the natural ecosystems. The genetic potential of the population 
being reduced, the stability and the productivity of the forest stands will be reduced too. 
Veresin et al. (1985) suggested that through a rational utilization of forest genetic resources 
the forest stands could be increased by 10-15% and their stability would also increase. 
The natural conditions (climate, relief, soils, etc.) have led to the formation of a very 
valuable, diversified genepool in southeastern Europe. According to the Strategy and action 
plan for the conservation and use of plant genetic resources in Eastern Europe and in the New 
Independent States (IPGRI 1996) this part of Europe was given high attention in the context of 
collaborative activities on forest genetic resources in Europe. The project "Genetic resources 
of broadleaved forest species in southeastern Europe" was initiated. Until then research 
carried out in Moldova on forest genetic resources have not been well developed. 
In the framework of this project, identification, sampling and description of pedunculate 
oak (Quercus robur), sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) were carried out 
in 1997-98. Results of the identification and in situ conservation of forest genetic resources of 
pedunculate oak in the Republic of Moldova will be provided in the future. 
Occurrence and Origin of pedunculate oak 
The Republic of Moldova has a low proportion of forests. According to the Report on the 
forest status of the Republic of Moldova (1997) the forest area covers 394400 ha (11.7% of the 
territory) including 325400 ha covered by forests (9.6%). The state forest services manage 
345600 ha or 87.6% of the forest area. The rest of the forest area, i.e. 48800 ha or 12.4%, is 
managed by municipalities and agricultural farms. 
Oak species occupy 140500 ha. Pedunculate oak grows on an area of 78200 ha. 
Pedunculate oak forest stands include high forest (29 198 ha - 37.3%) and coppices (49 040 ha 
- 62.7%). The growth of oak coppices is a consequence of their management and these are 
old (3-4 generations). This management has been practised during the last century. 
An inventory of the most valuable oak plantations was carried out. Once certified and 
registered (in May 1992), the following seed production units were recognized: 
• 52 forest gene resource units with 433.5 ha of Quercus robur 
• 12 Quercus robur and Q. pubescens clonal and seedling seed orchards covering 57.8 ha 
(Postolache 1995). 
This situation was not satisfactory for the conservation of forest genetic resources of 
pedunculate oak in Moldova. Therefore, research on forest genetic resources was started. 
8 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Material and methods 
Forest genetic resources are conserved by in situ and ex situ methods (Benea and Stanescu 
1981; Koski 1997; Turok 1997). 
In situ conservation involves several stages (Enescu et al. 1977): exploration, sampling, 
description and classification. 
The classification of forest genetic resources was made according to their genetic value 
and their utilization value. Four categories of forest genetic resources were defined: 
1. Optimal forest stands comprise natural forest stands with an optimal (well-adapted to 
site) composition, structure and (timber) productivity. 
2. Forest stands with high intraspecific diversity from the contact zone of two or three oak 
species. 
3. Seed stands comprise forest stand with superior timber production qualities, which can 
be used for the collecting of a large quantity of seeds. 
4. Forest stands in reserves and protected areas. 
For each category certain delimitation criteria have been established. The main criterion 
for optimal forest stands and seed stands was superior phenotypic performance; for forest 
stands with great intraspecific diversity, it was the structure of the forest stand. The seed 
stands were chosen on the basis of the origin, age, productivity, composition and health 
status. 
For the mapping of distribution areas, one basic method is the presentation by point (Vulf 
1931; Tolmacev 1962, 1974). To reflect the distribution of pedunculate oak the scale 1:500000 
was chosen. 
Inventory of pedunculate oak genetic resources 
Pedunculate oak grows at different altitudes, humidity and soils conditions. In the northern 
part of the country (forest farms Edinet, partially Soroca and Glodeni) pedunculate oak is the 
principal species in the forest stands. Ninety percent of natural forests belong to the forest 
type "forest oak with cherry" (Prunus avium). 
In the central part of Moldova (forest farms Calarasi, Chisinau, Soldanesti, Orhei, a part of 
Nisporeni, Telenesti) pedunculate oak occupies small areas and grows mainly at low 
altitudes, on humus-rich gray forest soil. The water table at these sites is at 1-8 m depth. In 
such places more productive forest associations of this type have been formed. The 
favourable ecological conditions lead to the formation of highly productive forest stands. In 
such conditions pedunculate oak reach about 30 m height; the diameter of some trees is more 
than 100 cm. The favourable humidity and trophic conditions allow the growth and 
development of a rather productive forest stand. At 70 years the growing stock is about 270-
340 m 3/ha (Table 1). 
In the southern part of Moldova (forest farms Iargara, Hincesti, Rezeni) pedunculate oak 
occupies small surfaces at low altitudes and on the slopes with northern and eastern 
exposure. In spite of the humus-rich soil, the low amount of soil humidity limits 
productivity. At 70 years the height of oak trees is about 10-15 m. The growing stock is 70-
140 m" /ha. 
In the Prut and Nistru meadows, pedunculate oak grows in specific ecological conditions. 
In these places the sources of water supply include subterranean water as well as rainfall. 
The communities of this forest type differ from the zonal forests by their composition, 
structure and productivity. In these conditions oaks reach a height of 24-30 m, a trunk 
diameter of 28-45 cm, reaching 100-150 cm for some trees. The growing stock is 200-350 
m 3/ha. 
The characteristics of the forest types and of the phytocenotic position of oak prove the 
large adaptive potential of this species in different ecological conditions. It grows very well 
in humid conditions of meadow forests and in the "pedunculate oak with hornbeam" forests. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 9 
The "oak with cherry" forests from northern Moldova occupy an intermediate place. The 
lowest values are recorded in the fI oak blackthorn" forests from southern Moldova. Thus, 
according to their adaptive capacities and the phytocenotic position, the pedunculate oak 
populations can be assigned to three zonal phytocenopopulations (named after the forest 
type): "pedunculate oak with blackthorn" forest, "pedunculate oak with cherry" forest and 
"pedunculate oak with hornbeam" forest and one specific phytocenopopulation from 
meadows (Table 1). 
Cuza (1994), in the results of a study on intraspecific variability and reproductive organs 
of Quercus robur, established that leaf characters have a high (21-40%) to very high (more 
than 40%) variability, while reproductive organs are characterized by a considerably lower 
variability (coefficient of variation CV=2.9-17.4%). 
The evaluation of oak variability showed that the main contribution to phenotypic 
variability is due to the difference between the trees and the variability of characters in their 
crown. This study demonstrated an adaptation of the population to the conditions of the 
site. It becomes evident that the ecological genetic variability of oak correlates with the 
ecological geographic structure of its natural habitat. The natural structure of the territory 
and some biological peculiarities of oak favoured the appearance of group variability on 
limited territories and the formation of Q. robur population structure. Thus Q. robur presents 
a complex dynamic population system in Moldova. 
Intraspecific diversity of oak was studied by Svulescu and Rayss (1926) and Andreev 
(1957). Andreev (1957) recorded 10 varieties and 8 forms which indicate a great intraspecific 
diversity depending on the different ecological conditions and on the capacity of the species 
to hybridize (Table 2). Based on the appearance of the leaves and flowers two oak (Q. robur) 
varieties have been recognized: var. praecox Czern and var. tardiflora Czern (Table 3). 
The presence of many presumed varieties, forms and hybrids in the forests confirms the 
fact that pedunculate oak is characterized by a rather pronounced diversity. The diversity of 
oak in the contact zones with other species (Q. pubescens, Q. petraea) is greater in the south of 
Moldova, and the intraspecific diversity is less pronounced in the forests of Central 
Moldova. 
Some varieties are frost-resistant (var. tardiflora Crezn.), some are less resistant (var. 
praecox Crezn.) and some are adapted to arid conditions (var. moldavica V. Andreev). The 
varieties praecox, tardiflora, brevipes, puberula, moldavica are frequent in forests. Rare varieties 
and forms (var. microtricha, var. australis) need to be protected. Certain varieties and forms (f. 
pectinata, f. moldavica) have decorative qualities and present some interest for landscaping. 
It was shown that the use of oak seeds for the establishment of forest plantations without 
taking into account the cenopopulation origins leads to the creation of forest stands which 
are of low productivity and have low resistance to unfavourable factors. 
The intraspecific and phytocenotic diversity of pedunculate oak confirm the necessity of 
protection and rational use of the genepool of this species. 
The total surface of the state-protected oak forests is about 1644 ha. 
The genetic resources of pedunculate oak have been studied according to the research 
methods described above, which include several stages: exploration, sampling, classification, 
description, etc. 
Exploration: at this stage all surfaces occupied by oak forests have been analyzed, except 
those unsuitable. The choice was made according to visible phenotypic characters. Only 
forest stands of natural origin were selected. As a result of this analysis 2258 oak 
subcompartments have been marked with a total surface of 25303 ha. The highest number 
of surfaces was recorded in the forests from the forest type "pedunculate oak with cherry" 
from the north of Moldova - 11 020.8 ha, which constitutes 43.6% of the total area of 
pedunculate oak forests (Table 4). 
10 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Table 1. Characteristics of pedunculate oak (Quercus rabUt) cenopopulationst 
Height Diameter Bonity 
Forest type (m) (cm) class 
Pedunculate oak with blackthorn 10-15 12-18 4-5 
(Prunus spinasa) 
Pedunculate oak with cherry tree 21-24 28-40 3 
(Prunus avium) 
Pedunculate oak with horn beam 23-30 32-44 2-3 
(Carpinus be tu Ius) 
Growing 
stock (m3/ha) 
70-100 
250-300 
270-340 
Pedunculate oak from meadow 24-30 28-45 2-1 200-350 
t The notion of cenopopulation includes the totality of certain species as part of a phytocenosis. 
Table 2. Pedunculate oak {Quercus rabUtj forest genetic resources 
Optimal Intraspecific 
forest diversity 
stands Seed stands stands Total 
Category of forest Area Area Area Area 
No. genetic resources No. (ha} No. (ha} No. (ha} No. (ha} 
1 Forests of 5 75.7 18 460.1 9 277.6t 32 813.4 
pedunculate oak with 
cherry from the North 
of Moldova 
2 Sessile oak and 8 43.4 20 374.5 14 143.2t 42 561.1 
pedunculate oak 
forests from the Nistru 
Plateau 
3 Pedunculate oak 2 48.5 2 48.5 
forests and black 
locust plantations 
from the left bank of 
Nistru 
4 Sessile oak, 15 270 35 817.4 12 307.8t 62 1395.2 
pedunculate oak and 
beech forests from 
the Centre of Moldova 
5 Pubescent oak 6 159.2 6 68.6 20 464.4* 32 692.2 
forests from the South 
of Moldova 
6 Reserves 9 181.7 2 59.3 2 6.8 13 247.8 
Total 43 730.0 81 1828.4 57 1199.8 181 3758.2 
t Forest genetic resources of pedunculate oak (0. rob ut') with sessile oak (Q. petraea) delimited in the 
contact zone. 
* Forest genetic resources of pedunculate oak (0. rabut') with pubescent oak (Q. pubescens) including 
96.5 ha in the contact zone of three oak species (0. rabur, Q. petraea and 0. pubescens). 
Sampling was made on the basis of the information collected at the exploration stage. The 
forest stands were sampled as forest genetic resources taking into account the criteria of 
quality and of forest stand classification. Forest stands with larger areas and remarkable for 
their value were sampled as forest genetic resources (FGR). Some forest genetic resources 
include subplots with at least 3 ha, other genetic resources include a few subplots, frequently 
adjacent, with larger areas. As a result of the sampling, 181 pedunculate oak FGR have been 
established. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 11 
Table 3. Varieties and forms of pedunculate oak ( Quercus robur L.) in Moldova 
No. Variety, form Occurrence 
1 var. praecox Czern. Everywhere 
2 var. tardiflora Czern. Everywhere 
3 var. australis Corke Bulaesti, Caet 
4 var. microtricha A. et J. Soroca (rare) 
5 var. brevipes Beck Everywhere 
6 var. pseudosessilis A. et G. Pogrebeni, Zloti 
7 var. suecica Maly South Moldova 
8 var. puberula Beck South, is rare in Centre and North of Moldova 
9 var. pubescens Schmalh South, is rare in Centre of Moldova 
10 var. moldavica V. Andreev. South of Moldova 
11 f. brevisecta Berb. Taul, Radenii Vechi, Albina, Dubasari 
12 f. opaca Gurke Briceni, Bisericani, Baurci-Mold. 
13 f. angustifolia Gurke Taul, Lucaceni, Cocorozeni, Lozova, Mandra, Bolceana, 
Zloti, Dubasari 
14 f. longifolia Gurke Baimaclia 
15 f. pectinata C.K.S. Chisinau, park 
16 f. brachybalanos Gurke Grigoriopol 
17 f. xylolepis Vukot. Avrameni, Bujor 
18 f. fastigiata Spach Cultivation 
19 f. macrophyl/a Zapal Baimaclia 
20 f. acutifolia A. et G. Vascauti 
21 f. multilobata Gurke Stanilesti, Vertiujeni, Purcari, Leonita 
22 f. latilobat (Lasch.) Beck Vascauti, Vertiujeni 
23 f. chartacea (Schur, 1868) A. et G. Vertiujeni 
24 f. coriacea A. et G. Tulbureni 
25 f. crispata Stev. Badicu-Mold., Baurci-Mold. 
26 f. cuneifolia Beck Vascauti, Vertiujeni 
27 f. Bedoi Borb. Mereseni, Carpesti 
28 f. asterotricha A. et G. Mereseni, Baurci-Mold., Carpesti, Badicu-Moldov. 
29 f. dilatata A. et G. Badicu-Mold., Baurci-Mold. 
Sources: Svulescu and Rayss (1926); Andreev (1957). 
Table 4. Number and area of the subcompartments with native pedunculate oak (0. robui) forest 
stands recorded in the forest districts 
No. of subcom- Area 
No. Forest district ~artments ha % 
1 Pedunculate oak with cherry forest from the north of 786 11020.8 43.6 
Moldova 
2 Sessile oak and pedunculate oak forests from Nistru 332 2893.9 11.4 
Plateau 
3 Pedunculate oak forests and black locust plantations 147 965.5 3.8 
from the left bank of Nistru 
4 Sessile oak, pedunculate oak and beech forests from 915 7400.5 29.3 
Central Moldova 
5 Pubescent oak forests from the south of Moldova 434 3022.8 11.9 
Total 2614 25303.5 100.0 
The classification of the FGR has been made on the basis of the genetic value of the 
selected surfaces. Four categories of forest genetic resources have been established: 
• Optimal forest genetic resources of pedunculate oak include the most productive forest 
stands (290-350 m3/ha). The tree height is 28-32 m. The diameter of the trunk is often 
more than 40 cm. Many trees are more than 100 cm in diameter. Their ecological 
conditions are optimal - rich soils and good humidity. In Moldova 34 optimal forest 
genetic resources of oak were established with a total area of 730 ha. The highest number 
12 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
of optimal forest genetic resources of oak was established in sessile oak, pedunculate oak 
and beech forest district from Central Moldova. 
• Forest genetic resources - seed sources of oak include less productive forest stands than the 
optimal stands (260-300 m3/ha). They occupy larger areas. The tree height at 70 years is 
about 25-28 m. The diameter of the tree trunk is 31-46 cm, the growing stock is 250-300 
m3/ha. Eighty-one forest genetic resources - seed sources were established with a total 
surface of 1828 ha. 
G Forest genetic resources with high intraspecific diversity. They occur in the contact zone of 
the pedunculate oak, sessile oak and pubescent oak. These areas are characterized by a 
well-pronounced intraspecific diversity. In such places Svulescu and Rayss (1926) and 
Andreev (1957) have recognized many oak varieties and forms. Thirty-four forest genetic 
resources have been established in the contact zone of the pedunculate oak with sessile 
oak (Q. petraea), 17 in the contact zone of the pedunculate oak with pubescent oak (Q. 
pubescens), 3 in the contact zone of the pedunculate oak (Q. robur), sessile oak (Q. petraea) 
with pubescent oak (Q. pubescens). In total 57 forest genetic resources have been delimited 
in the contact zones of the pedunculate oak with sessile oak and pubescent oak. 
Bibliography 
Andreev, V.N. 1957. Derevia i custarnici Moldavii. Vip.I. Moscva. Pp. 127-166. 
Benea, V. and V. Stanescu. 1981. Resurse genetice vegetale ale piidurilor. Piidurile Romaniei. Bucure~ti. 
Pp. 125-141. 
Cuza, P. 1994. Structura populationalii a stejarului pedunculat (Quercus robur L.) din Republica 
Moldova. Chi~iniiu. 22 pp. 
Enescu, V., D. Chereche~ and C. Bandiu. 1997. Conservarea biodiversitii i a resurselor genetice 
forestiere. S.A Andris. Redaqia revistelor agricole. Bucure~ti. Pp. 394-404. 
IPGRI. 1996. Strategy and action plan for the conservation and use of plant genetic resources in 
Eastern Europe and in the New Independent States. International Plant Genetic Resources 
Institute, Rome. (unpublished). 
Kleinschmit, J. 1995. Practical implications of the Forest Genetic Resources Conservation Program in 
Germany. Silva Genetica 44(5-6):269-271. 
Koski, V. 1997. In situ conservation of genetic resources. P. 5-13 in Technical guidelines for genetic 
conservation of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) (V. Koski, T. Skroppa, L. Paule, H. Wolf and 
J. Turok). International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy. 
Postolache, Gh. 1995. Vegetatia Republicii Moldova. Chi~iniiu. 340 pp. 
Postolache, Gh. 1998. Status, protection and rational use of forest genetic resources in Moldova. Pp. 3-5 
in Sustainable forest genetic resources programmes in the Newly Independent States of the former 
USSR. Proceedings of a workshop, 23-26 September 1996, Belovezha, Belarus (G.G. Goncharenko, J. 
Turok, T. Gass and L. Paule, eds.). Copublished by Arbora Publishers, Zvolen, Slovakia and 
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy. 
Svulescu, Tr. and T. Rayss. 1926. Materiale pentru flora Basarabiei (partea II). Bucure~ti. Pp. 83-94. 
Tolmacev, AI. 1962. Osnovi ucenia ob arealah. Leningrad. Pp. 1-28. 
Tolmacev, AI. 1974. Vvedenie v geografiu rastenii. Izd. Leningradscogo universiteta. Pp. 23-35. 
Turok, J. 1997. Introduction. Pp. 1-4 in Technical guidelines for genetic conservation of Norway spruce 
(Picea abies (L.) Karst.) (V. Koski, T. Skroppa, L. Paule, H. Wolf and J. Turok). International Plant 
Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy. 
Veresin, M.M., J.P. Efimov and J.F. Arefiev. 1985. Spravocinic po lesnomu seleqionnomu 
semenovodstvu. Moscva. Agropromizdat. P. 17. 
Vulf, E. 1931. Vvedenie v istoricescuiu geografiu rastenii. Leningrad. 350 pp. [in Russian] 
PROGRESS REPORTS 13 
Ukraine 
Igor M. Patla/, Svitlana A Losl, Roman M. Jatsyk2, Olga I. Sverdloval, Nina O. 
Voloshynoval, Jury I. Gajda I , Eugeny I. Savitch I , Zoya M. Voroninal, AF. Olkhovskyl and 
Konstantin P. Badalovl 
1 Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration, Kharkiv, Ukraine 
2 Ukrainian Research Institute of Mountain Forestry, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine 
Practical conservation activities 
Thirteen Quercus robur plus trees and seven Fagus sylvatica plus trees were selected in the 
Chernivtsy and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. 
Two progeny tests and two seed orchards of Q. robur were established in Kharkiv and 
Rivne regions (Tables 1 and 2). All plots were established by planting 2-year-old seedlings. 
The seedlings were grown from acorns harvested in 1996. 
Inventories 
The inventory of gene resource units was carried out in the Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, 
Chernivtsy, Transcarpathian, Rivne and Ternopil regions. Table 3 gives data on the area of 
gene resource units including the results of the inventories, selection and establishment of 
new units. 
Legislation 
The "Main statute for conservation of genetic resources of the Carpathian region" was 
elaborated by the Ukrainian Research Institute of Mountain Forestry. 
Research 
The inventories of gene resource units included the study of diversity of oak and beech 
natural populations. In Rivne region two gene reserves of Q. robur were surveyed. The 
phenological types, types of bark and selection categories were determined besides the 
diameter and height of trees. In the Ternopil region two F. sylvatica and one Q. robur gene 
reserves were surveyed (Table 4.). In Crimea the studies of biodiversity of the natural 
population of Q. pubescens were continued. The morphology of leaves and acorns of 60 tree 
clusters was studied. Yearly observations of the flowering and fruit-bearing intensity of Q. 
robur clones have been continued at clonal seed orchards and clonal archives in Vinnitsa, 
Kharkiv, Kirovohrad and Rivne regions. Cytological studies of Q. robur clones were carried 
out to elucidate the causes of low fruit-bearing intensity of some clones. The buds of 18 
clones with different fruit-bearing intensity were studied. The presence of unreduced pollen 
was found in nine clones. Three of them had polyploid pollen. The creation of the database 
on Social Broadleaves genetic resources has started. 
Unfortunately, cuts in financial support caused reduction in research activities in Ukraine. 
Highly experienced specialists were lost, as well as several Research Stations. Whole regions 
are not covered by the studies this year. The necessary steps for gene resource conservation 
have not been taken because of a low level of funding for forest enterprises and they are still 
declining. 
Bibliography 
Patlaj, LM., J.L Gajda, S. Los, N.O. Voloshynova, K.P. Badalov and RM. Jatsyk. 1998. Tree breeding 
and testing of oak in Ukraine. Forest science on confines of XX century. Forest Institute NAS of 
Belarus. V. 46. Gomel. [in Russian]. 
14 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Table 1. Establishment of progeny trials of Quercus rabur in Ukraine in 1999 
Forestry regional Area Origin of trees-donors of Number of 
Region enterprise (ha) seeds progenies 
Kharkiv Octiabrsky 0.9 Kharkiv, Donetsk and Sumu 31 
regions 
Rivne Klevanivsky 1.6 Rivne region 40 
Total 2.5 
Table 2. Establishment of seedling seed orchards of Quercus rabur in Ukraine in 1999 
Forestry regional Area Origin of trees-donors of Number of 
Region enterprise (ha) seed progenies 
Kharkiv Hutiansky 5 Kharkiv, Donetsk and Sumu 27 
regions 
Rivne Klevanivsky 1 Rivne region 20 
Total 6 
Table 3. Ex situ and in situ conservation of gene resources of Social Broadleaves in Ukraine 
If) - Q) et! Q) Q) "0 .c .... .~ 0)-- - "0-"0 If) .c 0) et! 0) et! :::s 0 O):S If).c I: .... Cl-Gene reserve et! Q. et! If) "0 1:"0 Progeny trial -III 
-
Cti - .... .- .... 0 et! et! - et! No. of III 1:_ I:.c "O.c 
:::s 0 o et! o 0 al ~ Area pro-
-.c - .... 
Area (ha) No. e.. z 0- 00 en 0 (ha) genies 
Fagus 
sylvatica 
Mixed forest 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Forest-steppe 324.7 20 77.6 32 0 2 6 0 0 
Carpathians 3855.5 51 10 177 0 0 0 0 0 
Crimea 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 
Total 4182.2 72 87.6 221 0 2 6 0 0 
Quercus 
rabur 
Mixed forest 2526.3 80 330.3 294 11 76.9 16 2.1 92 
Forest-steppe 3295.1 130 1213.3 418 13.2 382 40.2 28 664 
Steppe 269 16 30.3 323 5.6 28.6 10 3.5 119 
Carpathians 1141.8 26 14.7 184 0 14 0 0 0 
Crimea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Total 7232.2 252 1588.6 1219 29.8 501.5 66.2 33.6 875 
Quercus 
petraea 
Mixed forest 52.4 1 27 30 0 0 0 0 0 
Forest-steppe 13 1 0 28 0 0 0 0 0 
Steppe 128 7 2.6 0 0.6 0 0 0 0 
Carpathians 70.2 3 0 63 0 0 0 1 14 
Crimea 33.7 0 0 99 0 0 0 5.4 120 
Total 297.3 12 29.6 220 0.6 0 0 6.4 134 
Total 11711.7 336 1705.8 1660 30.4 503.5 72.2 40 1009 
Quercus 
pubescens 
Crimea 129 11 0 12 0 0 0 0 
PROGRESS REPORTS 15 
Table 4, Results of observations of the gene reserves in Ternopil region in 1998 
Forestry 
Regional 
enterprises 
Chortkovsky, 
Kopichinsky 
Chortkovsky. 
Skala-Podolsky 
Berejansky 
Pidgaetsky 
Area 
(ha) 
1.0 
3.7 
18 
Species composition _ 
~ -§, 
Layer 
11 
Species 
Fagus sylvatica 
Fagus sylvatica 
Fraxinus excelsior 
Acer platanoides 
Acer pseudoplatanus 
Ulmus fofiaceae 
Quercus robur 
Acer pseudoplatanus 
Acer platanoides 
Carpinus betulus 
Ulmus foliaceae 
Tilia cordata 
% 
100 
94.0 
3.0 
1.7 
0.7 
0.7 
83.3 
11.1 
5.6 
98.1 
1.42 
0.47 
as 'Qi 
Q) .c ~ 
Q) 
Cl « 
209 
102 
143 
I:: 
as,..... 
Q) E 
:E ...... 
41.7 
38.2 
37.1 
38.1 
26.4 
35.8 
29.7 
27.0 
27.4 
22.6 
20.4 
19.1 
E 
as 
:s 
1::,..... 
as E 
Q) u 
:E ...... 
86.9 
46.0 
54.1 
44.5 
44.4 
49.1 
67 
48.2 
50.2 
28.9 
21.6 
37.6 
Cl 
I:: ,..... 
,- ..)r:: as 
==u.c 00':;--
... - E Cll/) ...... 
693 
650 
26 
12 
3 
5 
149 
3 
10 
130 
1 
1 
75 
79 
81 
16 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Hungary 
Sandor Bordacs 
National Institute for Agricultural Quality Control, Department of Forestry, Budapest, Hungary 
Oaks 
Genetic and taxonomic studies on oaks 
A genetic study on cpDNA markers of autochthonous oak species was started in 1997. The 
project was supported by the Hungarian Government from different sources. This study has 
been joined to the FAIR/OAK project (FAIR1-CT95-0297) research consortium led by A. 
Kremer. The technical guidelines for the project have been transmitted by the Austrian 
project partner (Austrian Research Center Seibersdorf). The following taxa have been 
studied: Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. dalechampii, Q. pubescens, Q. virgiliana and Q. frainetto. 
Most of the sampled populations were species-mixed but some stands in the lowland were 
composed of only Q. robur because of the natural plant association structure (forest-steppe, 
ash-elm-oak mixed forest). Artificial Slavonian oak (Q. robur subsp. slavonica) stands were 
also sampled because of their importance in Hungary and their documented origin. The 
sampled Q. frainetto trees were supposed to be planted (the natural distribution area of Q. 
frainetto extends to the southern part of the Basin). 
The sampled populations showed a high diversity of cpDNA haplotypes. In total 49 
populations and 254 trees were analyzed (May 1999). Haplotypes 2, 4, 5,7 and 17 could be 
detected in the populations studied. No west European haplotypes were found. The west-
Hungarian populations might be related to the east Austrian populations (haplotypes 2, 5). 
The most common variant in Hungary is haplotype 5. 
The Slavonian oak stands showed a mixed haplotype structure composed of haplotypes 5, 
7 and 17. Haplotype 2 could be found mostly within populations consisting of Q. pubescens 
and Q. petraea/dalechampii complex in western Hungary. 
Gene conservation of pubescent oak 
Most of the pubescent oak forests in Hungary are protected as plant association or biotope of 
rare (plant or animal) species. The natural origin of these oak stands might be confirmed by 
cpDNA studies. Some of the studied populations of pubescent oak (Q. pubescens, Q. 
virgiliana) showed a high genetic polymorphism of cpDNA haplotypes. This fact suggests a 
higher human influence on these 'relict populations' than supposed earlier. It is planned to 
study some important, strictly protected populations (Kerecsend, Ujszentmargita, etc.) on a 
larger scale to obtain more information. More genetic information might be helpful to re-
formulate the present 'natural regeneration strategy' of extremely dry oak stands. 
Knowledge of the stands' origin (autochthonous, allochthonous) might also be important for 
establishing ex situ conservation stands or seed orchards. 
Beech 
An international beech provenance research plot was established with 36 provenances 
(including two Hungarian) in 1998, located in southwest Hungary (Bucsuta, Zala county). In 
parallel with this test a Hungarian programme started to test beech provenance in 1998. The 
main beech regions of provenance in Hungary would be tested under different ecological 
conditions. Seedlings were lifted in seed stands and transplanted in nurseries for one year. 
In total, seven Hungarian and one Transylvanian provenances were used for each 
provenance test (random blocks, about 0.1 ha/block). In total five provenance research plots 
were established in 1998 and 1999: (1) Bucsuta, Zala county, SW Hungary, 1998, (2) 
PROGRESS REPORTS 17 
Szilvasvarad, Biikk mountains, N Hungary, 1998, (3) Telkibanya, Zemplen mountain, NE 
Hungary, 1998, (4) B6szenia, Somogy county, SW Hungary, 1999, and (5) Nagyvazsony, 
Bakony mountains, W Hungary, 1999. 
The research goals are: 
• Measurement of morphological characters and phenotype (early test). 
• Comparison of growth and growth dynamics. 
• Study of genetic diversity by molecular markers (isoenzyme, cpDNA). 
Institutions cooperating in the project are the National Institute for Agricultural Quality 
Control, the University of Sopron and the Forest Research Institute. 
18 SOCIAL BROAD LEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Czech Republic 
Vladimir Hynek 
Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Praha, Czech Republic 
Oaks 
Generally, sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) and pedunculate oak (Q. robur L.) are 
not distinguished from one another, i.e. they are "lumped" together in both the current 
Forest Management Plans and the Czech Republic Forest Tree Species Record. However, in 
the Regional Plans which are valid for 41 forest regions, these two species of oak are 
distinguished, and in the mentioned Forest Tree Species Record, Q. cerris L. is recorded 
separately (805 ha). Presently, the total distribution of all oaks is 140240 ha or 6% of the total 
forest area of the Czech Republic. 
Gene Bases or Gene Reserves have been established for Quercus sp., as well as for both 
sessile oak and pedunculate oak. The establishment of the first Q. cerris Gene Base was 
announced in 1998. In 1999, a Gene Bank with dominant pubescent oak (Q. pubescens Willd.) 
was established. As a result of discussions during the first Social Broadleaves network 
meeting (Bordeaux, October 1997), Czech authorities designated a buffer zone and a core 
zone for each Gene Base. 
To preserve genetic resources in both main species of oak, sessile oak from the Ore 
Mountains and pedunculate oak from southern Bohemia are propagated by in vitro 
technology. Research has also been initiated on isoenzyme analyses of the genus Quercus at 
the Research Institute of Ornamental Gardening in vOOZ Pruhonice. 
Beech 
An international provenance research plot was established in 1998. As a result of drought in 
1998 this plot suffered from high mortality; however, replanting was done in 1999. In 1999, 
three research plots have also been established using progeny from three European beech 
seed orchards. Three national provenance plots with material from the Czech Republic and 
Slovakia have been established. To preserve the remaining autochthonous populations of 
European beech in the Ore Mountains, grafting began in spring 1998 and later that year 
flowering occurred on some of the grafts. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 19 
Austria 
Thomas Geburek 
Institute of Forest Genetics, Federal Forestry Research Centre, Vienna, Austria 
The conservation of genetic resources of oaks and beech in Austria has already been 
described more in detail by Geburek (1998). Currently the Austrian programme to conserve 
genetic resources in forest tree species (Muller and Schulze 1999) is being reassessed and a 
new concept will be worked out. Hence, a very brief update only is given in this report. 
Economic importance of beech and oaks 
Beech is still the most important hardwood. It is likely that the proportion of timber is still 
increasing at the expense of fuelwood. The trend favouring broadleaves on sites on which 
formerly conifers were planted - especially outside the natural distribution area of Norway 
spruce - is continuous and is promoted by financial incentives of the Austrian Government 
(BMLF 2000). The timber and fuelwood market for beech and oak is stable. 
Silviculture 
Oaks and beech are mainly managed in high forests. Approximately 1.55% (62000 ha) is 
coppice and less than 1% (34 000 ha) is coppice with standards. Coppice with standards is 
restricted to oak forests located in the northeastern (Weinviertel) and eastern (Burgenland) 
regions. Based on previous inventory data (1981-90), 2.7% was coppice and coppice with 
standards. Conversion to high forest is predominantly performed in large-scale forestry 
enterprises. 
Reproductive material 
The importation of plants and seeds of beech and oaks varies heavily from year to year. 
Based on available records it seems that domestic production of forest reproductive material 
is decreasing. However, this does not mean that broadleaves are increaSingly naturally 
regenerated. National experts assume that more plant and seed material is moved in EU-
trade (Strohschneider, pers. comm.). Compared with other EU and non-EU countries, 
Austria has partly more restrictive regulations in order to enhance the genetic multiplicity of 
forest reproductive material (Anonymous 1996) but does not restrict its use in any way. If 
non-domestic material of inferior genetic quality is more and more employed for 
afforestation, genetic adaptedness and adaptability may be of concern. In this context the 
need to implement EU directives has to be seen with reservations and this holds especially 
true for the revised EU Directive that will be issued soon. 
Health and threats 
The forest condition in Europe was lately reported by the United Nations Economic 
Commission for Europe (UN/ECE 1999). Crown condition of common beech showed a 
slight recuperation as compared with previous years' data. Oaks remained the most 
damaged species. The percentage of trees severely defoliated increased by 3.3%; only 32.7% 
of the sample trees were classified as not defoliated. Damage by browsing, especially by 
game, continues to be of major concern and locally browsing is still the major obstacle of 
natural regeneration. 
Gene conservation 
As already mentioned the Austrian programme to protect genetic resources in forest trees is 
currently being revised. In addition to the previous country report, the following data 
20 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
update on in situ measures may be of interest. The interested reader may also refer to Frank 
and Koch (1999) reporting on the Austrian network of natural forests. 
For Fagus sylvatica, an area of 2345 ha (reduced area) of natural forest reserves (IUCN-Ial) 
has been declared. It should be mentioned here, that in contrast to other countries, such as 
Germany, the genetic resources of national forest reserves may be used! Further, 12 forest gene 
reserves - each larger than 15 ha (reduced area) - of the IUCN-N2 category with a total area of 
323 ha are currently recorded. Access may be restricted by forest owners. For Quercus cerris, 
105 ha (reduced area) of IUCN-Ia and no other in situ measures, for Q. petraea 372 ha (reduced 
area) of IUCN-Ia and 25 ha of IUCN-N, and for Q. pubescens 26 ha (reduced area) of IUCN-Ia 
and no other in situ measures, and finally for Q. robur no in situ measures at all are recorded. 
Breeding 
In Austria, there are still no breeding activities in a strict sense for either Quercus or Fagus. 
Research 
Currently research in Fagus focuses on provenance tests (contact: 
ulrich.s) and on nuclear DNA microsatellites/ chloropast DNA 
(c
re studied (cont
christian.sc 
References 
Anonymous. 1996. Bundesgesetzblatt fur die Republik Osterreich, Jahrga 
Forstliches Vermehrungsgut. 
BMLF (Bundesministerium fur Land- und Forstwirtschaft). 2000. Bewertung der forstlichen 
MaBnahmen im Rahmen des osterreichischen Programmes zur Entwicklung des Hindlichen Raums 
gemaB der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1257/99 des Rates vom 17.Mai 1999 uber die Forderung der 
Entwicklung des landlichen Raums durch den Europaischen Ausrichtungs- und Garantiefonds fur 
die Landwirtschaft (EAFL). (in preparation). 
Geburek, Th. 1998. Conservation of genetic resources of oaks and beech in Austria. Pp. 41-44 in First 
EUFORGEN Meeting on Social Broadleaves. Bordeaux, France, 23-25 October 1997 (J. Turok, A. 
Kremer and S. de Vries, compilers). IPGRl, Rome. 
Frank, G. and G. Koch. 1999. Austria. Pp. 35-53 in Research in Forest Reserves and Natural Forest in 
European Countries (J. Parvianen, D. Little, M. Doyle, A. O'Sullivan, M. Kettunen and M. 
Korhonen, eds.). European Forest Institute Proceedings 16. 
Muller, F. and U. Schultze. 1999: Das osterreichische Programm zur Erhaltung forstgenetischer 
Ressourcen. Pp. 120-135 in Erhaltung genetischer Ressourcen im Wald- Normen, Programme, 
MaBnahmen (Th. Geburek and B. Heinze, eds.). Ecomed Verlagsgesellschaft, Landsberg. 
UN/ECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). 1999. Forest condition in Europe-
Results of the 1998 crown condition survey. Technical Report prepared by the Federal Research 
Centre for Forestry and Forest Products (BFH), Hamburg. 84 pp.+ annexes. 
IUCN-Ia [SNR] - Strict Nature Reserve (IUCN category la). Objectives are to protect communities 
and species and to maintain natural process in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically 
representative examples of the natural environment. Areas are mainly protected for scientific 
purposes. This category includes Natural Forest according to the Helsinki Resolution H2. No 
wood harvesting! 
IUCN-IV [GCS] - Gene Conservation Stand (= forest gene reserve, gene reserve forest) (similar to 
IUCN category IV - selected and declared explicitly for the protection of genetic resources. Forests 
are naturally regenerated. Wood harvesting is allowed. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 21 
Switzerland 
Patrick Bonfils 
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland 
The Swiss programme for the conservation of genetic resources in forests prioritizes its 
activities according to the conservation needs of the different species. 
Presently, beech forests are not threatened and more than 90% of the stands are 
regenerated naturally. Thus, special conservation measures do not seem necessary. Oak, on 
the other hand, is fully integrated in the present conservation programme. Forest history 
studies revealed a dramatic decrease of oak in Switzerland during the last three centuries. 
From the historical point of view, actual oak stands appear to be not more than relicts of their 
former occurrence. According to observations of the forest service, the decreasing trend for 
oak is still ongoing. The competition of other tree species and the modest economical 
interest in oak silviculture will probably lead to further losses. In this context, conservation 
of genetic resources of oak is considered a task of high priority. 
Practical conservation activities 
Apart from one gene reserve established in 1993 (Galmwald), no additional gene 
conservation units have been established. However, according to the national concept for 
gene conservation, a certain number of units of special genetic interest will be proposed to 
the local forest services and owners in 2000. Within these areas, forest managers are 
supposed to work only with the local material and to enhance natural regeneration as far as 
possible. Special gene conservation measures will be compensated by the federal 
government jointly with the cantons. 
Research 
Since 1996, the geographic distribution and extent of genetic variation of oak have been 
studied at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL) in Birmensdorf. 
Matyas (1999) investigated the spatial pattern of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation of 
oak species (Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens, Q. cerris). Trees from 181 collection sites 
distributed all over Switzerland were analyzed. Since cpDNA is inherited maternally, this 
marker is particularly suitable for the reconstruction of postglacial colonization pathways. 
The results of the study suggest oak immigration into Switzerland from two different 
refugia, presumably from Italy and the Balkans, respectively. Populations from a southern 
refugium in Italy seem to have crossed the Alps and expanded in a well-defined passage to 
the north. The Balkan populations colonized the territory north of the Alps in an east-to-
west movement. Furthermore the observed spatial distribution of the cpDNA-types 
suggests a very low proportion of anthropogenic seed transfer. Only a few cases of recent 
seed transfer between the distinct cpDNA regions have been observed. 
Another genetic study based on isoenzyme analysis started in 1998. In 26 stands, 100 
individuals each were analyzed to assess genetic variation within and among populations. 
First results are expected in 2000. 
The results of the mentioned studies will be included in the strategy for conservation of 
genetic resources of oaks. 
Reference 
Mcityas, G. 1999. Rekonstruktion der nacheiszeitlichen Einwanderung der Eichen in der Schweiz 
anhand ihrer Chlorplasten-DNA. Dissertation ETH Nr. 13386. 
22 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Italy 
Paolo Menozzi 
Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Universita di Parma, Parma, Italy 
Practical conservation activities 
Protected areas continue to be created at different levels, from the state to the city. The 
country is moving towards implementing the ambitious goal of having almost 10% of the 
national territory under some form of protection. Many of these areas host social 
broadleaves. The species' conservation needs seem satisfied, but the quality of conservation 
actions needs further work. Priority should be given to the following goals: (1) increase the 
knowledge of the genetic resources that are actually being conserved (start a genetic 
inventory of genetic variability of the species conserved), (2) on the basis of this knowledge 
propose effective designs for genetic reserves, and (3) look for the presence of QTLs 
(quantitative traits loci), explore their geographic distribution, and on the basis of this 
knowledge propose new conservation measures. 
Legislation 
New legislation (proposal number 3820) on the conservation of genetic resources is being 
discussed by the Italian Parliament. The main issues to receive new rules inspired from EU 
guidelines are: (1) introduction of new species and varieties, (2) certification of provenance 
material, (3) nursery activities, and (4) preparation of databases and summary statistics. 
Research 
Beech 
Within the EU project "European network for the evaluation of the genetic resources of 
beech" new experimental fields have been established and the geographic variation of 
cpDNA has been investigated (Prof. R. Giannini, University Florence). Twenty-eight Italian 
populations were analyzed and six haplotypes found: four present all over Europe, one 
found only in central Italy and one only in southern Italy. This confirms the high variability 
of beech in Italy. Fifty individuals from the European geographic range were analyzed by 
microsatellite markers. Five different haplotypes were found and their distribution is 
geographically structured (two, closely related, were found in Romania, one in Poland, one 
in a single French population, and the fifth all over Europe). 
Results of a 4-year study on phenology at the within-population level have been analyzed 
(P. Menozzi, University Parma). Early and late plants show remarkable stability in their 
phenology over the years and seem to respond to climatic conditions (temperature). The two 
types (early and late) have been genetically studied by RAPDs. 
Stomata response to water stress has been investigated using the material produced by a 
diallelic controlled pollination experiment carried out in Parma a few years ago. Differences 
in response to water stress among full-sib families have been found. An EU project: 
"DynaBeech: Effects of silvicultural regimes on dynamics of genetic and ecological diversity 
of European beech forests" has been funded for the next four years. A linkage map for beech 
will be prepared and used to look for loci linked to adaptive traits. 
Oaks 
A total of 85 oak populations distributed all over Italy were analyzed using chloroplast DNA 
markers. Most of these populations were represented by the species Quercus pubescens, only 
a few of them by the species Q. robur, Q. petraea and Q. frainetto. Polymorphism was 
PROGRESS REPORTS 23 
identified in four DNA fragments, representing non-coding regions of the chloroplast 
genome. This research is part of the EU /FAIR project "Synthetic maps of gene diversity and 
provenance performance for utilization and conservation of oak genetic resources in 
Europe". Polymorphism revealed the presence in Italy of five different cytotypes. Their 
distribution confirms previous results obtained on a smaller scale. Populations from 
northern and central Italy and from Sardinia were analyzed, whereas previous surveys 
considered mostly populations from southern Italy and Sicily. The main results are: (1) the 
presence of cytotypes (= haplotypes) 1,2, and 17 (according to Dumolin-Lapegue et al. 1997) 
in Sicily, as described before (Fineschi et al. 1998b), (2) the presence of cytotypes 1,5 and 17 in 
central and southern Italy, (3) the presence of cytotypes 1 and 17 in Sardinia, and (4) the 
presence of cytotypes 1 and 7 in northern Italy. This last cytotype, present all over Europe, 
had not been found before in Italy (Fineschi et al. 1998a). 
References 
Dumolin-Lapegue, 5., B. Demesure, V. Le Corre, S. Fineschi and R.J. Petit. 1997. Phylogeographic 
structure of white oaks throughout the European continent. Genetics 146:1475-1487. 
Fineschi, 5., A. Balijja, A. Diarra, G. Scuderi and D. Taurchini. 1998a. Chloroplast DNA polymorphism 
in oak populations (Quercus, section Robur) from Switzerland. Informatore Botanico Italiano 30:80-
82. 
Fineschi, 5., D. Taurchini and G. Scuderi. 1998b. Polimorfismo del DNA cloroplastico in popolazioni 
di Quercus pubescens Willd. dalla Sicilia. Monti e Boschi 49:17-20. 
24 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Slovenia 
Hojka Kraigher 
Slovenian Forestry Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia 
Common beech is the most naturally widespread tree species in Slovenia and represents 29% 
of the current growing stock. Of the seven indigenous oak species, common oak, sessile oak, 
downy oak and Turkey oak form 8% of the growing stock, from which 82% is the sessile oak. 
The health state of beech has not changed in the last 3 years, while the health state of oaks 
worsened remarkably after 1990 and the trend was similar from 1996 to 1998. Within the 
framework of 173 forest reserves, 30% are oak forests, representing about 10% of the total 
reserves area. The total area of forest reserves will increase in the next five years from 10400 
ha to 14800 ha. 
The silvicultural approaches in Slovenia depend on the Forest Development Programme 
(1996) and the Forest Management Plans, which are used to prepare detailed silvicultural 
plans according to the Forest Act (1993). Natural regeneration is supported in all forests: out 
of about 6500 ha regenerated annually, only 10% are planted. If seedlings are used, they 
should derive from adequate seed sources, so only adequate species can be used. The use of 
forest reproductive material deriving from selected seed stands has been applied since 1951. 
At the moment there are 65 beech seed stands in eight seed units, defined after the 
phytocenological associations, the bedrock material and elevation zones, and 31 seed stands 
for five oak species. Annual needs for oak and beech seeds (Table 1) and seedlings (Table 2) 
according to the plans are greater than the annual seed and seedling production in the last 
few years. 
Table 1. Collection of seed from selected seed stands and other sources in Slovenia in 1998-99t 
Tree species 
Fagus sylvatica 
Quercus petraea 
Quercus robur 
Quercus robur 
Quercus robur 
Seed Quantities 
quantity collected for the 
(kg) Source SFC in 1999 (kg) 
600 
300 
300 
coli. and used by SFS from the same region 1316 
Semic, source identified, 540 m/si, H2k and coli. 1429 
and used by SFS from the same region 
Adlesici, source identified, 340 m/si, H1 k 
Krakovski g., source identified, 150 m/si, H5s 
Non-certified and used by SFS from the same 
region 
1151 
t SFS: Slovenian Forest Service; Certificates of Provenance are issued by the Slovenian Forestry 
Institute (SFI); control of the source is by the Civil Forest Service done in collaboration between the 
SFS and the SFI). 
Table 2. Planting and sowing of seeds and seedlings in 1998 (used in regular silvicultural 
measurements, not after sanitary fellings) 
Seeds sown in 1998 
Tree species (kg) 
Fagus sylvatica 4 
Quercus petraea 20 
Quercus robur 724 
Seedlings planted in 
1998 (in '000) 
229 
152 
Source: Annual report of the Slovenian Forest Service 1998. 
Seedlings planted in 
1998 (%) 
13 
9 
PROGRESS REPORTS 25 
Current activities are two-fold: those of the Civil Forest Service, and research by others. 
Civil Forest Service 
The Civil Foreest Service is concerned with: 
• Adaptation of the legislative framework: preparation of the new Act on forest 
reproductive material, technical regulations on the source, quality, control, 
delimitation of regions of provenances, etc. 
• Evaluation and renewal of the forest seed bank 
• Development of an operational control system in seed collection, trade and control 
system 
• Establishment of the central database of the Slovenian Plant and Forest Gene Bank on 
Internet. 
The Basic needs for adaptation of the legislation are to follow the directives of the EC, to 
establish an operational control system in seed collection and trade, and to support trading 
initiatives by private owners. 
Research 
Research is focused on: 
• physiology of seeds and seedlings (including treatments during collection and storage) 
• genetic variability, origin and potential use of different populations of forest trees. 
The studies of genetic variability of beech in Slovenia have been completed in a PhD 
Thesis at the Forestry Department of the Biotechnical Faculty in 1999. Beech is not a 
problematic species regarding its origin since it has been regenerated naturally through time. 
The results have been applied in the formulation of a new proposal for the delimitation of 
only two seed provenance regions of beech in Slovenia. Also, an international beech 
provenance project has been started in Slovenia with 31 provenances of beech in 1998. 
Oaks present a complex study task because of the hybridization between species, the 
uncertainties about the common oak origin, the problems with decline, with silvicultural 
concepts, especially regarding regeneration, and with seed behaviour. Our studies are 
multiple, concentrated on ecophysiology of oak regeneration, genetics and taxonomy of 
white oaks and physiology of seed storage. International collaboration has been established 
as bilateral projects with France (Nancy), Croatia (Jastrebarsko) and Austria (Seibersdorf). 
We are currently writing up a proposal for a European Fifth Framework project on genetics, 
physiology and control of forest reproductive material related to oaks and spruce. 
Because of the limitations and costs of forest seed storage technology, we propose that all 
constituents (in situ seed stands; ex situ: seed orchards, living archives, tests and the seed 
bank; maybe in the future other germplasm banks) be included formally as a term sensu 
lato in the Forest Gene Bank (see Fig. I, schematic presentation of the plant genebank). 
26 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
::J 
-'-(/) 
~ 
::J 
-'-(/) 
.s 
Forest 
Genebank 
Forest 
reserves 
~ ~ 
Seed bank 
Living archives 
Plant 
Genebank 
Agriculture and 
Grasses Genebank 
Selected 
seed 
stands 
Other 
identified 
seed 
sources 
Seed orchards 
Parents of family 
Provenance 
trials 
Database of 
C_-c~=-~ genetic evaluation 
Clonal mixtures 
Fig. 1. Schematic presentation of the genebank (prepared by Sasu Zitnik, Slovenian Forestry 
Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 27 
Descriptors for selected seed stands and other identified seed sources 
General 
1 . tree species 
• Latin name 
• common name 
2. registration number 
3. date of approval 
4. status of conservation 
5. provenance region 
6. seed unit 
7. isolation 
8. specific purposes 
9. property 
10. area 
11. origin 
12. regeneration 
13. genetic evaluation 
14. type of rock 
15. type of soil 
16. vegetation unit 
17. slope 
18. position 
19. situation in the country 
20. relief 
21. climate 
22. climate diagram 
23. age of the stand 
24. development stage of the 
stand 
Location 
25. geographical coordinates 
• latitude 
• longitude 
26. elevation 
• lower altitude of site 
• upper altitude of site 
27. regional unit of Forestry 
service 
28. local unit of Forestry service 
29. forest management unit 
30. forest management district 
31. forest management division 
32. forest management section 
33. administration commune 
34. cadastre commune 
35. parcel number 
36. map with the location 
37. detail plan 
Phenotypic description 
38. phenotypic classification 
39. health and resistance 
40. adaptedness 
41 . uniformity 
42. tightness of tree crowns 
43. stand structure 
44. stand mixture 
45. proportion of tree species 
46. rejuvenation 
47. stand tending 
48. type of crowns t 
49. length of crowns t 
50. development and width of crowns t 
51. type of branches t 
52. size of branches t 
53. number of branches in spindle t 
54. largest distance between spindles t 
55. angle of branches t 
56. stem purity (pruning) t 
57. stem shape t 
58. forked stem t 
59. stem straightness t 
60. stem circularity t 
61. spiral grain t 
62. wood quality t 
63. vitality t 
64. fruit bearing t 
65. bark structure t 
66. bark colour t 
67. injuries t 
68. number of trees/ha 
69. medium stand height 
70. upper stand height 
71. medium stand breast diameter 
72. stand growing stock/ha 
73. annual increment of stand growing 
stock/ha 
Estimation of the portion of trees in the stand which belongs to the categories, which are defined 
for each descriptor individually. 
28 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
France 
Antoine Kremei, Alexis Ducousso1 and Eric Teissier Du Cros2 
lINRA Station de Recherches Forestieres, Gazinet-Cestas, France 
2INRA, Unite de Recherches Forestieres Mediterraneennes, Avignon, France 
Practical conservation activities 
Beech 
Slight modifications are planned for the selection of conservation stands. In addition to the 
27 already identified, an additional stand in the French Prealps will be chosen, and four 
others in the Pyrenees. A recent survey of chloroplast DNA polymorphism in this region 
revealed that the Pyrenees comprise an important diversity that deserves to be included in 
the conservation network. 
Oaks 
A questionnaire has been sent out to the local representatives of the French Forest Service 
(ONF) about the 20 conservation stands of Quercus petraea. The questionnaire includes 
queries about the location, species composition, origin of the candidate stand and its 
surrounding buffer zone. The answers to the questionnaire raised several practical problems 
for a few candidate stands that need to be solved before the final selection procedure. 
Legislation 
All conservation stands (in beech and oak) selected so far have been installed in public 
forests ("fon~ts domaniales") belonging to the state or to communities that warrant their 
maintenance in the long term. Specific legislation may be needed for conserving stands that 
will be established in private forests. 
A Charter for the conservation of forest tree genetic resources in France has been launched 
by the Ministry of Agriculture and BRG (Bureau des Ressources Genetiques) to be signed by 
all major forestry agencies and forest owners. The Charter aims at the implementation of a 
Programme for the management and conservation of forest tree genetic resources at a 
national scale. Beech and temperate oaks are among the first species to be involved in this 
Programme. 
Research 
Beech 
A range-wide study of genetic diversity is currently undertaken by B. Comps and coworkers 
based on isoenzymes. This study clearly in<;iicates a geographic trend in allelic richness 
(southern populations being more diverse than northern), and a negative covariation 
between allelic richness and expected heterozygosity. 
The natural regeneration in the conservation stands is conducted in small patches (from 
100 to 10000 m 2) rather than as an even process over the whole stand. Additional research is 
suggested to compare the effect of discontinuous and continuous natural regeneration. 
Oaks 
An exhaustive survey of cpDNA diversity has been conducted in the frame of an EU-
supported project "Synthetic maps of gene diversity and provenance performance for 
utilization and conservation of oak genetic resources" (FAIR/OAK). Data from 896 
populations were compiled and show that France has been recolonized from three major 
PROGRESS REPORTS 29 
refugia (Iberic Peninsula, Italy and the Balkans). First results of a range-wide comparison of 
provenances of Q. petraea (104 provenances) were obtained that confirm the clinallatitudinal 
and longitudinal variation of bud burst. Pollen flow was investigated using paternity 
analysis and revealed the important contribution of long-distance transport to pollen clouds. 
A saturated genetic map has been constructed in Q. robur, comprising 307 markers (RAPDs, 
SCARs, microsatellites, minisatellite, isoenzymes). 
Public awareness 
Oaks 
The conservation of genetic resources was selected by INRA as one of its major activities to 
be presented at the yearly International Agriculture Show (Salon International de 
l'Agriculture). Posters on the distribution and dynamics of genetic diversity in managed oak 
stands and practical conservation activities were presented. A press conference was held 
and a special publication of INRA was issued where conservation activities in various plants 
(and particularly oaks) were described. 
Oak, 'beech and other species 
The second volume of "Les ressources genetiques forestieres en France" by Arbez and 
Lacaze was published in 1999 (BRG/INRA). It includes chapters on oaks and beech. 
Another document entitled "Conservation des ressources genetiques forestieres en France" 
will also be published. It includes 2-pages summaries on conservation activities in 10 
species, including pedunculate oak and beech. 
30 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Luxembourg 
Frank Waiter 
Administration des Eaux et Forets, Service de l'Amenagement des Bois, Luxembourg 
Research activities and capacities related to genetic resources 
(Update to the country report published in the Report of the first Network meeting) 
In vitro culture "genebank" of beech and oak for conservation of endangered stands. 
Occurrence and ecological regions of Social Broadleaves are shown in the figure below. 
Current gene conservation activities in situ and ex situ (overview) 
Luxembourg has no ex situ conservation activities. In situ conservation activities are limited 
to ongoing designation and management of 16 beech and oak stands (220 ha) with valuable 
genetic properties according to the EC legislation on the use of reproductive material. 
Relevant nature protection policies and activities 
• 17 nature protection areas (1862 ha) 
• protection of 16 beech and oak stands for collection of reproductive material (220 ha) 
• selection of 13 areas (16 019 ha) for the network 2000 of the "Directive HABITAT" (EC). 
Institutions involved in the genetic resources activities in the country 
• Administration des Eaux et Forets ( <http://www.mev.etat.lu/adef/ accueiI2.html» 
• Centre de Recherche Lippman (<http://www.crpcu.lu/> 
Summary of country priorities 
Appropriate in situ conservation of autochthonous material. 
Needs for international collaboration 
• Public awareness-raising of the importance of forest genetic resources. 
• Coordination of research projects. 
• Elaboration of technical recommendations and guidelines. 
Occupation Biophysique du Sol 
8t regions 8colOyiques 
!i AUTRES FEUILLUS 
lll! AUTRES RESINEUX 
IIiiI CHENAIES 
lll! FORETS MELANGEES 
I! HETRAIES 
IIIIi PESSIERES 
iliJ PEUPLERAIES 
IIIIi PINEDES 
• SURFACES EN EAU 
TERRITOIRES AGRICOLES 
TERRITOIRES ARTIFICIALlSES 
YEGET A TION HERBACEE ET ARBUSTI 
ZONES HUMIDES 
Belgium 
Dominique Jacques1 and Bart De Cuyper2 
Forest Research Station, Gembloux, Belgium 
2 Institute for Forestry and Game Management, Hoeilaart, Belgium 
PROGRESS REPORTS 31 
A brief summary of genetic conservation activities in Social Broadleaves in Belgium from 
November 1997 to May 1999 is presented. This completes the comprehensive report 
published in the report of the first Network meeting (held in October 1997). Since then, 
different programmes were developed which are detailed below. 
Conservation 
During the last few years, special effort was made to increase the utilization of indigenous 
Forest Reproductive Material through seed stand selection, seed orchard establishment, 
significant seed collections and grants policy. 
This work was carried out to complete the remaining gaps of Basic Materials with the 
selection of two new seed stands and 55 plus trees (Table 1) necessary for the establishment 
of the first seed orchard of sessile oak in Belgium. 
To have a better understanding of genetic variability at the national and natural range 
levels, two new provenance trials of sessile oak and one of beech have been initiated. They 
will complete the former experiments and will constitute the main material available for 
further studies. 
Research 
In December 1998, a 4-year research project was launched, focusing on the assessment of 
genetic diversity within and between selected seed stands and presumed autochthonous 
stands of sessile and pedunculate oak, using genotypic (DNA analysis) as well as 
morphological data (leaves, flowers, fruits, buds). Further goals consist of tracing the 
possible relationship between genetic and morphological variation. In addition, the origin of 
the sampled stands will be assessed by relating them to the migration routes, established 
within the EU project entitled "Synthetic maps of gene diversity and provenance 
performance for utilization and conservation of oak genetic resources". 
The project is financed by the Flemish Forestry Board and carried out by the Department 
of Plant Genetics of the Centre for Agricultural Research, Ghent. 
Table 1. Genetic material selected or planted in Belgium since November 1997 
Species 
Pedunculate oak 
Sessile oak 
Beech 
Total 
Seed stands Provenance 
Number Area (ha) Plus trees trials 
1 
1 
2 
8.80 
3.33 
12.13 
42 
13 
55 
2 
1 
3 
Seed orchard 
1 
32 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
The Netherlands 
Sven M.G. de Vries 
Institute jar Forestry and Nature Research IBN-DLO, Wageningen, The Netherlands 
Conservation activities 
In 1995 seeds were collected from nine populations of Quercus petraea and three populations 
of Q. robur. All populations were presumed to be autochthonous. Funds were available for 
the layout and establishment of a genebank. In March 1999 the genebank was established in 
"Kuinderbos" in the Polder area with 3-year-old material. 
Inventories 
Since the last meeting more areas have been searched for autochthonous material of trees 
and shrubs. Some new possible sources of oak were found. 
Legislation 
A start has been made regarding the extension of the Dutch National Catalogue of Trees with 
seed sources from neighbouring countries. Parts of Germany and Belgium were visited in 
order to judge stands of oak (Q. petraea and Q. robur) and beech (Fagus sylvatica). 
Research 
Some nationally funded research projects have been initiated in relation to oak species, 
among others one on parental analyses and one on the diversity in the Dutch oak seed 
orchard. 
Since the FAIR/OAK project is in its final year the Dutch participation will be finished 
later this year. 
IBN-DLO participates in two project proposals wj,thin the Fifth Framework Programmme 
of the EU, one on beech and one on oak. 
Public awareness 
In March 1998 a symposium on different aspects of oak species management was organized 
by IBN-DLO. A broad audience of scientists and end-users was invited to actively 
participate in the discussion after several presentations were given by speakers from 
different backgrounds. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 33 
Germany 
B. Richard Stephan 
Federal Research Centre for Forestry and Forest Products, Institute for Forest Genetics and Forest 
Tree Breeding, Grosshansdorf Germany [In cooperation with the Federal and States Working 
Group on "Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources "] 
Introduction 
A report on the situation of the social broadleaved species: beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), sessile 
oak (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl.) and pedunculate oak (Q. robur L.) in Germany was given 
at the first Network meeting (Stephan 1998). The subsequent information about gene 
conservation activities in 1998-99 was summarized on the basis of reports given by the 
institutions of the German States (Laender). 
The amount of felling of beech and oak in 1998 was about 7.6 million m3 wood under bark 
for beech (21 % of the total felling), and 1.4 million m3 for oak (4%) (Bitter 1999). As observed 
in the past years, prices for stem wood remained more or less stable for beech and decreased 
for oak. Nevertheless, timber of high veneer quality results in high prices. 
Health state 
Although the proportion of severely damaged forest trees decreased in Germany from 30% 
in 1991 to 22% in 1999, the emissions impact on forests is still high and differs according to 
regions. Trees above 60 years are damaged in a higher proportion than younger trees. 
Particularly beech and oak showed serious damage in 1999, beech with about 32% (3% more 
than in 1998) and oak with about 44% (7% more than in 1998). Hence, oak is the most 
seriously damaged tree species in Germany, followed by beech (BML 1999). Damage in oak 
is caused by a complex of various biotic and abiotic agents (Wulf and Kehr 1996). Specific 
fungal pathogens, e.g. of the genus Phytophthora, can also cause serious attacks (Schubert et 
al. 1999). 
Inventories 
The Federal States (Laender) have been defining and establishing in situ conservation stands 
of various tree species for many years. One example may demonstrate the procedure 
(Maurer and Tabel 2000). In Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate) the respective beech 
stands were selected according to the following criteria: they should have a size of at least 10 
ha, an age of about 100 years and should be situated in an area where beech occurs 
predominantly. Stands in state forests and stands which are approved according to the legal 
regulations concerning forest reproductive material have priority. Genetic inventories were 
carried out by analyzing buds or beech-nuts from 200 trees per stand. Mainly the variation 
on isozyme gene loci, but also polymorphisms on plastid DNA, were investigated. 
According to the recently published list of approved basic material for forest reproductive 
material in Germany (status as of 1 October 1997), under the categories 'Selected' and 
'Tested' the following are registered: 81 559 ha (+ 0.2% compared with 1995 status) approved 
stands (seed orchards included) for beech; 32 548 ha (+ 2% since 1995) for sessile oak; 9193 ha 
(+ 0.7% since 1995) for pedunculate oak (BML/BLE 1999). 
Legislation 
Rules on the conservation of forest genetic resources are not yet integrated into Federal 
German Laws. But a few States (Laender) have implemented recommendations in their 
regulations on forest management. The laws on forestry, nature protection or the 
international Convention on Biodiversity contribute indirectly to the protection and 
34 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
conservation of forest genetic resources. An overview of national and international 
frameworks and activities concerning the conservation of forest genetic resources is given 
elsewhere (Stephan 2000). 
Research 
Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) 
Twenty-four beech field trials were established under a Concerted Action "European 
network for the evaluation of the genetic resources of beech for appropriate use in 
sustainable forestry management", financially supported by the Commission of the 
European Communities. The field trials are located in 16 European countries: Belgium, 
Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany (7 trials), Hungary, Ireland, The Netherlands, 
Poland, Romania (2 trials), Ukraine, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (2 trials), Sweden and the 
United Kingdom. A total of 59 provenances representing the whole area of distribution of 
beech are present in the different field trials; on average a field trial comprises 31 
provenances. The trials will serve as a genetic resource and will show how the different 
beech provenances will develop under the differing environmental conditions of the field 
trials. This might also be relevant for studies of the adaptation of populations to global 
warming. 
Extensive isoenzyme studies of many beech populations (more than 40000 individual 
samples were studied) by various University and Laender Institutions, carried out during 
recent years, were compiled and evaluated. They give important information about the 
genetic variation of beech in several German states and regions of provenance (Konnert et al. 
2000). 
The problem of the storage of beech acorns over long periods is still not solved. First 
results of cryopreservation studies show that the viability of the seed can be maintained in 
liquid nitrogen (-196°C). Studies about the colour of beech nuts showed that there are 
differences in the level of populations and/ or regions (Liesebach 1999, unpublished). 
Detailed information about the storage and treatment of seed of various tree species, 
including beech and oak, were described by Schubert (1998), in which the author's 
experience of many years was collected and summarized. 
Oak (Quercus spp.) 
The investigations concerning the analysis of geographic-genetic variation of the two oak 
species, sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and pedunculate oak (Q. robur), in Germany as assayed 
by polymorphisms in the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) were conducted in cooperation with 12 
partner institutions of eight European countries and supported financially by the 
Commission of the European Communities in the FAIR/OAK project "Synthetic maps of 
gene diversity and provenance performance for utilization of oak genetic resources" (CT95-. 
0297). The project was finished in August 1999. The results will be published in several 
publications (in preparation). First results for the German part of the investigations on the 
distribution of cpDNA haplotypes are of particular interest in relation to the remigration of 
oak into Central Europe, the legal regulations for forest reproductive material, and the 
conservation of genetic resources (Konig et al. 1998). 
Progress made in the storage technology of acorns and their treatment against fungal 
infections were published recently (Schroder 1999; Schroder and Wulf 1999). 
Practical implementation 
The implementation of beech and oak stands, which are considered as gene conservation 
stands, into the forestry practice made progress during the past years (see e.g. Maurer and 
Tabel 2000). 
PROGRESS REPORTS 35 
Table 1. In situ and ex situ measures conducted in 1998 and 1999 
Ex situ measures 
In situ measures Stands Clone collections 
Seed storage 
Single No.! No. of for conserv. 
Stands {ha} trees ha No. No. ha clones {kg} 
Species '98 '99 '98 '99 '98 '99 '98/99 '98/99 '98/99 '98 '99 
Fagus -150 -270 2 4 4 1657.05 9.4 
sylvatica 
Quercus 4.78 460.52 6 4/0.76 
petraea +58.46t 
Quercus robur 37.99 158.36 2 144 0.2 19 192.0 351.0 
t Area for genetic long-term monitoring. 
In situ and ex situ measures conducted in 1998 and 1999 are summarized for all German 
States (Laender) in Table 1. Emphasis was set mainly on the conservation of beech and oak 
stands in situ, the most natural and cheapest way of conservation measures. But for the 
establishment of ex situ stands, the collection and storage of seed is also important. 
Coordination at national level 
Measures for the conservation of forest genetic resources are coordinated by a Federal and 
States Working Group, of which the Federal Research Institute and 11 Institutions of the 
states (Laender) are members. The first edition of the "Concept for the conservation of forest 
genetic resources in the Federal Republic of Germany" (BLAG 1989, 1997) is at present under 
revision. 
References 
Bitter, W.-G. 1999. ZMP-Bilanz Forst und Holz 1999. Zentrale Markt- und Preisberichtstelle, Bonn. 185 
pp. 
BLAG (Bund-Linder-Arbeitsgruppe "Erhaltung forstlicher Genressourcen"). 1989. Konzept zur 
Erhaltung forstlicher Genressourcen in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Forst und Holz 44:379-
404. 
BLAG. 1997. Concept for the conservation of forest genetic resources in the Federal Republic of 
Germany. Silvae Genetica 46:24-34. 
BML (Bundesministerium fur Ernahrung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Bonn). 1999. Bericht uber den 
Zustand des Waldes 1999 Ergebnisse des forstlichen Umweltmonitoring. 
<http://www.bml.de/wald_forst/waldzustandsbericht_1999/index.htm>. 
BML/BLE (Bundesministerium fur Ernahrung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Bonn; Bundesanstalt fur 
Landwirtschaft und Ernahrung, Frankfurt). 1999. Zusammenstellung uber zugelassenes 
Ausgangsmaterial fur forstliches Vermehrungsgut in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Stand: 01. 
Oktober 1997). [List of approved basic material for forest reproductive material in the Federal 
Republic of Germany (status: 1 October 1997)]. 476 pp. 
Konig, A, K. Groppe and B. Ziegenhagen. 1998. First results of chloroplast-DNA investigations in 
German populations of Quercus petraea and Q. robur. Pp. 102-108 in Diversity and adaptation in oak 
species. Proc. of the second meeting of the IUFRO WP 2.08.05, Genetics of Quercus. University Park 
(State College), Pennsylvania, USA, Oct 12-17, 1997 (K.c. Steiner, ed.). The Pennsylvania State 
University, University Park, P A 
Konnert, M., M. Ziehe, W.D. Maurer, U. Trober, E. Hussendorfer and H. Hertel. 2000. Genetische 
Variation der Buche (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Deutschland: Gemeinsame Auswertung genetischer 
Inventuren uber mehrere Bundeslander. [Genetic variation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.): joint 
evaluation of genetic inventories over several Federal States]. Forst und Holz 55 (in press). 
Maurer, W.D. and U. Tabel. 2000. Einrichtung und Bewirtschaftung forstlicher 
Generhaltungsbestande am Beispiel der Buche (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Rheinland-Pfalz 
36 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
(Deutschland). [Establishment and management of forest gene conservation stands of beech (Fagus 
sylvatica L.) in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany)]. Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, 
Birmensdorf, Switzerland. (in press). 
Schroder, T. 1999. Ober die Eignung verschiedener physikalisch-technischer Verfahren zur 
phytosanitaren Behandlung und zur Lagerung von Forstsaatgut unter besonderer 
Berucksichtigung der Stiel- und Traubeneiche. [On the suitability of various physical-technical 
methods for treatment and storage of tree seeds, especially acorns]. Mitteilungen der Biologischen 
Bundesanstalt f. Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Berlin (360). 241 pp. 
Schroder, T. and A. Wulf. (eds.). 1999. Fortschritte bei der Lagerungstechnologie von Eichensaatgut. 
[Recent progress in the storage technology of acorns]. Mitteilungen der Biologischen Bundesanstalt 
f. Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Berlin (365). 159 pp. 
Schubert, R, G. Bahnweg, J. Nechwatal, T. Jung, D.E.L. Cooke, J.M. Duncan, G. Muller-Starck, C. 
Langebartels, H. Sandermann Jr. and W. Osswald. 1999. Detection and quantification of 
Phytophthora species which are associated with root-rot diseases in European deciduous forests by 
species-specific polymerase chain reaction. Eur. J. For. Path. 29:169-188. 
Schubert, W. 1998. Lagerung und Vorbehandlung von Saatgut wichtiger Baum- und Straucharten. 
[Storage and pre-treatment of seed of important tree and shrub species]. Landesanstalt fur 
Okologie, Bodenordnung und Forsten / Landesamt fUr Agrarordnung Nordrhein-Westfalen 
(LOBF), Recklinghausen. 183 pp. . 
Stephan, B.R 1998. Beech and oak species in Germany: occurrence and gene conservation measures. 
Pp. 102-111 in First EUFORGEN Meeting on Social Broadleaves. Bordeaux, France, 23-25 October 
1997 (J. Turok, A. Kremer and S. de Vries, compilers). International Plant Genetic Resources 
Institute, Rome. 
Stephan, B.R 2000. Nationale und internationale Rahmenbedingungen und Aktivitaten zur Erhaltung 
forstlicher Genressourcen. (National and international framework and activities for the 
conservation of forest genetic resources). Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, 
Switzerland. (in press). 
Wulf, A. and R Kehr. (eds.). 1996. Eichensterben in Deutschland. [Oak decline in Germany]. 
Mitteilungen der Biologischen Bundesanstalt f. Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Berlin (318). 157 pp. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 37 
Lithuania 
Virgilijus Baliuckas 
Lithuanian Forest Research Institute, Girionys, Kaunas reg., Lithuania 
Research activities 
The project on "Delimitation of Quercus robur L. breeding zones in Lithuania" was completed 
in 1998 at the Lithuanian Forest Research Institute. The zoning was based on the evaluation 
of data from forest inventory and analysis of some qualitative traits assessed in permanent 
plots of native oak stands. 
The state project "Broadleaved tree species ecogenetic variation and conservation of their 
genetic resources" was initiated for the period 1999-2003. Quercus robur L. is also included 
and it is planned to study the level of genetic diversity (based on adaptive, productive and 
qualitative traits) and its performance over the geographic gradient and over successive 
generations. The results will help to construct new principles and methods for the 
conservation of genetic diversity. The national databases will be developed and updated for 
in situ and ex situ genetic resources, and will be available on the Internet. 
Tree improvement 
In the framework of the "National Conceptional Programme for Forest Regeneration" which 
will end in 2010, seed orchards for Q. robur L. should be established in each forest ecoclimatic 
region. In addition 20 oak plus trees were selected in 1998. Progeny testing is continued 
(over 100 half-sib families from 10 oak populations). 
Use of reproductive material 
A database (using Microsoft Access) for forest seed quality and ongm control and 
documentation was implemented in 1999. In 1998, 5812 kg of Q. robur acorns were collected 
in Lithuania; 22% of this amount was collected in seed stands and gene reserves, the 
remaining part in stands of I and II selection categories (or breeding classes). 
38 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Finland 
Pekka Vakkari 
Foundation for Forest Tree Breeding, Helsinki, Finland 
This report concerns only pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), as other species included in the 
scope of the Network are not native in Finland. 
Conservation 
Several pedunculate oak populations have been given the status of a nature reserve. The ex 
situ collection presently includes a total of 146 seedling families from 21 populations and a 
few additions are planned for the year 2000. Management plans of several protected natural 
stands are designed to enhance natural regeneration of oak. 
Inventories 
Nothing new since 1997, a project has been proposed. 
Legislation 
Nothing new since 1997. 
Research 
Progeny trials of pedunculate oak have been planted in 1998 and 1999. Trials include 
material from 23 Finnish, 3 Estonian and 1 Danish populations, in total 440 single tree 
families. Marker data analyses have been continued to investigate the popUlation 
differentiation and within-population spatial structure using isoenzyme, microsatellite and 
chloroplast DNA markers. A small clone collection has been established, mainly for research 
needs but also for gene conservation purposes. 
Public awareness 
There has been a remarkable public interest in planting pedunculate oak on old, abandoned 
agricultural land and several seminars on the topic were organized. Presently, the interest 
seems to be slightly declining, possibly owing to the high cultivation costs. The importance 
of pedunculate oak as a key species in valuable forest habitats and as a host of a high number 
of red-listed species (e.g. insects and fungi) is widely understood. 
PROGRESS REPORTS 39 
Sweden 
Lennart Ackzell 
National Board of Forestry, Jonkoping, Sweden 
Practical conservation activities 
The Swedish Forest Gene Conservation Programme includes six archive plantations of 
Quercus robur and Q. petraea consisting of 513 families. Since 1997 re-labeling and 
maintenance work such as clearing and vegetation treatments have taken place. A limited 
collection of material for cpDNA analysis has been done in collaboration with the Danish 
partner in the EU IF AIR project on genetic diversity of oaks. 
No activities on Fagus sylvatica have taken place as natural regeneration is characteristic of 
this species. 
Inventories 
All selected stands of F. sylvatica and Q. robur, Q. petraea and Q. rubra have been re-
inventoried. The result is as follows: 
Stands 
S~ecies Inventoried Withdrawn New A~~roved 
F. sylvatica 82 40 3 45 
Q. robur 113 34 6 85 
Q. petraea 20 12 0 8 
Q. rubra 7 3 0 4 
Research 
Two provenance trials are now established in Sweden: the international beech provenance 
trial in 1998 and the other in the framework of a concerted action in 1995. Both are carried 
out in close collaboration with beech researchers in Grosshansdorf, Germany. 
Progeny trials have been established from the two seed orchards of F. sylvatica and the 
two seed orchards of Q. robur. These seed orchards were established in the 1950s. 
Sweden has taken an active part in the EU IF AIR project proposal on geneflow in Quercus. 

COUNTRY REPORTS 41 
Introductory Country Reports 
Social Broadleaves genetic resources in Bulgaria 
Alexander H. Alexandrov, Emil Popov, Konstantin Genov and Ghyorghi Hinkov 
Forest Research Institute, Sofia, Bulgaria 
European white oaks and beech are of great economic importance for the country, both in 
the plains and hilly areas and in the low- and middle-mountain regions. The stands of these 
species determine the character of the forests in the lower belt of the oak forests and in part 
of the middle-mountain belt of the beech and coniferous forests. 
Social 'Broadleaves in Bulgaria include mainly s~ssile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.), 
pedunculate oak (Q. robur L.), Italian oak (Q. frainetto Ten.), Turkey oak (Q. cerris L.), 
pubescent oak (Q. pubescens Willd.), common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oriental beech 
(F. orientalis Lipsky). 
State of the oak and beech forests 
Oak forests 
They are of primary importance for the environment and for wood production. The total 
forest area amounts to 3 236 758 ha with a volume of 395 628 000 m3. Oak forests occupy 
1050390 ha (31.1 %) of the total area with a total volume of 90358000 m3 (22.8%). 
The composition of the oak forests, determined mainly by Q. jrainetto, Q. petraea and Q. 
cerris, to a lesser extent by Q. pubescens, and negligibly by Q. robur, shows a tendency 
towards dry environment. They used to be more mesophilic, with wider distribution of 
species demanding more moisture, such as Q. robur, Q. petraea and Q. hartwissiana Stev. Even 
today these oak species are considered some of the most valuable, but their proportions have 
decreased. 
From the Cretaceous period when the evergreen oaks appeared and afterwards through 
the Tertiary and the beginning of the Quaternary periods, a process of transition from more 
moisture-demanding and warmth-demanding species to species more adapted to conditions 
of a colder and more arid climate can be observed. 
The best-conserved oak forests are found in the Strandja Mountains where their total area 
is about 167000 ha, 36% of which are Q. jrainetto, 26% Q. petraea, 12% Q. cerris and 3% Q. 
pubescens; Q. hartwissiana Stev. occurs only as single trees. Oak formations in the eastern 
Balkan Range are more mesophilic, as indicated by the higher percentage of Q. petraea, a 
species with high diversity. In contrast to Strandja Mountains and the eastern Balkan Range, 
the composition of the oak forests in northeastern Bulgaria is determined by Q. cerris and Q. 
frainetto, the main colonizers. Along the rivers Struma and Mesta, in Sakar Mountains and 
the eastern Rhodopes, Q. pubescens occurs, as well as the uncommon kermes oak (Q. coccifera 
L.) which is the most drought-resistant species in the southern regions of Bulgaria. A new 
oak species found in the Rila Mountains is Q. protoroburoides Don. et Bouz., whose occurrence 
is being mapped. 
Structure of the oak forests: high forest formations, which are the most valuable from the 
environmental and economical points of view, occupy only 179 409 ha (17.1 %), while coppice 
forests amount to a total of 555 363 ha (52.8%). When the corresponding forestry operations 
in these two categories of forests are carried out skill fully, the establishment of more high 
forest stands is possible. The greatest difficulties with oak forest management are created by 
the stands prescribed for reconstruction into high forest whose total area is 305 197 ha 
(29.1 %). They have low yield capacities, as they grow in unfavourable soil and climate 
42 SOCIAL BROAD LEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
conditions and are subjected to negative anthropogenic activity which has resulted in their 
degradation. Therefore they need changes of the species composition over large areas; at the 
same time all possibilities for conserving a proportion of the trees susceptible to form good 
stands must be looked for. The proportion of the oak forests to be managed as coppice is 
10421 ha (1.0%), but because of the demand for timber there are tendencies towards 
increasing their area by practising clear fellings in part of the currently existing coppice 
forests. 
Based on typological studies, the following groups of oak forests have been differentiated: 
(1) flood able oak forests (longoses), (2) valley oak forests, (3) plain and plateau oak forests, 
(4) nearly moist low mountain oak forests, and (5) arid hill and slope oak forests (Marinov et 
al. 1995). 
The health condition of the oak forests is aggravated mainly by the continuous 
management in the coppice forestry regime (of a few rotations) and by the uncontrolled 
pasture of domestic animals, as these two factors aggravate the growth conditions and 
resistance of the stands .. Great damages are inflicted periodically by the insect pest gypsy 
moth (Lymantria dispar L) which defoliates whole stands. However, the mass wilting of the 
oak forests in the last two decades has often been due to tracheomycosis caused by 
Ceratocystis roboris G. et T., which is most severe in the coppice forests where it attacks 20-
30% of the trees. The insect Scolytus intricatus Ratz. is considered the main vector of this 
fungus. 
Beech forests 
The deciduous forests which are second in importance after oak forests are composed mainly 
of the two beeches Fagus sylvatica and F. orientalis. They have a great importance for wood 
production and also fulfil substantial environmental and recreational functions. Their total 
area amounts to 549 911 ha or 17% of the forested area in this country, and their wood 
volume to 111257300 m3 (28.1% of the total volume). Their average volume and mean 
annual increment are 202 m 3/ha and 3.18 m3/ha respectively, suggesting good yield 
capacities. 
Common and oriental beeches are considered to have originated from F. pliocenica in 
Neogene, and during the Glacial period (Pleistocene) they maintained themselves in refugia 
in southeastern Europe, mainly on the Balkan Peninsula. Beech pollen dating from the Pre-
Boreal epoch has been found in the Rila Mts., though in small amounts, and its percentage 
was found to have increased in the Sub-Boreal one. However, the expansion of common 
beech has increased in the Sub-Atlantic epoch, thus pushing spruce and fir up the mountains 
and oak and hornbeam down towards the plains. Common beech occupied its current niche 
about 5000 years ago when the vertical (altitudinal) zonation of vegetation was formed. 
Today the lowest formations of common beech in Bulgaria are at 150 m altitude in 
Bozhuritsa, near the city of Vi din, and at 200-300 m altitude in Ludogorie. 
Anthropogenic activity, particularly in the last 30 years, resulted in a diminution of the 
total area of common beech by 31.6% and of its total volume by 23.6% (Garelkov et al. 1995). 
The total area of the high-stemmed common beech forests has been reduced down to 362 004 
ha of a total volume of 80 037900 m3, while the proportion of the coppice beech forests 
belonging to the management classes for conversion, transformation and of low stems has 
increased up to 126742 ha (23.1% of beech's area) with a total volume of 24103800 m3 
(21.7% of beech's total volume), as well as the proportion of the common beech forests for 
reconstruction, up to 61165 ha (11.1 %) of a total volume of 6773900 m3 (6.1 %). 
Vast, pure stands of common beech occur on northern exposures, on nearly moist to moist 
rich soils, in the mountain belt where hornbeam-mixed beech stands also occur, on an area 
reaching about 100000 ha, of which 70000 ha is in the Balkan Range. In the deciduous 
forests, the species mixing with common beech, besides hornbeam, are sycamore, Norway 
maple, Balkan maple, common ash, silver birch, aspen, limes, bird cherry, rowan, wild 
COUNTRY REPORTS 43 
service tree, etc. Higher in the mountains, mixed stands of beech and fir, beech and spruce, 
and beech, fir and spruce occur. The latter are the most productive, with those situated at 
1400 m asl in Parangalitsa Reserve in the Rila Mts. reaching a volume of 1600 m3/ha. 
Mixtures of common beech with Scots and Macedonian pines occur comparatively seldom. 
The poor natural regeneration in certain beech stands necessitates planting beech 
seedlings, plantations of which have been established in the course of 2-3 decades. Their 
maximum area was 2652 ha in 1987, after which it was reduced from 1467 ha (1990) down to 
309 ha (1994). These seedlings are produced in two ways: traditional, i.e. in open nursery 
areas; and a comparatively new one, in temporary forest nurseries under the canopies of 
beech stands thinned down to the spacing index of 30%, which gives certain advantages. 
The health condition of the beech forests is good. The most important diseases of beech 
are wood rot caused by fungi of the class Basidiomycetes, and branch and stem canker 
caused by the fungus Nectria ditissima. 
Natural distribution ranges in Bulgaria 
Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) 
Sessile oak is distributed within a broad altitudinal range, generally from sea level up to 1600 
m in almost all mountains, but most often up to 1000 m asl. 
The availability of natural stands of sessile oak all over the country, within the above 
range, reveals its high ecological plasticity. Its adaptation to drought is accompanied by 
morphological characteristics such as leaf size diminution, increase of the number of 
secondary veins, deeply lobed leaves, pubescence of their lower surfaces, etc. (Stefanov and 
Kostov 1964). 
Sessile oak forms pure or mixed stands. In moister places it mixes with the three lime 
species, common ash, Norway maple, sycamore, common beech and hornbeam. At arid 
sites, its associates in the mixed stands are Turkey oak, Hungarian oak, hop-hornbeam, 
manna ash, smoke tree, common juniper, cornelian cherry, common hawthorn, etc. 
Common oak (Quercus robut) 
When mapping Quercus robur it was found to be distributed mainly in the lowlands and 
plains, in certain hollows, and less often in the mountains, thus reaching up to 900-1000 m, 
though seldom exceeding 800 m asl. Based on the physicogeographical zonation of Bulgaria 
(Chyorghiev 1991) and the investigations carried out on pedunculate oak, 11 centres of 
distribution can be distinguished: the Danube Plain, Ludogorie (the wild forest region), 
Eastern Dobrudja, Fore-Balkan valleys and hollows, sub-Balkan valleys and hollows, Pernik-
and-Kyustendil Region, Upper Thracian Lowland, Tundja Region and Burgas-and-Karnobat 
Region. 
European Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) 
Its distribution range almost covers the natural ranges of the other Bulgarian oaks. It is 
widely spread in northeastern Bulgaria, the Danube Plain, the Fore-Balkan region, the 
eastern Balkan Mountain, Sredna Cora, Tundja Hilly Plain and in the mountainous regions 
up to 1200 m altitude. 
Pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens) 
The distribution range of pubescent oak in the country includes northwestern Bulgaria, 
central-north Bulgaria and northeastern Bulgaria. Pubescent oak can also be found on the 
southern slopes of Sredna Cora, on the slopes of the mountains along the Struma and Mesta 
rivers, the northern slopes of the Rhodopes, the eastern Rhodopes, the Sakar Mountain and 
on the Black Sea coast (Stefanov 1943-44). 
44 SOCIAL BROAD LEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Quercus pubescens is the most widely spread species in Bulgaria, after Q. petraea (Delkov 
1988). It can be found all over the country, especially in the southern parts where it forms 
vast stands, strongly thinned and stunted because of their excessive cutting. It grows on the 
hills, elevations and submontane regions up to 1000 m altitude, mainly on the southern 
sunny slopes, on compact, dry and limy soils. 
Italian oak or Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto) 
Italian oak can be found in the whole country, north in the Danube region, in the lower parts 
of the submontane, and partially in the lower mountain belts, rarely reaching up to 1000 m 
asl. 
At the Black Sea coast Italian oak reaches sea level, in the Danube Plain and in the Fore-
Balkan region the altitude of 500-600 m, in the Thracian Lowland and the southern part of 
the Balkan Mountain up to 600-700 m altitude, and in the eastern Rhodopes and at the basin 
of Struma river up to 800 m. In some places, owing to the existing microclimates, Italian oak 
reaches higher altitudes. Its wide distribution, however, is limited from sea level to 500-
600 m asl. 
Italian oak forms pure stands in the eastern Balkan Mountain region, dominates in the 
tree composition of the stands in Strandja, particularly along the periphery of the mountain, 
while in the region of Ludogorie only Turkey oak can compare to its area of distribution. 
Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) 
Its natural range includes almost all mountains: Stara Planina (the Balkan Range), Sredna 
Gora (the central mountain), Vitosha, the Rila-and-Rhodopes Massif and the Ossogovo-and-
Belassitsa Mountain System. Common beech is replaced by oriental beech only in Strandja 
Mountains, a part of the eastern Balkan Range and in some small formations in the eastern 
Rhodopes. Generally, F. sylvatica occurs at altitudes from 150-200 m up to 1800 m, though 
tree groups and single trees are found outside of these limits. Common beech forms broad 
and pure stands and also mixed stands, most often in combination with hornbeam, less often 
with sessile oak, and regarding coniferous species, with silver fir, Norway spruce, and to a 
lesser extent Scots pine. In most cases, these stands represent a stage of the succession 
processes of supplantation of the coniferous species by beech. 
Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) 
As a Pontic species, oriental beech is one of the main colonizers in Strandja Mountains where 
it comprises pure and mixed formations situated in deep ravines and on moist, north-facing 
sites. However, it occurs also in the plains at the frontier between Bulgaria and Turkey, in 
Lopushna Reserve. Its associates are certain evergreens, such as Rhododendron ponticum L., 
Ilex aquifolium L., Laurocerasus officinalis Roem., etc. 
Though less common, oriental beech is distributed also in certain parts of the eastern 
Balkan Range, as its western limit reaches Varbitsa Pass. The typical stands are in the Aytos 
and Kamchiya parts of the Balkan Range. In the region of the village of Obzor, along the 
lower reaches of Dvoynitsa river, this beech grows at 10 m asl, together with Mediterranean 
herbaceous associations. In the rest of the eastern Balkan Range, it occurs up to 550 m asl, 
most often in deep ravines and on north-facing sites. The species it mixes with are mainly 
Carpinus betulus L. and, to a lesser extent, Acer pseudoplatanus L., Tilia tomentosa Moench. and 
other deciduous species. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 45 
Inventory of the gene conservation units 
Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) 
Seed stands 
The sessile oak seed stands are 522 for a total area of 7101.2 ha or 0.4% of the area of the oak 
forests in Bulgaria. The areas of the seed stands vary from 2.3 ha to 55 ha (average 13.6 ha), 
and their ages vary from 40 to 180 years (average 95.7 years). They span almost the whole 
altitudinal range of this species in the country, from the lowest altitude (100 m) with some 
seed stands in the state forestry districts of Tsarevo, Staro Oryahovo and Nessebar, to the 
highest ones in the state forestry districts of Rilski Manastir (1500 m), Tran (1200 m), 
Sandanski and Borovets (1150 m) and Peshtera (1100 m). The total volume of sessile oak in 
the seed stands amounts to 828 930 m3, the average values for height and diameter are 19.4 m 
and 26.4 cm. respectively, and the average grade (stand-quality level) is 3.3. The seed stands 
of the biggest volumes of sessile oak are in the state forestry districts of Sadovo, Varbitsa and 
Staro Oryahovo, while those of the highest values of height and diameter are in the state 
forestry districts of Staro Oryahovo, Gramatikovo and Novo Panicharevo where some of the 
oldest stands of this species in the country are found. 
About one-third of the total area of sessile oak seed stands in Bulgaria is under the Burgas 
Regional Forestry Board, which manages 2409.3 ha of these stands of a total volume of 
256220 m3 . Within the territories under this and the Varna Regional Forestry Board, sessile 
oak stands are conserved to the maximum extent. 
Forest reserves 
The following percentages of sessile oak have been found in 37 reserves: 16 in the Balkan 
Range, 6 in Strandja Mountains, 5 in the Rhodopes, 1 in the Rila Mts., 2 in the Pirin Mts., 1 in 
Ossogovo Mountains, 1 in Vitosha Mountains and 1 in Belassitsa Mountains The reserves of 
Kamchiya, Beli Lom, Boukaka and Kalfata do not belong to mountain massifs. Of the above 
reserves, Bistrishko Branishte, Chervenata Stena, Jendema, Kamchiya, Koupena and Steneto 
are included in the list of biosphere reserves, under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) 
Programme and the reserves of Valchi Dol, Steneto and Kamchiya are included in the list of 
ornithologically important places in Europe, known as "Important Bird Areas", under 
Birdlife International. 
The total area of the compartments in the reserves where sessile oak occurs amounts to 
14790 ha, the tree age varying from 41 to 165 years, with an average of 83.6 years. The 
average altitude of these reserves is 614.6 m with a maximum of 1340 m in Rilomanastirska 
Gora and a minimum of 2 m in Kamchiya Reserve. The average grade of the sessile oak 
stands included in the reserves is 4.3; the highest grade attained (2) is in Kamchiya Reserve. 
The average height and breast-height diameter of the sessile oak stands in the reserves are 
13.8 m and 19.6 cm respectively; these values are considerably lower than those for the seed 
stands, because declaring reserves is not necessarily connected with the growth potential of 
the tree species therein. 
National and natural parks 
Sessile oak occurs in 9 of the total of 12 national and natural parks: Strandja, Rila, Central 
Balkan, Vitosha, Vrachanski Balkan, Sinite Kamani, Shoumensko Plato, Roussenski Lom, 
Zlatni Pyasatsi and Etara. The total area of forest lands under protection status of national or 
natural park and where Q. petraea occurs amounts to 217 061.8 ha. Sessile oak is most widely 
spread in Strandja Natural Park where its percentages according to state forestry districts are 
47% in Tsarevo, 36% in Kosti, 26% in Gramatikovo and 25% in Malko Tarnovo. The 
percentage of sessile oak is high in Sinite Kamani Natural Park (22%), while in Etara it is 
negligible (less than 1%), and in Zlatni Pyasatsi only single trees occur. 
46 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Pedunculate oak (Quercus robUl} 
Seed stands 
The total area of the 41 seed stands containing pedunculate oak amounts to 440.1 ha. In the 
pedunculate oaJ< seed stands belonging to the state forestry districts of Koubrat, Silistra and 
Tutracan this species occurs as single trees. Partial area is a more precisely indicative 
characteristic of the sizes of the pedunculate oak formations and the state of the species; it is 
approximately 250 ha for the seed stands in question. The total volume is 26448 m3 and the 
average volume per hectare 60.1 m3, while the average volume per hectare calculated for the 
partial area is 106 m3 . Both these characteristics have low values, considering the high yield 
capacity of pedunculate oak at an average age of about 84 years and of an average grade of 
2.9. According to volumetric tables, this species should have, at the above age, a volume of 
about 200-300 m3 /ha. The small volume is also due to the spacing index which is about 60-
70%. The average height is 20.1 m, but for the stand in Compartment 102 of Staro Oryahovo 
it reaches 35 m, while the average breast-height diameter is 44.3 cm and in Compartment I, 
Subcompartment E, of Nikopol this diameter is 120 cm. 'The altitudinal range is outlined by 
the lowest stands in Staro Oryahovo, Compartments 102B and 106A at 5 m alt., and by the 
uppermost one in Kazanlak, Compartment 114D at 850 m alt. The seed stands of the largest 
areas are in Nova Zagora (84.9 ha), followed by those in Yambol (69.4 ha), Maglizh. (63.1 ha) 
and Staro Oryahovo. (45.6 ha). The first three state forestry districts are along the Toundja 
river, and about 217 ha, or approximately half of the total area of pedunculate oak seed 
stands in the country, are included therein. The average area for the above 41 seed stands in 
15 state forestry districts is approximately 11 ha. There are limited possibilities for 
differentiating and declaring new seed stands of Q. robur, such as certain protected areas; it is 
also possible to use single bio-groups in the farmlands for this purpose. 
Forest reserves 
The total area of the four reserves containing pedunculate oak is 1070 ha, the total volume 
55450 m3 and the average volume per hectare 54.5 m3 . Kamchiya Reserve (Staro Oryahovo) 
is at altitudes 1-10 m, while the reserves Gorna Topchiya (Yambol), Balabana and Dolna 
Topchiya (Elhovo) are at altitudes of about 100 m. Single pedunculate oak trees have been 
found in other reserves as well: Baltata (Balchik) and Beli Lom (Razgrad). 
Kamchiya Reserve is the largest genetic resource. Pedunculate oak occurs on a total area 
of 495.5 ha, amounting to about 17% of the reserve's territory. The total volume is 13230 m3, 
the average 26.7 m3/ha, and the partial area 84.9 ha. Average height and breast-height 
diameter are 26.3 m and 48.9 cm respectively, and the average age is 134 years reaching its 
maximum of 180 years in Compartment 97 A. The stands are in a comparatively good health 
condition, most of the trees being overtopped mainly by the species Q. robur, and less often 
Fraxinus oxycarpa Willd. This reserve is the best-preserved, most compact forest complex in 
Bulgaria. It is composed of the so-called "longos forests". It is at the mouth of Kamchiya 
river, so that its soil is moistened permanently, typical of flood able forests. The first storey is 
formed by Q. robur, F. oxycarpa and Ulmus minor Mill., and the second by Carpinus betulus, 
Acer campestre L. and Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz., but it also includes Salix sp. L., Populus 
alba L. and Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. In the third storey, the species Cornus mas L., Acer 
tataricum L., Crataegus sp. L., Sambucus nigra L. etc. can be found, as well as the lianas Smilax 
excelsa L., Hedera helix L., Clematis vitalba L. and Vitis silvestris L. The problem with these 
stands is the poor natural regeneration of pedunculate oak, which is gradually supplanted 
by Caucasian ash or other accessory species. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 47 
Natural parks 
Pedunculate oak occurs in five of the natural parks, namely: D&bovete (Dobrich), Roussenski 
Lom (Rousse), Shoumensko Plato (Shoumen), Zlatni Pyas&tsi (Varna) and Vrachanski Balkan 
(Vratsa) on a total area of 17782.9 ha, the average altitude being 347 m. 
Pedunculate oak's percentage in D&bovete Natural Park is about 20% and the partial area 
amounts to 94 ha. A proportion of the trees have been planted, but they are of a local 
provenance, thus representing a valuable genetic resource. 
In the remaining four parks, this oak occurs either as single trees or in small groups, and 
though these parks are considerably larger in area than D&bovete, their value as a genetic 
resource is lower. 
European Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) 
Seed stands 
The Turkey oak forests in Bulgaria occupy 258402 ha, 31051 ha of which are high-stem 
stands, 53777 ha stands for reconstruction, 74985 ha coppice stands, 90192 ha coppice 
stands for conversion, and 8397 ha low-stem stands (Marinov et al. 1995). In the high-stem 
and coppice forests 145 seed stands are selected: 56 in northeastern Bulgaria, 66 in the Balkan 
Mountain and its fore-mountain regions and elevations, 13 in Strandja Mountains, 8 in the 
mountain of Sredna Gora and 2 in the eastern Rhodopes. 
From the available 145 seed stands, over one-third are situated in northeastern Bulgaria, 
with an average height of 19.8 m and average diameter of 26.5 cm. They are stands of high 
quality, with well-expressed phenotypic characters such as straight stem form and high, 
genetically determined productivity. 
Unlike the forests in northeastern Bulgaria where the Turkey oak is often a dominant 
species, in the eastern Balkan Mountain it forms mainly mixed stands. They occupy both the 
south and north slopes of the mountain, Kamchiiska, Eminska, Aytoska and Karnobatska 
Mountains inclusive, with their neighbouring hilly elevations and plateaux. In the 26 seed 
stands selected here Q. cerris appears as a "co-edificator" (species co-determining the stand 
composition) mainly with Q. frainetto and Q. petraea and to a lesser extent with Q. robur. 
Studies show that in its greater part the Turkey oak growing stock is over-mature - above 
130-140 years, and is of Ill-IV quality grade. The oldest stand is above 170 years with 
average height 29 m and average diameter 48 cm. 
The 13 seed stands in Strandja are fully sufficient, given the pontic characteristics of part 
of the sites and the existing reserves. 
As a whole, the selected seed stands are mature and over-mature. The oldest are 140-150 
years and have a maximum height of 25 m and maximum diameter of 42 cm. In half of the 
stands Q. cerris is the principal species with participation of 90% and in the rest it is a "co-
edificator" with Q. frainetto and partially with Q. petraea. Quercus hartwissiana can also be 
found dispersed or in groups in these stands. 
The area of the seed stands is 2143.2 ha and the total volume is 237480 m 3• This is the 
productivity of the Turkey oak growing stock at average age of 79.2 years, with average 
height 19.8 m, average diameter 26.2 cm and average quality grade of the stands 2.6. These 
data demonstrate that the seed stands have a high productivity; they are selected correctly 
for the purpose and represent a valuable genetic resource. 
Forest reserves 
Investigations show that Q. cerns occurs In 16 of them, the smallest and biggest being 
situated in Strandja. 
The reserve of Vodnite lilii is 2.9 ha. It is formed of Q. frainetto, Q. petraea and Q. cerris 
which have average height of 15 m and average diameter of 14 cm. 
In Lopushna Reserve (1188 ha) the Turkey oak growing stock has a total volume of 7150 
48 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
m3. Its average age is 116 years, average height 18.6 m and average diameter 30 cm. It 
consists of 22 compartments, in only one of which the participation of the Turkey oak is 60%, 
in two - 20% and in five - 10%. In the remaining compartments it is an admixed species with 
participation below 10%. 
Among the 16 reserves mentioned, Q. cerris is most widely spread in the Beli Lom reserve, 
situated in northeastern Bulgaria, occupying an area of 416.3 ha. It is characterized by the 
highest total volume of the growing stock (32 040 m3) which is formed mainly of Turkey oak 
populations. The average age is 44 years, average height 16.5 m, average diameter 19 cm and 
average grade 1.9. The investigations show that Q. cerris is a dominant species in 9 of the 10 
compartments in the reserve. Its admixed species are Tilia tomentosa, Fraxinus oxycarpa, 
Q. petraea, Acer campestre L., Ulmus minor and Robinia pseudoacacia L. Their presence indicates 
the good sites conditions. In the remaining reserves the participation of the Turkey oak does 
not exceed 20% and most often it appears as an admixed element. 
The total area under Turkey oak in the forest reserves amounts to 4015 ha and the total 
volume is 56 215 m3• For the total area this means 684.7 m 3/ha, at average age of 93 years, 
average height of 17.0 m, average diameter of 25.6 cm and average grade of 3.9. Inventory 
data show that the maximum height of the growing stock reaches up to 28.6 m and the 
maximum diameter 47 cm. 
National and natural parks 
The high mountain character of the national parks of Central Balkan, Rila and Pirin 
determines a hydrothermic regime with high amounts of rain throughout the year, low 
temperatures and a comparatively short period without snow. For these reasons Q. cerris L. 
is weakly distributed and can be found only on the southern exposures, in the lowest parts, 
mainly on limy terrain. 
In the natural parks the climatic and soil conditions are favourable for the development of 
Q. cerris and in some of them it is one of the major tree species. 
Quercus cerris is most widely distributed in the natural park of Zlatni pyasatsi where its 
participation reaches 18% and it appears as a dominant species. The participation of the 
other tree species is below 10%, with a very rich composition. 
In the natural parks of Roussenski Lom and Dabovete, Turkey oak is of coppice origin 
and its participation is 0.1 %. It forms oak stands with Q. frainetto in which it often appears as 
a dominant species. In the natural park of Strandja, in the region of Malko Tarnovo the 
participation of Turkey oak is 9%, in Gramatikovo 7% and in Kosti 2%. A typical 
representative of the pontic vegetation in this park is Fagus orientalis, with an understorey of 
Rhododendron ponticum L. and Daphne pontica L. As a whole the growing stock of the forest 
formations is over 120 years old and at many places it is of IV-V quality grade. This park 
includes five reserves with a view to preserving the Tertiary vegetation typical of the region. 
The Turkey oak in the natural park of Vrachanski Balkan participates up to 3% in the 
mesophilic and xerophilic vegetation, reaching up to 800 m altitude. 
In the other natural parks Vitosha, Sinite kamani and Shoumensko plato, the participation 
of the Turkey oak in the forest formations is up to 1 %. 
Pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens) 
Seed stands 
They are only four with a total area of 40.8 ha. These seed stands are used for the same 
purpose for other species as well because Q. pubescens is not frequent in them or exists as 
single trees. Among these four stands those with better indexes are Tsonevo 34v and 
Toutrakan 96zh. In this region studies for the establishment of other stands suitable for seed 
production could be carried out. The genetic conservation units declared so far are not 
enough, both in area and number, given the available resources of this species in the country. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 49 
Forest reserves 
There are eight reserves containing pubescent oak with an area of 1010 ha and average 
density of 0.2. It occurs at an altitude of about 50 m in the reserves of Ropotamo and Baltata, 
while in the reserve of Ali Botush it occurs at 1230 m. The average altitude for all reserves in 
which the pubescent oak is distributed is 464 m. The average height of the pubescent oak is 
6.1 m, the maximum value (10 m) being measured in Patleina reserve. The average total 
volume reaches about 7.0 m 3/ha and it is comparatively higher in the Tisata reserve (12.0 
m 3/ha). This is due to the low density and the low quality grade of the stands in the greater 
part of the reserves containing Q. pubescens. 
Natural parks 
The area of the natural parks containing pubescent oak is 14617 ha. Its average content is 
about 1-2% of the tree composition. In the natural park Sinite kamani its content is 7%. The 
area occupied by pubescent oak in all parks is approximately about 600 ha. The average 
altitude of the natural parks containing pubescent oak vary from 150-700 m. 
Italian oak or Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetfo) 
Seed stands 
They are 348, with a total area of 4432.8 ha. Stands with a content of Italian oak below 30%, 
under 2 ha area, and those under 40 years are not included. The area varies from 2-43.8 ha, 
with average value of 12.7 ha., the age from 40-180 years, average 112 years. The seed stands 
comprise almost the whole altitude range of the Italian oak distribution in the country, from 
50-850 m. At the lowest altitudes (up to 100 m) there are seed stands in Staro Orjahovo, 
Nesebar and Sherba and at the highest altitudes those in Breznik (850 m), Kotel and Sadovo 
(800 m), Ihtiman and Tsaparevo (750 m). The total volume of the Italian oak in the seed 
stands in Bulgaria is 453 010 m 3 and the average values of the inventory indexes for height, 
diameter and quality grade are respectively 20.8 m, 29.4 cm, and 3.7. Stands with the highest 
total volumes of Italian oak are those in Staro Orjahovo, Sadovo and Nesebar and those with 
highest values for diameter and height in Staro Orjahovo, Gramatikovo, Aytos and Novo 
Panichevo where some of the oldest stands of this species in the country can be found. The 
area of the Italian oak seed stands and its total volumes are very irregularly distributed 
throughout the country. The biggest part of the Italian oak seed stands is concentrated in the 
Regional Forestry Boards of Varna (2168.4 ha with total volume of 263080 m 3) and Burgas 
(1819.4 ha with total volume of 155 140 m 3) where they are preserved to a maximum extent 
and where inventory indexes are the best. 
Forest reserves 
Italian oak is present in 19 reserves distributed according to mountains as follows: 4 in the 
Balkan Mountain, 6 in Strandja, 1 in Osogovo Mountains, 2 in Malashevska Mountains; and 
in the reserves Beli Lom, Vodnite lilii and Kalfata which do not belong to mountain massifs. 
The reserve of Valchi Dol is included in the "List of the ornithologically important places" 
(Important Bird Areas) in Europe of the Birdlife International. 
The total area of the compartments with Italian oak is 6971.9 ha. The average age of the 
Italian oak in the reserves is 93 years. The oldest Italian oak stand, 190-years-old, is in the 
reserve of Sokolna (Tsaparevo). Stands with the lowest altitude (below 100 m) are situated in 
the reserves of Ropotamo and Vodnite lilii. The highest altitude this species reaches is in the 
Gabra reserve (982 m). 
The average grade of the Italian oak stands included in the reserves is 4.2, with highest 
grade in the reserves Beli Lom (2.7) and Vodnite lilii (3). 
The average values for the inventory indexes for diameter and height in the reserves are 
much lower than those for the seed stands. This is normal since the declaration of the seed 
50 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
stand is connected with preliminary selection work, while the declaration of the reserves 
rarely is connected with the inventory indexes and the growth possibilities of the tree species 
they include. 
National and natural parks 
From the total number of three national parks and nine natural parks in Bulgaria, according 
to the Law for the protected territories of November 1998, Italian oak is distributed in the 
national parks of Rila and Central Balkan and in the natural parks Roussenski Lom, Sinite 
kamani, Strandja, Vitosha, Vrachanski Balkan and Zlatni Pyasatsi. The total area of the forest 
territory with the above-mentioned protected status in which the Italian oak can be found is 
195938.8 ha. In the natural park of Strandja, Italian oak has the highest percentage in the 
composition of the stands (in Tsarevo, Gramaticovo, Malko Tarnovo and Kosti respectively 
33%, 31%, 27% and 16%). It is relatively high (10%) in the natural park Roussenski Lom. In 
the national parks of Rila and Central Balkan this species is rarely found, mainly in their 
lower parts. 
Common beech (Fagus sy/vatica) 
Seed stands 
There are 898 differentiated seed stands of common beech with a total area of 11 824.6 ha, an 
average size 13.2 ha, ranging from 2-54.7 ha. Their average age is 103 years varying from 40-
210 years. The average height reaches 23 m (range 9-36 m), and the average breast-height 
diameter is 30.8 cm (minimum 10 cm, maximum 387 cm). The total volume amounts to 
3483540 m 3 or 294.6 m 3/ha, varying for a seed stand from 150 m3to 18040 m 3• The stand 
quality level (grade) varies from 1 to 5, but its average value is 2.1 which indicates the high 
quality of the selected beech stands. The seed stands of this species are sufficient in number, 
not only for meeting the country's demand for beech mast, but also as a valuable source of 
export for other European countries. However, the periodicity in the common beech seeding 
creates difficulties in the regular delivery of reproductive materials, and this necessitates the 
use of effective methods for beech mast conservation in the years of abundant seeding. 
Besides, replacing some of the over-mature seed stands with new, maturing ones is 
necessary. The certain autochthony of this genetic resource also increases its value. 
Forest reserves 
Common beech occurs in 44 reserves in the Balkan Range, the Central Mountain, the 
Rhodopes, the Rila and Pirin Mountains, Slavyanka Mountains, Ossogovo Mountains and 
Vitosha Mountains; its average altitude is 1145 m, ranging from 332 m (Valchi Prohod) up to 
1740 m (Shabanitsa). The total area of these reserves reaches 32436.9 ha (with its minimum 
of 6 ha at Momin Grad and its maximum of 3410.1 ha at Jendema), and their total volume is 
4726875 m3, i.e. 145.7 m 3/ha. The average height and breast-height diameter are 19.8 m (from 
9.5 m at Vrachanski Karst up to 28.7 m at Boukaka) and 28.9 cm (from 10 cm at Koutelka up 
to 50 cm at Momin Grad), respectively, and the average grade is 3.0 at the average age of 114 
years (from 52 years at Vrachanski Karst up to 270 years at Shabanitsa). Some of. the 
reserves, such as Boukaka, Boatin and Parangalitsa, have high values because of their 
inventory characteristics and very good genetic qualities. 
National and natural parks 
Common beech occurs in three national and seven natural parks whose areas range from 
476.4 ha (Etara) up to 55532.5 ha (Rila). Their total area amounts to 188644.3 ha with an 
average altitude of 879.7 m. Some parks, such as Central Balkan, that have large areas 
include hundreds of seed stands, as well as a few reserves of a rich genepool. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 51 
Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) 
Seed stands 
The seed stands of oriental beech occupy a total of 1863.2 ha of a total volume of 27 850 m 3 or 
1491 m 3 /ha. The average values are: age 114 years, height 21 m, breast-height diameter 31.4 
cm and grade 2.9. 
From the 171 seed stands of this species in the country, 114 are in Strandja Mountains 
(total area 1358.5 ha and total volume 193060 m 3) and 57 in the eastern Balkan Range (total 
area 504.7 ha and total volume 84790 m3). Therefore, the area and volume of these stands in 
the eastern Balkan Range are two or three times smaller, compared with Strandja Mountains 
where the state forestry districts of Malko Tarnovo and Novo Panicharevo contain the stands 
that dominate in these characteristics. 
One of the problems with the management of oriental beech seed stands is the availability 
of old stands needing regeneration. In some of them, with an undergrowth of Rhododendron 
ponticum, the regeneration process is aggravated by the formation of a thick layer of 
undecomposed leaves. Investigations show that in an oriental beech forest with a 30% cover 
of R. ponticum, the undergrowth of oriental beech is 8.1% and that of sessile oak 44.4%, while 
in an oriental beech forest of various grasses without the Rhododendron the beech 
undergrowth reaches 72.5% (Garilov and Dimitrov 1984). Being a relict species, Fagus 
orientalis can be supplanted by climax formations and lose the areas it has occupied and in 
which oaks, aspen and hornbeam establish themselves. 
Climax formations often demonstrate great resistance after they colonize a terrain, and 
this colonization results in narrowing the oriental beech's range and reducing the 
autochthonous stands of this Tertiary relict. As the sites in Strandja Mountains have almost 
equal edaphic and climatic conditions, the hazard of natural transfer of oriental beech seed is 
reduced, but genetic pollution by common beech and Fagus sylvatica subsp. moesiaca is 
possible in the eastern Balkan Range, because these species have been adapting in their 
phyllogenesis to various conditions, thus forming hill-and-plain, low-mountain, middle-
mountain and high-mountain ecotypes. 
Conservation of oriental beech genetic resources requires the establishment of collection 
plots and seed orchards, and the use of microvegetative propagation for practical purposes 
through the ex situ method. 
Forest reserves 
Oriental beech has been found in six reserves, one in the eastern Balkan Range (Kirov Dol) 
and the other five in Strandja Mountains (Lopushna, Silkossiya, Sredoka, Tissovitsa and 
Vitanovo). The total area of the compartments with Fagus orientalis is 5141.8 ha and their 
total volume 431 520 m 3 or 83.9 m 3/ha. The average height and breast-height diameter for 
the reserves are 21.4 m and 32.6 cm respectively, with an average age of 117 years (100 years 
for Vitanovo and 142 years for Kirov Dol). The average grade of oriental beech is 2.6 (from 1 
for Kirov Dol up to 3 for Tissovitsa) and its average altitude 273 m (ranging from 187-477 m). 
Natural parks 
The only natural park where oriental beech occurs is Strandja where it covers a total area of 
78400.1 ha distributed into four state forestry districts: Malko Tarnovo, Gramatikovo, Kosti 
and Tsarevo, at an average altitude of 219 m. 
Besides Fagus orientalis, the natural forest vegetation therein is represented also by 
Quercus petraea, Q. jrainetto, Q. cerris, Q. robur, Q. pubescens, Q. hartwissiana, Carpinus betulus, 
C. orientalis Mill., Fraxinus excelsior L., F. ornus L., Populus tremula L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., A. 
campestre L., Tilia platyphyllos Scop., T. cordata Mill., T. tomentosa, Ulmus minor, Sorbus 
domestica L., S. torminalis, etc. 
52 SOCIAL BROAD LEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
References 
Anonymous. 1997. Forest Law. Number 125/29, December. 
Anonymous. 1988. Law for the protected territories, Number 133/11, November. 
Delkov, N. 1988. Dendrology. University Textbook, Zemizdat, Sofia. 
Forestry Committee. 1992. Instruction for establishment, management and usage of the forest seed-
production base. CM-Fe, Sofia. 
Garelkov, D., V. Stiptsov, V. Kalinkov, P. Turlakov, Ch. Bojanov, B. Bouzov, G. Nedelin and R. Bobev. 
1995. The Beech Forests in Bulgaria. Zemizdat, Sofia (in Bulgarian). 
Garilov, Ch. and D. Dimitrov. 1984. Effective methods for managing of the forests from East beech. Pp. 
63-69 in Investigation, protection and usage of the forest resources. Balkan Scientific Conference, 
18-23 June, Sofia. Vol. I. Publ. Publ. Union of Scientists in Bulgaria, Sofia. 
Ghyorgiev, M. 1991. Physical Geography of Bulgaria. University Publ. House, Sofia. (in Bulgarian). 
Marinov, M., K. Kostadinov, G. Popov, V. Stiptsov, Ch. Bojanov, D. Denev and S. Horozov. 1995. The 
Oak Forests in Bulgaria. Zemizdat, Sofia. (in Bulgarian). 
Stefanov, B. 1943-44. Contribution to the investigation on the classification of the oak forests in 
Bulgaria. Anniversary of the Sofia University. Vol. XXI (1943), book 2:125-180 and 305-363; Vol. 
XXII (1944), book 2:65-108. 
Stefanov, B. and K. Kostov. 1964. Oak and oak forests in Bulgaria. Pp. 11-29 in On the problems of 
Forestry in Oak Forests in Bulgaria. Publ. Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 53 
Beech and oak genetic resources in Croatia 
/050 Gracan 
Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko, Croatia 
Introduction 
Forests are the most valuable renewable natural resources of Croatia. They occupy over 
2 million hectares, or over 35% of the entire Croatian territory. Pedunculate oak (Quercus 
robur L.), sessile oak (Q. petraea Liebl.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) are the main forest tree 
species. Their forest stands, pure or mixed, are very stable ecosystems that are naturally 
regenerated. They are very rarely regenerated by direct seed sowing (Q. robur L.) or by 
planting nursery-grown seedlings. These species are very common and economically 
significant in many European countries. 
According to the last management plan (1996), they account for over 60% of the Croatian 
forests. With regard to the climatk topographic and geological diversity of the country as 
well as the geographic position, Croatia can be divided into the following geographical 
regions and vegetation belts (zones): the Euro-Siberian/North American, consisting of 
lowland and highlands areas, and the Mediterranean region covering the coastal area. 
By signing the Rio Declaration, six Strasbourg and four Helsinki resolutions, Croatia has 
made a commitment to uphold sustainable management with special emphasis on the 
protection and conservation of forests. Croatia's forestry sector, with a long tradition of over 
200 years of sustainable forest practice, should focus on the sound environmental 
management of forests in generat incorporating special treatment for particularly valuable 
natural resources and promoting biological diversity. 
Occurrence and origin of beech and oaks in Croatia 
Lowland forests in Croatia cover approximately 200000 ha, of which 50000 ha are 
hydrophilic forests. The densest and most beautiful are the forest ecosystems where 
pedunculate oak, ash and elm are the main species. Natural pedunculate oak sites in Croatia 
are located in the valleys of large rivers, such as the Sava, Drava, Kupa, Danube and others 
(Fig. 1). The forest basin of these regions are of special importance. They include the basins 
of Spacva, Pokupsko, Cesma and Lipovljani forests, the forests of Zutica and Repas, the 
Nasice, Donji Miholjac and Slatina forests. In Croatia pedunculate oak is present in 18 
different forest associations. 
The sessile oak forests are spread throughout the hilly zones of the continental part of 
Croatia in nine different forest associations. Sessile oak is present on acidic and thermophilic 
soils (Fig. 2). The other important oak species in Croatia are: Quercus pubescens, Q. cerris, Q. 
ilex and Q. virgiliana. 
Beech is distributed on the hills and mountains of the Velebit and Dinaric region, in the 
central and Panonian region (Fig. 3). Within its distribution, beech grows under diverse 
climatic, geological and soil conditions. Beech is the dominant species in Croatian forests. It 
has a large distribution range which includes submontane, altimontane and subalpine zones 
and corresponding bioclimates. Beech is rarely found on the colline belt dominated by 
sessile oak, and is only occasionally found in pedunculate oak forests. Beech grows on 
alkaline, neutral to extremely acid soils in continental and submediterranean parts of its 
distribution. It forms nine plant communities which are ecologically and floristically very 
diverse owing to the diversity of site conditions. It has wide altitudinal zonation, from hill 
forests to beech shrubby forests on the mountains. Several important beech genotypic races 
developed as a result of the large horizontal and vertical distributions, different soil and 
climatic conditions within its distribution range. 
54 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Fig. 1. Occurrence 
of pedunculate oak 
(Quercus rabur L.) 
in Croatia. 
Fig. 2. Occurrence 
of sessile oak 
(Quercus petraea 
Liebl.) in Croatia. 
Fig. 3. Occurrence 
of beech (Fagus 
sy/vatica L.) in Croatia. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 55 
Economic importance for the forestry sector 
Forests are the most valuable natural resource in Croatia (Table 1). Forest land covers 43.5% 
of the territory. The total forest land area in Croatia is 2 485 300 ha of which the state-owned 
forests managed by "Croatian forests" cover 1 992 000 ha (80.2%); private-owned forests are 
distributed on 460000 ha (18.5%) and other public-owned forests cover 33 000 ha (1.3%). 
According to the type and stock, 53% of forest land is covered by valuable high forests, 42.5% 
are coppice, and the remaining area (4.5%) is covered by artificially planted forest cultures 
and plantations. 
Growing stock amounts to 324 million m 3 (162 m 3/ha), with an annual increment of 
9.6 million m3 and annual felling of 5.35 million m 3, or about 60% of the annual increment 
(Table 2). 
Timber from beech and oaks has a high economic importance. The average amount of 
annual felling during the past 10 years was about 5.4 million m3 of wood under bark. For 
beech the annual felling in average per year was 1.9 million m 3 of wood, for pedunculate, 
sessile and other oaks about 1.5 million m 3 of wood under bark (Table 3). 
Table 4 shows the average selling prices in 1998. The highest price paid for pedunculate 
oak was 1100 DM per one cubic meter, for beech 522 DM per one cubic meter, and for fir 650 
DM per cubic meter. 
Table 1. Forest resources in Croatia (Management plan, 1996) 
Forest area Growing stock 
Type of ownership ha % '000 m3 % 
State ("Croatian forests") 1 992000 80.2 284324 85.8 
Other public 33000 1.3 7905 2.5 
Private 460000 18.5 38028 11.7 
Total 2485300 100 324257 100 
Table 2. Growing stock by species (Management plan, 1996) 
Species Growing stock ('000 m3) % 
Beech 117 676 36.2 
Pedunculate oak 44357 17.7 
Sessile oak 32 237 10.0 
Other oaks 12 358 3.8 
Subtotal 206630 63.7 
Ash 10 543 3.3 
Hornbeam 26 171 8.1 
Willows and poplars 4 426 0.8 
Fir and Spruce 36381 11.2 
Pines 7 919 2.4 
Other species 32 176 10.5 
Total 324 256 100 
Table 3. Proportion of stem, industrial and fuelwood in annual felling 
Stem wood Industrial Fuelwood 
Species {%} wood {%} {%} 
Beech 41.2 11.6 34.4 
Pedunculate oak 51.4 1.3 27.5 
Sessile oak 44.6 5.4 35.4 
Other oaks 23.3 3.6 60.2 
Other broadleaves 24.9 5.5 58.6 
Conifers 65.8 17.0 1.2 
Total 42.5 12.0 31.1 
Annual 
increment 
'000 m3 
Waste 
{%} 
12.8 
19.8 
15.6 
12.9 
11.0 
16.0 
14.3 
8123 
1352 
168 
9643 
Total 
{%} 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
Annual 
felling 
'000 m3 
4934 
87 
33 
5354 
56 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Table 4. Average selling ~rices in 1998 ("Croatian forests"} 
Stem wood Industrial wood Fuelwood 
Seecies m3 kn/m3 m3 kn/m3 M3 kn/m3 
Beech 544906 419 162846 197 415414 102 
Pedunculate oak 327725 719 798 209 13935 84 
Sessile oak 96882 518 
Other broadleaves 52422 197 319 156 71 
Conifers 266903 402 88787 141 16735 54 
Total 123641 304853 765249 
(kn= Croatian kuna) 
Table 5. Annual average use of seed for ~edunculate oak, sessile and other oaks (kg} 
Species 
Pedunculate oak 
Sessile oak 
Holm oak 
Pubescent oak 
Total 
Purpose 
Nursery production (kg) Direct sowing (kg) 
1 00 000 1 400 000 
40 000 400 000 
500 1 500 
100 300 
140 600 1 801 800 
Total (kg) 
1 500000 
440000 
2000 
400 
1942400 
Total (m3} 
1 123166 
342458 
96882 
371 578 
372425 
2306518 
About 1.9 million m 3 saw hogs and veneer were processed in 1989, with the quantity 
dropping to 1.6 million m 3 in 1990 when the war broke out. In 1998, the production of oaks 
and beech saw hogs and veneer amounted to 969 497 m 3• 
Oak in Croatia still covers an area of 331888 ha, with over 77 million m 3 of growing stock. 
Beech grows in pure stands on an area of 200 000 ha, in mixed stands with sessile oak and 
hornbeam, with pedunculate oak and hornbeam on an area of 700000 ha and with fir and 
spruce on an area of about 200000 ha, in total over 117 million m 3 of growing stock. In 
general, beech grows in pure and mixed stands on 47% of the total wooded area and it 
constitutes about 36% of the total growing stock. Even in relation to other European 
countries, this is high potential for bright prospects for the development of Croatia. 
The management systems applied in Croatia are: selection 70%, group selection 5%, 
shelter wood 20%, reconstruction and others 5%. 
Silvicultural approaches used 
Croatia has a long and rich legislative tradition in the field of forest management and natural 
regeneration. Clear-cutting is banned by the Forest Act, and natural regeneration is a 
fundamental postulate. Only 5% are forest cultures and plantations. 
Natural regeneration is the best possible way of regeneration. Stands regenerated in this 
way inherit stability and productivity from the parent. Generally speaking, oaks and beech 
regenerate naturally. Their forest stands, pure or mixed, are very stable ecosystems. 
Pedunculate and sessile oak rarely regenerate by direct seed sowing or by planting nursery-
grown seedlings (Table 5). As yet, in Croatia, beech is regenerated only naturally. When 
pedunculate and sessile oaks regenerate artificially, seed sources (acorns) should be used 
from local and well-adapted seed stands or region of provenances. Silvicultural treatments 
and forest management have a long tradition in Croatian forestry. The main aim was, and 
will continue to be, the sustainable use of forest resources, the protection and maintenance 
not only of wood production, but also regulation of watershed, social and economic 
functions and the conservation of biodiversity. 
Health state of forest stands and threats to their genetic diversity 
The survey of crown conditions in Croatia in 1998 was implemented according to the 
methodology of ICP-Forests in 1987. Two grid nets were established. In the grid net on a 16 
x 16 km area, 2066 trees on 89 plots were included, and 97 additional plots were included on 
COUNTRY REPORTS 57 
a 4 x 4 grid net. The responsibility of carrying out the assessments lies with the Natural 
Focal centre, based in the Forest Research Institute in Jastrebarsko. 
In comparison with defoliation from 1987 to 1998, an improvement of crown condition 
was observed for pedunculate oak, sessile oak and beech. The share of severely damaged 
trees (defoliation classes 2-4) decreased by 10% on average (pedunculate oak 1.8%, sessile oak 
22.9%, beech 7.5%). Despite the trend of improvement observed during recent years, the crown 
conditions of pedunculate oak and sessile oak are still far from satisfactory. Among trees older 
than 60 years, 46.2% of pedunculate oak were severely damaged. Beech remained the healthiest 
with a share of 8% severely damaged trees among trees older than 60 years (Table 6). 
Table 6. Defoliation of l2edunculate oak, sessile oak and beech from 1987 to 1998 
Defoliation classes in % 
S~ecies Year 0 1 2 3+4 Severely damaged 2-4 
Pedunculate oak 1987 62.3 28.8 7.2 1.7 8.9 
1988 61.8 30.1 6.3 1.8 8.1 
1990 61.9 23.1 11.1 4 15.1 
1993 39.4 24.9 30.7 5 35.7 
1994 18.2 39.4 40 2.5 42.5 
1995 23.3 39.4 31 6.3 37.3 
1996 31.6 39.4 25.6 3.4 29 
1997 36.8 36.5 24.3 2.4 26.7 
1998 30.6 40.9 26.1 2.4 28.5 
Sessile oak 1987 72.1 20.6 0.1 2.2 2.3 
1988 63.4 26.2 7.8 2.6 10.4 
1990 67.9 21.7 8.2 2.1 10.3 
1993 47.8 19.3 31.1 1.8 32.9 
1994 28.1 33.3 36.5 2.1 38.6 
1995 28.5 30.6 36.6 4.3 40.9 
1996 34.7 33.1 29.9 2.3 32.2 
1997 19.4 35.8 41.8 3 44.8 
1998 34.9 43.2 19.8 2.1 21.9 
Beech 1987 80.6 14.4 4.1 0.9 5 
1988 72.1 20.7 6 1.2 7.2 
1990 77.6 16.9 5 0.5 5.5 
1993 73.9 21.8 4.3 0 4.3 
1994 67.3 24.7 7.5 0.4 8 
1995 60.8 32 6.9 0.3 7.2 
1996 67.1 24.3 7.3 1.3 8.6 
1997 64.6 23.4 9 2.5 11.9 
1998 79.1 17.6 4 0.4 4.4 
Current genetic conservation activities in situ and ex situ 
The basic principles of Croatian forestry are sustainable forest management along with the 
preservation of the natural structure and biological diversity of the forests and maintenance 
of the stability and quality of wood production and generally useful forest functions. The 
first regulations related to sustainable forest management and conservation of biological 
diversity appeared as early as the 18th century. These principles of sustainability and 
biological diversity are a consistent part of every legal act related to forestry. 
The legal regulations governing forest gene resources management and conservation are: 
• Forest Act (1990, amended 1993) 
• Forest Seed and Forest Plants Act (1990, revised 1998) 
• Nature Conservation Act (1994) 
• Environmental Protection Act (1994) 
• Law on Hunting (1994) 
• Law on Fire Protection (1993). 
58 SOCIAL BROAD LEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Gene conservation activities in pedunculate oak, sessile oak and beech are shown in 
Table 7 with respect to in situ and ex situ measures. 
Table 7. In situ and ex situ conservation in Croatia 
Species 
Pedunculate oak 
Sessile oak 
Beech 
In situ 
No. of seed 
stands 
128 
34 
15 
Area 
(ha) 
11380 
2261 
1423 
Provenances test 
No. ha 
2 3 
2 5 
Ex situ 
Seed orchard 
No. ha No of clones 
2 15 100 
During the last 10 years, Croatia started a programme for the establishment of 
pedunculate clonal seed orchards. The plan was put into action in 1991, and up to 1998 
about 15 ha of experimental and productive seed orchards in the Forest district of Nasice 
were established. The selection of pedunculate oak plus trees is underway in the following 
Forest districts: Vinkovci, Bjelovar and Gradiska. The plan for establishment of clonal seed 
orchard sessile oak and beech is still in preparation. 
As with many other European countries, besides the above-mentioned activities, Croatia 
is included in research activities on variability (Germany), genetic structures of pedunculate 
oak and beech populations (France, Slovenia and Slovakia). 
In order to obtain the whole picture as regards the postglacial colonization and 
population structure, further investigation is required, mainly on provenances from the 
Podravina region and southern Croatia (isolated, dispersed populations of Gorski Kotar, 
Lika and inner Dalmatia). Other oak species should be included as well because they are 
sympatric and form hybrids. 
Slavonian oaks (haplotypes from eastern Posavina, Pokuplje and Podravina region) are 
probably of eastern origin (from the Balkan Peninsula), while it seems that the western 
postglacial colonization route had a direction from the Apenninian peninsula toward 
Austria/Hungary across western Croatia. 
Relevant nature protection pOlicies and activities 
The State directorate for the Protection of Nature and Environment is in charge of the 
development of the National Strategy for the protection of Biodiversity. Croatian forestry 
has begun to develop a concept of biodiversity protection since these activities are directly 
connected to nature and the utilization of natural resources. As Croatian forests are mostly 
natural and as there are several preserved virgin forests, the concept of preservation will 
contribute to the protection of biodiversity. 
The protection of nature in Croatia dates back to the end of the 19th century, though 
intensive work on different issues by law enforcement began only after the Second World War. 
According to the Law on Nature Protection a total of 746 nature areas in Croatia have 
been protected, of which 322 units with a total area of 7.30% of the Croatian territory. 
Protected units are divided into nine categories: 
Category Number 
1. Strict reserves 2 
2. National parks 7 
3. Nature parks 6 
4. Special reserves (Forest 32) 70 
5. Park forests 23 
6. Exceptional landscapes 28 
7. Nature monuments 72 
8. Horticu Itu ral momuments 114 
9. Plant Species 44 
Total 746 
Area (ha) 
2395 
69420 
317502 
31 680 
7660 
17545 
83 
912 
557197 
COUNTRY REPORTS 59 
Most of the areas belong to the forest ecosystems, this being the reason for their 
protection. 
Tree improvement 
Research carried out so far has shown that pedunculate oak, sessile oak and beech are very 
variable species, because they form local races and ecotypes. They are suitable for breeding. 
It has been determined that significant variability in morphological features is present, such 
as crown form and size, bole form, bark, leaf form and size, etc. According to the results 
there are differences in technical characteristics of common beech timber with different 
insertion of lower branches, which is related to the occurrence of false heartwood (beech). 
After a single selection of pedunculate oak was completed, a I-ha experimental seed 
orchard was established in the Forest district of Nasice in 1991. In order to avoid irregular 
acorn yields, the establishment of seed orchards was intensified after 1996 in the Forest 
districts of Nasice, Vinkovci, Bjelovar and GradiSka. Up to now, about 15 ha of clonal seed 
orchards of pedunculate oak have been intiated (Table 7). 
The provenance experiment with pedunculate oak began in 1986, and with beech in 1991 
(international cooperation with Germany) (Table 7). 
Study of genetic variability of 16 populations of pedunculate oak was started in 
cooperation with France in 1998, and with beech population in cooperation with France in 
1998 and Slovakia in 1997. 
Institutions involved in genetic resource activities 
In Croatia beginning in 1992 the following institutions have been involved in genetic 
resources activities: Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko; Faculty of Forestry, University of 
Zagreb; Public Enterprise "Croatian Forests", Zagreb; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 
Zagreb; Ministry of Science and Technology, Zagreb. The Ministry of Agriculture and 
Forestry has a working group for "Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources". 
Need for international collaboration 
Research institutions from Croatia collaborate with the following organizations on oaks and 
beech: 
• European Network for the evaluation of the genetic resources of beech for appropriate 
use in sustainable forest management (EU-funded project AIR-CT94-2091) 
• EUFORGEN Social Broadleaves Network. 
Summary of country priorities 
Studies of genetic structure in beech and oaks in Croatia are a priority but have started only 
recently. Croatian institutions are partners of the international projects on beech and oak: 
"European Network for the evaluation of the genetic resources of beech for appropriate use 
in sustainable forestry management" (Germany), and "Maps of gene diversity of oak 
provenances" (France, Slovenia, Slovakia). 
Croatia is very interested in being included in the study on conditions for long-term 
storage of acorns from beech and oak. Therefore, it will be necessary to continue 
international collaboration with all countries in which beech and oaks occur. The Social 
Broadleaves Network established by EUFORGEN is a first step. 
Conclusion 
Pedunculate oak, sessile oak and beech, together with fir and spruce, are the most valuable 
forest tree species in Croatia. Oaks and beech, according to their growing stock and covered 
area, are the most widespread species. Pure or mixed beech stands are the healthiest, most 
stable and best-preserved forest ecosystems in Croatia, with the exception of mixture stands 
with fir and spruce. 
60 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Bibliography 
Anonymous. 1993. Forest Act. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Zagreb. 
Anonymous. 1994. Nature Conservation Act. State Department for Nature Protection, Zagreb. 
Anonymous. 1994. The Law on Hunting. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Zagreb. 
Anonymous. 1996. Sumsko gospodarsko osnova - Sumsko gospodarska podrucje, "Hrvatske sume", 
Zagreb. [Management plan of Croatian Forest Public Enterprise "Croatian Forests", Zagreb]. 
Anonymous. 1998. Forest Seed and Forest Plant Act. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Zagreb. 
Gracan, J., N. Komlenovic and P. Rastovski. 1991. Pokus provenijencija hrasta luznjaka (Quercus robur 
L.) [Common oak provenance experiment]. Sum. list 115(6/9):245-260. Zagreb. 
Gracan, J. and D. Matosevic. 1993. Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest in Croatia. Pp. 39-52 in 
The scientific basis for the evaluation of the genetic resources of beech. Proceedings of a Scientific 
Workshop under the community research programme on Agriculture and Agro-Industry, 
including Fisheries (AIR), held in Ahrensburg, Germany, 1-2 July 1993 (H. Muhs and G. von 
Wuehlisch, eds.). Working Document for the European Commission ref. F.II.3-SJ/0009. Federal 
Research Center for Forestry and Forest products. Institute for Forest Genetics, Grosshansdorf, 
Germany. 267 pp. 
Gracan, J. and Z. Peric. 1993. Pokus provenijencija hrasta luwjaka (Quercus rabur L.) u Hrvatskoj 
[Common oak provenances experiment in Croatia]. Sumar. ins. 28(1/2):25-36. Jastrebarsko. 
Gracan, J. , A Krstinic, S. Matic, Z. Seletkovic and D. Raus. 1999. Sumski sjemenski rajoni u Hrvatskoj, 
Radovi - [Forest Seed Units in Croatia, Works] Sumar. inst. Jastrebar. 34(1):55-91. 
Gradecki, M. and K. Postenjak. 1987. Uredivanje priznatih sjemenskih sastojina u Hrvatskoj. Glas sum. 
pokuse, posebno izd. 23(75):57-68. Zagreb. Sumarski fakultet, Zagreb. [Management of Forest Seed 
Stands in Croatia, Annales Experimentis Silvarum Culturae Provehendis, Faculty of Forestry, 
Zagreb University] 
Klepac, D. and G. Fabijanic. 1996. Management of Pedunculate oak Forests. Pp. 452-458 in Pedunculate 
oak in Croatia (Hrast luwjak u Hrvatskoj). Zagreb. 
Krstinic, A, z. Borzan, J. Gracan, D. Kajba, F. Mrva F. and M. Gradeki. 1996. Oplemenjivanje sumskog 
drvweca [Forest Tree Breeding]. Pp. 109-120 in Forest of Croatia. Forestry Faculty Zagreb 
University and "Croatian Forests", Zagreb. 
Martinic, 1., J. Bilandzija, B. Hrasovec, D. Horvat and S. Sever. 1998. Croatian Forests: a Heritage of 
Diversity and Sustainability, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Zagreb. 
Matic, S. and J. Skenderovic. 1992. Uzgajanje suma. Pp. 81-95 in Sume u Hrvatskoj. [Silviculture in 
Forests of Croatia]. Faculty of Forestry Zagreb University and "Croatian Forests", Zagreb). 
Matic, S. 1994. Prilog poznavanju broja biljaka i kolicine sjemena za kvalitetno pomladivanje i 
posumljavanje [Number of plants and amount of seed in relationship to the results of regeneration 
and reforestation]. Sumarski list [Journal of Forestry] 118(3/4):71-79. Zagreb. 
PotoCic, N. and 1. Seletkovic. 1988. Ostecenost suma u Hrvatskoj. Pp. 1-27. Sumarski institut 
Jastrebarko. [Damage of Croatian forests. Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko, manuscript]. 
Raus, D., S. Mestrovic, 1. Trinajstic, J. Vukelic and z. Spanjol. 1992. [Protected nature area of Croatian 
forests]. Pp. 323 in Sume u Hrvatskoj [Forests of Croatia]. Forestry Faculty Zagreb University and 
"Croatian Forests", Zagreb. 
Raus, D., 1. Trinajstic, J. Vukelic and J. Medvedovic. 1992. Biljni svijet hrvatskih suma [Plant life of 
Croatian Forest]. Pp. 33-78 in Sume u Hrvatskoj [Forests of Croatia]. Forestry Faculty Zagreb 
University and "Croatian Forests", Zagreb. 
Trinajsitc, 1., D. Raus, J. Vukelic and J. Medvedovic. 1992. Vegetacijska karta sumskih zajednica u 
Hrvatskoj. [Vegetation Map of Forests Associations of Croatia]. Pp. 79-80 in Sume u Hrvatskoj. 
Forestry Faculty Zagreb University and "Croatian Forests", Zagreb. 
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Broadleaves, 23-25 October 1997, Bordeaux, France. IPGRI, Rome. 
Vidakovic, M. 1992: Establishment of clonal seed orchard of English oak (Quercus robur L.), Pp. 127-135 
in Pedunculate oak in Croatia. Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts-Department Vinkovci and 
"Croatian Forests", Zagreb. 
Vidakovic, M. and J. Gracan. 1994. Cuvanje i povecanje bioloske raznolikosti nasih suma [Protection 
and increase of biodiversity of Croatian forest]. Pp. 17-27 in Zbornik radova Privatne sume u 
Hrvatskouj u ozracju Helsinske konferencije 0 zaStiti i ocuvanju europskih suma [Proceedings of 
conference on Private forest protection according to Helsinki Resolution H2]. Croatian Academy of 
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COUNTRY REPORTS 61 
Vidakovic, M. et al. 1996. Improvement of Pedunculate oak in Croatia. Pp. 409-417 in Pedunculate oak 
in Croatia. Zagreb. 
Vidakovic, M., I. Trinajstic, A. Krstinic, Z. Borzan and J. Gracan. 1996. Improvement of Pedunculate 
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Department Vinkovci and "Croatian Forests", Zagreb. 
62 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Oak and beech genetic resources in Ireland 
John Fennessy 
Coillte Teoranta, The Irish Forestry Board, National Tree Improvement Centre, Kilmacurra Park, 
Kilbride, Co. Wicklow, Ireland 
Introduction 
Ireland is an island of 84421 km2 (32595 square miles) situated in northwest Europe to the 
west of Great Britain. It lies between latitude 51°5' to 55°5' N and longitude 5°5' to 1005' W. 
Ireland extends to 486 km (302 miles) at its greatest north/ south length while its greatest 
width, east/west is 275 km (171 miles). Most of the country's mountain ranges are situated 
around the coast, often forming dramatic sea cliffs. The centre of the island is essentially a 
plain with a few small mountain ranges. The altitudinal range of this central plain is 
generally 50-150 m while the higher mountain ranges have peaks ranging from 300 to 900 m. 
Situated on the western extremity of the European mainland, Ireland's climate is strongly 
influenced by the North Atlantic Ocean which gives the country a typical wet maritime 
climate. The North Atlantic Drift, moving northwards from the warm regions of the 
Carribean, brings with it warm waters and winds, ever-changing frontal systems and 
depressions, giving Ireland mild, damp winters and cool, cloudy summers with frequently 
varying daily climatic conditions. The temperature range is small, e.g. from a mean 
maximum of 14°C at most in the summer to a mean minimum of 1.1°C in winter in the 
midlands (Anonymous 1971). Almost the entire precipitation falls as rain spread more or 
less evenly throughout the year. Rainfall is lowest in the eastern lowlands and greatest in 
the western mountain ranges. Typical annual rainfall is slightly over 700 mm in the Dublin 
area (east) and over 1700 mm in Kerry (west). In western mountains the mean annual 
average rainfall is in excess of 2000 mm (Anonymous 1973). This kind of climate and the 
absence of extremes is favourable to the growth of a wide range of agricultural crops. Frost 
can be a limiting factor for some tree species. In these conditions, a great number of tree and 
shrub species from many parts of the world can be successfully grown. 
Historical background of Irish forests 
As the ice sheets retreated northwards at the end of the last glaciation period some 10000 years 
ago, Ireland began to be colonized by trees migrating from the continent. Ash and elm 
migrated across Britain into Ireland while oak, alder and pine are thought to have come across 
a landbridge from France. Between 5000 and 7500 years ago, woodland probably covered 80% 
of the land surface (Joyce et al. 1998). Towards the end of this period Neolithic farmers began a 
limited clearance. As the population increased during the Bronze Age agricultural pressure on 
the forests became more widespread. The popular belief that Ireland still had substantial areas 
of ancient forest at the beginning of the 17th century is subject to controversy among authors. 
The latter half of the 18th century saw an attempt to restore the woodlands. By 1907 the 
estimated area of woodland had diminished to 1.5% of the land area. 
Irish forests today 
Total forest cover in Ireland is now approximately 602900 ha or 8.8% of the country's land 
area (Anonymous 1999). Ireland is still the least forested country in the European Union 
(EU) where the average is over 30%. As stated, Ireland's soils and climate are highly 
favourable for growing trees and plantations. Afforestation programmes have in the past 
concentrated almost exclusively on Sitka spruce to the extent that it accounts for 
approximately 60% of the forest estate as against 24% for other coniferous species and 16% 
for broadleaves. There are a number of reasons for the extensive use of conifers, particularly 
COUNTRY REPORTS 63 
Sitka spruce in Irish forestry. First, past Government policy allowed only land which was 
unsuitable for agricultural purposes to be purchased for forestry. Consequently, sites 
suitable for the planting of broadleaves were only available in very limited areas and most 
land acquired was of the poorest soil and site types, much of it on exposed hillsides. Most of 
these sites were quite unsuitable for planting broadleaves. Other reasons include the general 
perception among administrators and foresters that conifers with much shorter rotations 
would give a faster and much greater return on investment. The existing broadleaved 
woodlands include the remnants of our indigenous forest [about 5800 ha (Table 1) and 
protected in national parks and nature reserves] and old woodland and scrub. Estimates of 
the area of semi-natural woodland present in Ireland vary (Neff 1974; Cross 1987), but the 
total area of broadleaved woodland is unlikely to exceed 100000 ha, or 1.5% (approx.) of 
land area (O'Sullivan 1999). Most of these are in private ownership and can be broadly 
categorized, according to Cross (1987), as follows: 
• Remnants of the wildwood, largely confined to the poorest sites, greatly modified and 
abandoned 100-180 years ago. . 
• Plantations, most of which are 150-200 years old (but with some better stands), on 
better sites, with some good-quality timber. Non-indigenous species, such as beech, are 
common and the native species may be of foreign provenance. 
• Secondary woodland on abandoned farmland, usually scrub-like with better quality 
timber often selectively removed. 
Broadleaf forest cover (100 745 ha or 16.7% of total forest cover) is low in comparison with 
most EU countries where the average is about 40%. However, broadleaf afforestation has 
increased substantially in recent years, supported by current grant aid and other schemes. 
Broadleaf planting accounted for almost 20% of all afforestation in 1995, an increase from an 
average of 2-3% in the mid-1980s (Anonymous 1996). 
Table 1. Area of woodland (ha) protected in Irish National Parks and Nature Reserves, showing the 
proportions acquired/designated over decades past (O'Sullivan 1999) 
National Parks 
Nature Reserves 
Other 
Total 
Pre-1980 1980-89 1990-98 
Majority 
2275 353 
2275 353 
Occurrence and distribution of oak and beech 
Oak 
Total 
2860 
2335 
541 
5736 
Quercus petraea and Q. robur are both native to Ireland and are accommodating in regard to 
site, with pedunculate oak occupying the heavier soils of the lowlands and sessile oak 
growing on the lighter soils of the hills and uplands. However, the optima for both species 
are deep, fertile, fine-textured, slightly acid soils in these locations. In Ireland, oak is 
irrevocably linked to the ancient woodlands and the number of place names with' derry', the 
Irish for 'oak', points to its widespread distribution. Remnants of the once extensive oak 
forests of Wicklow and north Wexford (eastern Ireland) still remain at Avonmore, 
Coolgreaney, Rathdrum, Glendalough and Glenealy forests. Oak is found growing 
successfully on the drumlins of Monaghan and Cavan and its performance on heavy gleys 
can be seen in locations as far apart as Dartry, near Cootehill and Dromdeer, close to 
Doneraile in Cork. It has reached sizeable dimensions on free-draining old red sandstone 
soils, in south Kerry and the Slieve Aughty mountain range in Clare and southeast Galway 
(Joyce et al. 1998). In the past, oak constituted a significant part of the native woodland, 
which covered a large part of the country. Today only a very small area of this woodland 
64 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
survives, and has been substantially influenced by human activities as previously shown 
(Cross 1987; O'Sullivan 1999). Inevitably the native oak population has been severely 
depleted both in size and possible genetic constitution (Joyce et al. 1998). Large-scale clear-
fellings for agriculture and selective fellings of best genotypes in closed stands, which did 
not allow regeneration to take place, may have resulted in the loss of many valuable 
genotypes. In woodlands where natural regeneration occurs, many are damaged to various 
degrees by overgrazing by farm animals and especially deer. The introduced Japanese Sika 
deer, whose population has grown rapidly due to increased afforestation is a cause for major 
concern. Other pressures include the spread of introduced plant species such as 
Rhododendron ponticum which prevents natural regeneration taking place. Oak is still 
widespread in woods and hedgerows throughout Ireland. 
Very little is known about the ecological characteristics and genetic variation that exists in 
native oak stands, although variation in vigour, stem form, branching habit and flushing 
date is apparent (Thompson 1998). However, information·on provenance variation in oak is 
very limited. Studies indicate that both species hybridize freely but the tendency is for oak 
on upland sites to have more Q. petraea characteristics. 
Records show that approximately 78% of the seed used in establishing oak plantations in 
Ireland was of home-collected origin. In recent years, the rapid increase in the national 
afforestation programme and the attractive incentives for planting broadleaves have resulted 
in the demand for seed and plants far exceeding supply. These factors, coupled with a lack 
of good mast years and the difficulties involved in storing acorns, have resulted in the 
importation of large quantities of acorns and plants which presents a very real threat of 
pollution of the native oak genepool. In spite of the importance of broadleaved species, 
particularly oak and beech, in Irish forestry, little work on the management and conservation 
of these species has been undertaken, mainly owing to the focus on coniferous forests. 
Beech 
Beech was introduced to Ireland probably in the late 16th century and formed a substantial 
component of estate plantations for aesthetic and commercial use during the 17th century. 
Although beech is not native to Irish forests it is now naturalized throughout the country 
and plays an important role as one of the major broadleaf species. Beech is widely 
distributed throughout the country and has the capacity to grow well under a wide range of 
site conditions, from acid to alkaline, provided the nutrient status is satisfactory. It can be 
found in Ireland on low hills across the midlands, on the thin soils overlying fissured 
limestone in Galway and Clare and in the east in Wicklow and Wexford and even on 
drumlin sites in Monaghan and Cavan. With few exceptions, the sites share a common 
feature in that they are all free-draining (Joyce et al. 1998). There are approximately 5700 ha 
of beech forests in Ireland accounting for about 12% of the total area of broadleaved 
woodland. Beech is second only to oak in its importance as a broadleaved species. 
From its introduction, importation of beech seed is likely to have occurred on a regular 
basis, at least until the first plantations matured in the middle of the late 19th century. 
Records show that importation continued from the start of the state forestry programme over 
the 50-year period prior to 1980. During this time, 34% of all beech seed sown was imported, 
and most of this seed came from Germany and Austria, in the years prior to World War II. 
During the 1960s, imports were mainly from Romania, Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia. Home 
collections amounted to 31000 kg or 68% of total sowing over this 50-year period. It should 
be noted that beech mast was imported at irregular intervals from many of the northern and 
eastern European countries (Neilan 1997). This suggests a great diversity of genetic 
resources in Irish beech stands. In many instances seed collections were made without 
rigorous selection of stands or seed trees. To what extent this practice has resulted in the 
poor stem form seen in many beech forests is difficult to determine but it is almost certain to 
have had some effect (Joyce et al. 1998). 
COUNTRY REPORTS 65 
Current economic importance of oak and beech for the forestry sector 
The economic importance of oak and beech is relatively small because of limited availability. 
The total annual production of hardwoods is approximately 20000 m 3 (Pfeifer 1990), of 
which oak accounts for 55% of the production or 11 000 m 3, while beech accounts for 30% or 
approximately 6000 m 3• Average standing price varies from £90 to £50/m3 for oak 
depending on quality. For beech the price varies from £60 to £40/m3 also depending on 
quality. Both oak and beech are used for veneer, high-class joinery and other high-value end 
uses. Oak timber is widely used for furniture manufacture and jOinery where strength and 
durability are required. Beech produces a highly versatile hardwood. It has excellent 
woodworking properties and forms the mainstay of the furniture industry. Good-quality 
logs are used in high-class joinery and veneer. It is widely used in cabinetmaking, solid and 
laminated furniture, desks, chairs and in flooring. However, approximately 70% of total 
production is of poor quality and is generally classified as firewood. 
Silvicultural approaches used 
Both oak and beech are established as plantations and are managed as even-aged high forest. 
These are mainly in the private sector where in the past they were managed for amenity and 
landscape as well as cover for wildlife. Many of these stands are quite small in size, have 
had little management in the past, are very old and in an advanced stage of natural decline 
and are of limited economic importance. In most instances, dysgenic selection has occurred 
over many centuries. In the re-establishment of broadleaf woodland in these areas, artificial 
regeneration is used because of the difficulties with natural regeneration. 
Health status of the forest stands and threats to their genetic diversity 
As a member of the European Union (EU) and under the European Community Programme 
on the Protection of the Community's Forests against Atmospheric Pollution, an active 
monitoring of forest conditions has been carried out since 1987. The programme requires an 
annual evaluation of the level of defoliation and discolouration of tree' crowns in selected 
permanent plots throughout the country. The three main coniferous species were surveyed 
in the initial stages. However, since 1994 oak has been included in the evaluation and today, 
four species are covered in the survey. Results show that while the mean percent defoliation 
varies from year to year, the trend generally is greatest in the order oak> lodgepole pine> 
Norway spruce> Sitka spruce. When the data are examined, most plots show considerable 
fluctuation among years for both defoliation and discolouration data, suggesting that the 
variation may be natural. Very few plots show that there may be an actual deterioration in 
overall conditions (McCarthy and Delaney 1996). Generally, it is now accepted that 
anthropogenic sources of pollution which posed a threat to oak in Europe are decreasing and 
do not pose a threat to the species in Ireland. 
With the spread of the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin) in Ireland beech is 
threatened in many areas and the need for specific control measures may have to be 
considered in the future. 
Research activities and capacity related to genetic resources 
The Helsinki Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests has introduced general 
guidelines for the conservation of biodiversity in European forests (Anonymous 1995). 
Increased diversity will impact on forestry practice in Ireland and will demand that greater 
attention be given to the origin and quality of plant reproductive material and in the 
conservation of genetic resources. 
66 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
In situ conservation 
Research work on the conservation of genetic resources in Ireland is mainly concerned with 
conserving communities of rare or unusual fauna and flora, unique land forms and geology 
as well as areas committed to research. The principal attempts to conserve our native 
broadleaved woodlands in the past were mainly in the context of establishing nature 
reserves under the 1976 Wildlife Act. Here, the underlying philosophy was to conserve the 
woodland ecosystem, rather than the trees, in order to maintain the genetic resource as 
represented by the flora and fauna (Cross 1987). Today, not more than 6000 ha of Ireland's 
broadleaved woodlands are protected for conservation, through state ownership or 
legislation in National Parks and Nature Reserves. The process of designating lands for 
conservation is very active in Ireland at present. Since 1992, two designations have been 
introduced, namely Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and Special Areas of Conservation 
(SACs). These represent a major new development, in that most of the land in NHAs and 
SACs is privately owned (O'Sullivan 1999). NHAs will be covered by national legislation, 
which has not yet been introduced. In the meantime, designated lands are given special 
consideration by planning authorities and other public bodies. SACs are proposed under the 
European Habitat Directive, which was passed into national law in 1997. The Heritage 
Service Duchas has recently selected a draft list of 40 oakwoods as special areas of 
conservation under this Directive. 
Ex situ conservation 
With an increasing interest in planting broadleaves and the resulting demand for oak planting 
stock, a series of provenance trials was recently established. In the first series, 29 seed sources 
of native oak provenances were collected in the mid-1980s. Field trials were established on 
four sites in 1988. Two further IUFRO trials were established at Clonegal, Co. Wexford in 1989 
and 1990. These trials contain 23 seed sources including German, French, Dutch, British and 
Irish origins. It is still too early to identify the best and most suitable seed sources. 
Despite the importance of beech as the second major broadleaved species in Ireland, there 
were no provenance studies undertaken with the species until relatively recently. In 1990 
commercial seed lots from 17 different seed sources were sown with the objective of 
establishing the first provenance trial. The provenances consisted of 3 Irish, 2 British, 6 
French, 1 Belgian, 1 Dutch, 1 Danish and 3 German seed lots. The quality of much of the 
seed proved to be quite variable and while some of the seed lots germinated and grew well, 
others were virtual failures. However, plants from some of these lots were used to establish 
two field trials in 1994. Subsequently, an extensive international beech provenance trial 
containing 49 different provenances, including 46 European and three home-collected 
'naturalized' Irish sources was established in 1995 (von Wuehlisch et al. 1998). In 1996, a 
second international beech provenance trial of 34 provenances was established. 
Relevant nature protection pOlicies and activities 
Forestry operations and environmental protection are regulated by a number of Acts of the 
Oireachtas (Irish Parliment) and EU Directives. Current forestry legislation is the Forestry 
Act (1946), which is the primary legislation for forestry development in Ireland. Its main 
provision is for the compulsory acquisition of land for forestry in Ireland. It has no provision 
for the conservation of genetic resources. This Act is currently under review. The 1976 
Wildlife Act has been the main legislation implemented for the conservation of native 
woodland through the establishment of nature reserves. 
Use of reproductive material 
The National Catalogue of seed stands for all commercial forest tree species contains 420 
registered stands. In Ireland the Forest Service is the regulatory authority responsible for the 
registration of seed stands. Genetics Section of Coillte Teoranta has the responsibility of 
COUNTRY REPORTS 67 
producing and updating the National Catalogue of Seed Stands (Fennessy 1999). It is generally 
accepted that because oak has been growing here for some 10000 years native oak should be the 
best-adapted to Irish conditions and should be utilized to establish new oak woods. 
The phenotypically best-performing and most productive stands are selected and 
registered as seed stands under EU and OECD rules. At the end of 1998 the total area 
registered for Social Broadleaves was 857.2 ha (Table 2). 
Table 2. Number and area of Social Broadleaves seed stands registered in Ireland 
Species No. of stands Area (ha) 
Beech 9 43.6 
Oak (pedunculate) 16 248.5 
Oak (sessile) 17 565.1 
Tree improvement 
Since 1991, 95 plus trees have been selected in oak and some of these are held in a clonal 
archive. More recently a new initiative in cooperation with the British Hardwood 
Improvement Programme has resulted in the selection of a number of these for incorporation 
in a breeding seedling orchard (Hubert and Savill 1999). The objective is to provide the 
genetic material for the establishment of improved oak plantations in Great Britain and 
Ireland. This work is funded by COFORD, the National Council for Forest Research and 
Development. 
In the mid-1950s a small number of beech plus trees were selected. In the late 1960s, two 
beech seed orchards were established using grafted material of these selected Irish trees. 
Unfortunately, no detailed records remain regarding origin and number of clones used at the 
establishment of these orchards. However, it is thought that the actual number of clones 
used is very limited. Although these plantations may not be useful as seed orchards, they 
may serve as a genebank for further future breeding work. To date no further plus trees 
have been selected in beech. 
Institutions involved in the genetic resources activities in Ireland 
In Ireland the Research and Development unit of Coillte through its Tree Improvement and 
Genetics Section is the main organization involved in genetic studies in oak and beech. 
These are generally accomplished through seed stand establishment, provenance and 
progeny trials as well as through cooperation with interested organizations. Teagasc, the 
national agricultural research organization, in cooperation with the Department of Botany at 
Trinity College, Dublin, is also investigating the characteristics of relic oak stands in Ireland 
using genetic, morphological and ecological analyses. 
The National Parks and Wildlife Section of Duchas, the Heritage Service, has the 
responsibility of identifying and managing National Heritage Areas and Special Areas of 
Conservation established under the European Communities (National Habitats) Regulations 
(1997). Duchas also has the responsibility for the management of sites identified under other 
EU directives including areas reserved for the protection of wild birds and other natural 
habitats. 
Need for international collaboration 
The Strategic Plan for the Development of Forestry in Ireland has as its main focus the 
development of forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximizes its contribution to 
nationat economic and social well-being on a sustainable basis. It proposes afforestation 
levels of 25 000 ha/ annum to the year 2000 and 20 000 ha/ annum thereafter to the year 2030. 
It is projected that total productive area will increase to almost 1.2 million ha or 17% of the 
land area. The target for annual broadleaf afforestation is to continue at 20% of total annual 
afforestation and oak will form a minimum of 20% of this (Anonymous 1996). 
68 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Considering these targets, local sources of reproductive material are likely to be inadequate. 
The need to test new provenances, while at the same time conserve and maintain the genetic 
integrity of native populations, is of critical importance. The requirement to fully evaluate both 
species requires the establishment of a comprehensive series of provenance trials in 
autochthonous and non-autochthonous stands of oak. In the case of beech a sufficient number 
of provenance tests in the international series have been established and these may prove to be 
quite adequate. There is a need for international cooperation of research projects and the 
measures required for the activation and continuance of this cooperation include: 
• exchange of reproductive material 
• exchange of information 
• establishment of an international network on the conservation of genetic resources of 
oak and beech 
• development of practical guidelines for the conservation of genetic resources 
• standardization of methodologies in the conservation of genetic resources in all 
European countries. 
Acknowledgements 
Thanks to Alistair Pfeifer, David Thompson and Eugene Hendrick for their helpful comments 
on an earlier draft of this report and Elaine Khan for typing and preparation of the report. 
References 
Anonymous. 1971. Air temperatures in Ireland 1931-1960. Meterological Service Publications, Dublin. 
Anonymous. 1973. Rainfall in Ireland 1931-1960. Meterological Service Publications, Dublin. 
Anonymous. 1995. Interim Report on the follow up of the Second Ministerial Conference in Helsinki. 
Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry, Government Publications Office, Dublin. 
Anonymous. 1996. Growing for the Future - A Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry 
Sector in Ireland. Government Publications Office, Dublin. 
Anonymous. 1999. Forestry statistics. Pp. 53-71 in Forestry Yearbook 1999. The Irish Timber Growers 
Association, Dublin. 
Cross, J. 1987. Status and value of native broadleaved woodland. Irish Forestry 44(2):81-88. 
Fennessy, J. 1999. Seed stands - a strategic resource for Irish forestry. Pp. 35-36 in Forestry Yearbook 
1999. The Irish Timber Growers Asssociation, Dublin. 
Hubert, J. and P. Savill. 1999. Improving oak: the first steps towards a breeding programme. Quart. J. 
For. 2(99):117-125. 
Joyce, P.M., J. Huss, R. McCarthy, A Pfeifer and E. Hendrick. 1998. Growing broadleaves -
silvicultural guidelines for ash, sycamore, wild cherry and oak in Ireland. COFORD, Dublin. 
McCarthy, R. and M. Delaney. 1996. European Community Programme on the Protection of the 
Community Forests against Atmospheric Pollution. A study of the cause-effect relationships 
underlying forest decline in Ireland. 1996 Final Report, Coillte Teoranta, Research, 
Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. 
Neff, M.J. 1974. Woodland conservation in the Republic of Ireland. Pp. 273-285 in Colloques 
Phytosociologiques Ill. La Vegetation des Fon~ts Caducifoliees (J.M.Gehu, ed.). J. Cramer.Vaduz. 
Neilan, J. 1997. Review of the silviculture and management of the principal broadleaved tree species 
growing in Ireland. MSc (Ag.) Thesis, National University of Ireland. 
O'Sullivan, A 1999. Ireland. Pp. 146-161 in Research in forest reserves and natural forests in European 
countries - country reports for the COST action E4: Forest Reserves Research Network (J. 
Parviainen, D. Little, M. Doyle, A O'Sullivan, M. Kettunen and M. Korhonen, eds.). E.F.L 
Proceedings No. 16. European Forest Institute, Finland. 
Pfeifer, AR. 1990. Report of working party on broadleaves. Report No 21/91. Unpublished. Coillte, 
Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. 
Thompson, D.G. 1998. Current status of oak (Quercus rabur and Q. petraea ) in Ireland. Unpublished. 
Coillte, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. 
Von Wuehlisch, G., M. Liesebach, H.J. Muhs and R. Stephan. 1998. A Network of International Beech 
Provenance Trials. Pp. 164-172 in First EUFORGEN Meeting on Social Broadleaves, 23-25 October 
1997, Bordeaux, France (J. Turok, A Kremer and S. de Vries, compilers). IPGRI, Rome. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 69 
Conservation and state of genetic resources of oaks and beech in 
Norway 
Tor Myking and Tore SkrfJppa 
Norwegian Forest Research Institute, As, Norway 
Occurrence and origin of oaks and beech 
Norway has three social broadleaved species, beech (Fagus sylvatica), pedunculate oak 
(Quercus robur) and sessile oak (Q. petraea). These species are all at their northernmost 
distribution limit in southern Norway, and the occurrence is confined to warm sites in the 
nemoral and boreonemoral vegetation zone near the coast (Fig. 1). Except for a narrow zone 
of the southernmost part of Norway the broadleaves occur in small stands or as single trees. 
The Norwegian beech population is an almost isolated extension of the Swedish 
population. Together with Norway spruce beech was the latest invading forest tree in 
Norway (ca. 500 BC). As beech is exposed to spring frost, this factor might determine the 
northern distribution limit of the species (Frivold 1994). Low summer temperatures may 
also restrict flowering. In addition to the population in East Norway there is a minor fringe 
occurrence in western Norway near Bergen which possibly dates back to a planting at about 
1000 AD (Fig. 1). Beech is presently spreading, and it successfully occupies sites far out of its 
natural distribution (Hulten 1971; Frivold 1994). 
The oak species came much earlier than beech, during the optimum of the post-glacial 
warming (6000-3000 BC). This may partly explain the difference in the distribution of the 
species. The oaks are spread along the entire coast of southern and southwestern Norway, and 
pedunculate oak also has a slightly continental distribution. As the two species partly grow in 
the same regions, hybridization among them most likely occurred (G10ersen et al. 1957). 
Beech sets seeds from the age of 40 to 50, but rarely more often than every 8 to 10 years. 
Production of acorns in the oaks is also regular. From the age of 50-60 seed set occurs every 4-5 
years. Seeds of sessile oak are exported to Denmark (Frivold 1994) where Norwegian 
provenances are used both for wood production and shelterbelts (Jensen 1993b). All three 
species are regenerated naturally in Norway and only small areas are planted. Presently there 
are no breeding activities going on in any of these species in Norway. The" oak decline" 
associated with attack of Phytophtora cinnamomi, such as in southern Europe (Brasier 1996), has 
not been reported. Rather, following a climatic warming, oaks and beech might expand 
substantially northward at the expense of Scots pine and Norway spruce (Prentice et al. 1991). 
Genetic variation 
No genetic studies have been performed with oaks and beech in Norway. Experiences in 
Denmark with oak provenances from Norway and Sweden suggest that trees from these 
provenances flush earlier and also have an earlier defoliation than Danish provenances (Jensen 
1993a). The duration of the annual growth period is most likely shortest and the production 
levels lowest for the northernmost provenances owing to this clinal trend (Jensen 1993a). 
Two population samples of Quercus petraea from Norway were included in a range-wide gene 
diversity survey of the species by allozymes (Zanetto and Kremer 1995; Kremer and Zanetto 
1997). These two populations were among those with the lowest values of within-population 
heterozygosity and contained on average more alleles than populations from the central part of 
the distribution (Zanetto and Kremer 1995). The additional alleles appeared to be rare alleles. 
Populations from the edges of the range, including the Norwegian ones, were also characterized 
by a higher number of two-locus disequilibria (Kremer and Zanetto 1997). These patterns can be 
due to the population history of the species on the edges of the distribution, where fragmented 
populations with limited gene exchange are strongly exposed to genetic drift. 
70 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Fig. 1. Distribution maps for beech (a), pedunculate oak (b) and sessile oak (c) in southern Norway. 
Distribution of beech is redrawn from Hulteln (1971), and distributions of the oaks are from Risdal 
(1955). The different symbols for the latter two species refer to different sources of information. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 71 
In situ conservation and state of genetic resources 
Beech occurs as a dominating species in 12 protection areas that have an adequate 
distribution, covering a total of 274 ha (Table 1). In addition, beech is an associated species in 
nine other forest reserves. Considering the small distribution in Norway, this meets the in 
situ conservation needs fairly well. More concern is associated with the regeneration, which 
has been particularly exposed to browsing the last 40-50 years owing to a great increase in 
the stock of fallow deer. 
There are 44 protection areas for oaks in Norway, and the two species are associated in at 
least 73 more areas (Table 1). For quite a few areas we lack information about species 
composition, but pedunculate oak is probably included in most of them because of its higher 
occurrence in general. It is evident, however, that the conservation status for both oak species 
is deficient in central parts of East Norway, and especially along the coast of West Norway. 
Like beech, the regeneration of oaks is locally threatened by browsing cattle and fallow 
deer. In addition, the overall geneflow is probably less in Norwegian broadleaves than in 
conifers and most northern deciduous trees owing to the following: the broadleaves have 
small or fragmented populations, and the seed-dispersal ability is limited because of high 
seed weights. Substantial generation time and a small seed production because of a long 
timespan between seed years and low seed numbers per tree also limit the overall geneflow. 
These factors together suggest an uncertain state of the genetic resources of the Norwegian 
social broadleaves. This conclusion, however, remains to be critically evaluated by further 
genetic studies, particularly of variation in quantitative traits. 
Table 1. Numbers and sizes of protection areas for social broad leaves in Norway. The group Quercus 
spp. denotes the total amount of conserved areas for oaks 
Species Qominating/Associated No. of reserves Total area (ha) 
Fagus sy/vatica D 12 274 
A 9 
Quercus rabur D 24 283 
A 31 
Q. petraea D 11 162 
A 10 
Quercus spp. D 44 849 
A 73 
References 
Brasier, C.M. 1996. Phytaphtara cinnamami and oak decline in southern Europe. Environmental 
constraints including climate change. Ann. Sci. For. 53:347-358. 
Frivold, L.H. 1994. Trcer i kulturlandskapet. Landbruksforlaget, Oslo. [in Norwegian]. 
G10ersen, F., T. Lian and M. Risdal. 1957. Eika i norsk skogbruk. Det norske Skogselskap, Oslo. [in 
Norwegian]. 
Hulten, E. 1971. Atlas of the distribution of vascular plants in northwestern Europe. Generalstabens 
litografiske anstalts forlag, Stockholm. 
Jensen, S.J. 1993a. Variation of growth in Danish provenance trials with oak (Quercus rabur L. and 
Quercus petraea Mattuschka Liebl.). Ann. Sci. For. 50 (Suppl No 1):203-207. 
Jensen, S.J. 1993b. Provenances of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea 
(Mattuschka) Liebl.) in Denmark. Forskningsserien Nr.2-1993. Forskningscentret for Skov og 
Landskab, Lyngby. [in Danish with English summary]. 
Risdal, M. 1955. On the two oak species, native in Norway - Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea (Matt.) 
Lieblein, their characteristics and natural occurrence in Norway. Corn. Nor. For. Res. Inst. 46:231-275. 
Kremer, A. and A. Zanetto. 1997. Geographic structure of gene diversity in Quercus petraea (Matt.) 
Liebl. H. Multilocus patterns of variation. Heredity 78:476-489. 
Prentice, I.c., M.T. Sykes and W. Cramer. 1991. The possible dynamic-response of northern forests to 
global warming. Global Ecol. Biogoegr. Let. 1:129-135. 
Zanetto, A. and A. Kremer. 1995. Geographic structure of gene diversity in Quercus petraea (Matt.) 
Liebl. I. Monolocus patterns of variation. Heredity 75:506-517. 
72 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Present situation of deciduous oaks in Portugal 
Maria Regina ChambeC, H. Sousa2 and M.H. Almeida1 
J Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Lisboa, Portugal 
2 DirecC;ao Geral das Florestas, Lisboa, Portugal 
Introduction 
Portugal is a small country of 9 million ha, located in the southwest of Europe. Presently, 
about one-third of the territory is covered by forests, totalling 3467000 ha (DGF 1998), but 
strong afforestation efforts have been made in the last decades, and it is considered that total 
forest area can reach 60%. In the last 10 years, the total forest area increased by 8%, partly 
due to European funding. Public forests (state-owned and communal) represent only 7% of 
the total forest area (DGF 1998). 
The main forest species is Pinus pinaster, followed by evergreen oaks (Quercus suber and Q. 
ilex) and eucalyptus. Deciduous oaks, including Q. robur, Q. pyrenaica, Q. faginea and recently 
introduced Q. rubra, occur mainly in the north, and in high mountain areas in the central part 
of the country. Together they occupy an area of 134 100 ha (DGF 1998). Quercus robur occurs 
predominantly in north coastal areas, where the climate has a stronger Atlantic influence, 
while Q. pyrenaica is found mainly in the interior, with a Mediterranean climate. Quercus 
faginea has a very small area (1308 ha), scattered throughout all the country, subsp. faginea in 
the north and subsp. broteroi in the centre and south. 
These species occur often in small areas and mixed stands, with Pinus spp., Castanea sativa 
and Juglans regia; several large pure stands have also been reported. Most existing stands, 
prior to the 1950s, probably originated from natural regeneration or artificial sowing with 
local seed. More recently, as a result of the development of nursery techniques and 
European funding, large areas have been planted with Q. robur and Q. rubra. 
These species have a minor economic importance, being mainly used for fuel by rural 
communities and therefore stands are often managed as coppices. Their use by the parquet 
industry also has some importance; 109 m 3 of oak logs were exported last year (unpublished 
information from DGF). 
Health state of forest stands and threats to their genetic diversity 
Oak stands have a generally good health condition and there are no problems with seed 
production. In fact, the abandonment of agricultural soil is leading to a natural expansion of 
oaks through dissemination of acorns by animals. On the other hand, the decrease of rural 
populations gives good perspectives on the conversion of the existing coppices. 
Since Portuguese legislation about reproductive material is not yet implemented, 
afforestation with Q. robur seedlings imported from other countries has been practised on 
set-aside agricultural land, without knowledge about their adaptation to these new 
conditions. If artificial regeneration is necessary only reproductive material from the same 
origin should be used. It is also worth mentioning that this species competes with Q. rubra 
for the same areas and it is being less used on afforestation by private landowners due to the 
higher growth rate of Q. rubra. 
There are no specific policies for the genetic conservation of oaks, but several Natural 
Reserves and Parks were created in recent years in the area of occurrence of all three species 
(Henriques 1998) (Table 1). 
The main threats to the conservation of these species in the natural parks are forest fires, 
extremely frequent during summer. The conservation politics presently adopted in these 
parks, in which whatever exists naturally is taken as intrinsically good, largely contribute to 
increase the risk of fire. 
Table 1. Natural Reserves and Parks with oaks in Portugal 
Name of the park Nature of the park 
Peneda - Geres National Park 
Montesinho Natural Park 
Douro Internacional Natural Park 
Alvao Natural Park 
Serra da Estrela Natural Park 
Serra da Malcata Natural reserve 
Serra do Agor Protected landscape area 
Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park 
Serra de S. Mamede Natural Park 
Sintra - Cascais Natural Park 
Serra da Arrabida Natural Park 
Total 
Breeding activities 
COUNTRY REPORTS 73 
Total area of the park (ha) 
70290 
74800 
85150 
7220 
101 060 
21 760 
346 
38900 
31 751 
14538 
10820 
456635 
In Portugal there are no breeding activities in a strict sense for deciduous oaks. So far Forest 
services, the Portuguese authority for the control of reproductive materiat have identified 
several Q. robur seed stands. 
No measures are being taken regarding the other two species, because these species are 
not included in the European Community forest legislation. 
Ongoing research activities 
A brief survey of ongoing research activities led to the conclusion that only two projects 
concerning Q. robur and one concerning Q. pyrenaica are being developed at the moment, 
with national funding. These projects deal mainly with silvicultural practices and stand 
management, aiming to improve wood quality. 
Activities plan 
• Surveys of Q. robur and Q. pyrenaica stands as a tool for selection of base material and 
gene conservation. 
• Portuguese populations are in the southern fringe of Q. robur. There is insufficient 
knowledge on their variability. The establishment of provenance tests, as well as 
description of genetic diversity within- and between populations through genetic markers 
will allow the delimitation of seed zones. 
• Conservation/storage of oak acorns for at least 2 years. 
References 
DGF. 1998. A Floresta Portuguesa em numeros. Lisboa. 
Henriques, P.e. 1998. Areas Protegidas. Instituto para a Conserva<;ao da Natureza, Lisboa. 
74 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Genetic resources of beech (Fagus sy/vatica) and oaks (Quercus 
robur, Q. petraea and Q. pubescens) in Spain 
Dolores Agundez 
Centra de Investigaciones Forestales CIFOR-INIA, Madrid, Spain 
Distribution of the species, ecology, origin 
Beech 
Beech covers in Spain a surface of 311115 ha of pure stands, almost exclusively in the north 
of the country. Beechwoods are distributed almost continuously along the Cantabrian 
Chain, with more discrete areas in the Pre-Pyrenees, Pyrenees and Iberian Range. On 
southerly slopes and more littoral areas, stands are highly fragmented. 
Edaphic composition does not affect beech, but it is more abundant on calcareous 
substrates provided soils are decarbonized. Non-calcareous soils present a greater degree of 
evolution than do calcareous soils. The rainfall range is quite wide (790-1700 mm) and no 
real drought period was found for any of the regions - the rainfall in the driest month is 22-
79 mm. However, a large variation exists in the period of frost. The period of sure frosts 
ranges from 0 to 5 months, while the period when frosts may possibly occur varies from 3 to 
6 months. Beech in Spain is a mountain species, occurring at an optimum between 1000 and 
1500 m but over an altitudinal range of 200-2000 m. It prefers the shadow side, a feature 
more marked the more southerly the location. 
According to Costa et al. (1990), Fagus sylvatica L. began to spread and take hold in Spain 
from refuges located in the most northerly parts of the present Iberian range of distribution. 
Situated in valley and ravine beds under 500 m, these date back between 7000 and 4500 years 
ago. Beech has been moving for some 3000 years in search of a favourable habitat on the 
upper levels of mountain areas. This movement followed an east-west direction along the 
Cordillera Cantabrica and the Eastern Pyrenees, but such linear expansion did not occur in 
the Western Pyrenees. There, movement has been radial, outwards from the Baztan valley in 
Navarre. Beech seems to have appeared in Galicia no more than 1000 years ago. 
Oak 
Oaks do not form a very high proportion of the surface area covered by forest in Spain: 
147095 ha, or 1.2% of the total (these figures include Q. rabur and Q. petraea). Most of this 
area is found in the north and northeast, wit~ the two species unevenly distributed 
throughout the region. Quercus rabur and Q. petrea are found along the Cantabrian seaboard 
and the Atlantic coast, becoming less common toward the east, and of only scattered 
presence in the valley of the Pyrenees. Further inland on the Iberian Peninsula, Q. robur 
exists in small enclaves where local conditions allow; hybridizing at times with Q. jaginea. 
Quercus petraea, unlike Q. robur, is rare in the west of the peninsula - in Galicia there are only 
scattered examples, which tend to be hybrids with Q. robur - while inland it is more 
abundant than Q. robur, growing in various enclaves of the Sistema Iberico and Sistema 
Central mountain ranges. Quercus humilis is the least widespread species, only appearing in 
the northeast quadrant - mostly in Catalonia, becoming sparser eastwards toward Navarre. It 
is usually very difficult to identify due to its introgression with other species, particularly the 
jaginea group and/ or Q. petraea. The easiest forms to identify are in Catalonia, though these 
seem to be different from central European forms. It stretches inland by way of the Ebro 
valley and has been noted in the Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Menorca). 
Oaks in Spain occur over an altitudinal range of 0-1800 m. The range of the rainfall is 
quite wide (565-1800 mm) and no real drought period was found for any of the regions, 
COUNTRY REPORTS 75 
except region no. 2 with 1.25 months - the rainfall in the driest month is 10-122 mm. 
However, a large variation exists in the period of frost. The period of sure frosts ranges 
between 0 to 8 months, while the period when frosts may possibly occur varies from 2 to 8 
months. 
Quercus robur is the most moisture-loving variety, needing at least 600 mm of annual 
precipitation (200 mm of these in summer). It does not withstand soil drought, but lives 
without problem in compact, even occasionally waterlogged soils. It is more commonly 
found on siliceous substrata, though it can grow on others, as long as the soil is deep, fresh 
and nutrient-rich. This explains the prevailing situation on plains and valley floors, where 
there are higher densities than on hillsides. It reaches a maximum altitudes of 1500 m in 
Spain. Quercus petraea is less demanding as to humidity and soil conditions. It needs only 
150 mm summer rainfall, but above all a soil which does not become waterlogged or 
asphyxiating. It thus prefers hillsides, and even grows on stony substrata. It tolerates a wide 
chemical variety of substrata, surviving in soils with either acidic or calcareous bedrock. It 
reaches a maximum altitude of 1800 m in Spain, and thrives problem-free up to 1500 m. 
Quercus pubescens is the most resistant of the three species to heat, sunlight and drought. 
It needs a mild climate without extremes, since it does not stand up well to heavy frosts or 
lengthy summer drought. Mean annual precipitation should be 600 mm, with 150 mm in 
summer. It grows mainly on calcareous or neutral substrata, but is found at times on 
siliceous substrata. Its altitude range is 400-1500 m, 
Economic importance and silvicultural approaches used 
Oak 
Traditional uses for oak have been on the decline during the 20th century. While its 
economic yield is falling, the conservation value of oak woodland has been growing in 
importance, especially through the second half of the century. This is reflected in the fact 
that the 1994 timber outputs were 1365 m3 for Q. petraea and 48 397 m3 for Q. robur. 
Beech 
Navarre has the largest area of beech forest, totalling around 135000 ha, i.e. 37% of the total 
area occupied by this species in Spain. The woods located in this region are of particular 
economic and social significance, owing to their situation in mountainous zones. Timber 
output in Navarre is of the order of 350000 m 3, 23% of which was beechwood. 
There are three main systems of beech forest in Spain: 
1. Most high beechwoods are managed by the forestry administration. The stands are more 
or less regular, depending on the different r~gions and their degree of control over 
forestry management. 
In Asturias and Cantabria, where official policy is conservationist, there is no active 
intervention at present. Navarre, The Basque Country and La Rioja are the autonomous 
regions that display the most interest in an integrated treatment of beechwoods. The 
general aim is to produce regular stands, for which it is essential to protect and foster the 
regenerating compartments by fencing them off from livestock. 
In Catalufta, private sapling woods are more prevalent than in the rest of Spain. The 
primordial purpose of these woods is to produce timber. 
The tables of beechwood production in La Rioja and Navarre recommend planning 
rotations of 90 to 200 years, depending on stand quality, as shown in the following table. 
76 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Rotation (years) 
Quality La Rioja Navarre 
I 
II 
III 
IV 
V 
90 
110 
140 
200 
95 
110 
130 
170 
+200 
Sources: La Rioja (Ibanez 1989); Navarre (Madrigal et al. 1992). 
2. Beechwoods in coppice formation tend to reach maximum spread in periods of mass 
utilization of firewood and charcoal. In Spain there are woods of this kind in many 
locations, although they are generally in a state of some degradation and stagnation 
following the abandonment of exploitation. 
Beech coppice can be found under both private and public ownership. In areas where 
policy favours productive conservation, forestry authorities tend to turn these stands into 
high forest. 
3. Pollarded beech woods, which are common particularly in the Basque Country, are small 
discontinuous stands found in woods close to population centres. They are private 
property. The system may be defined as one of totally artificial silvo-pascology, the 
silvicultural side being exploited for firewood. This type of stand is currently in decline. 
To become full forest it requires assisted regeneration, involving work to improve the 
edaphic structure followed by planting. Experiments of this kind have been going on in 
the Basque Country since 1980 (Buesa 1992). 
Status of genetic resources$ conservation activities$ use of genetic resources 
Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Q. petraea are species which come under the Spanish Forest 
Reproductive Material Regulations. Regions of provenance have been defined, taking into 
account their climatic and soil characteristics and the geographical isolation of populations 
(Agundez et al. 1995b; Diaz-Fermindez et al. 1995). 
Genetic resource conservation areas have also been defined, in populations which are too 
small or which contain too few individuals to be used commercially for seed production. 
These are usually isolated populations, far from the main nuclei of distribution. The area 
involved is not generally small, but has trees and stands scattered among scrubland or, more 
commonly, within stands dominated by other species. They are usually found in areas 
where macroclimatic conditions are unsuitable for beech and oaks. These woods may be 
considered as ecological islands, where elements of deciduous forest ecosystems mingle with 
regional communities of markedly Mediterranean characteristics. Their survival in these 
conditions might indicate strong natural selection forces acting on the original populations, 
so that these stands could have adapted themselves to conditions which are extreme for their 
species. Another reason for the possible differentiations of these populations is their genetic 
isolation from the main populations, which would favour mechanisms of genetic drift. 
The unusual and original nature of these stands merits special attention, since they are an 
important forest genetic resource, the protection of which should have high priority in 
programmes of genetic improvement and resource conservation. In these stands Q. robur 
and Q. petrea are in contact with Q. faginea and Q. pyrenaica. 
Under the grant scheme for abandoned farmlands and as a consequence of the 
conservation policies, broadleaved species are becoming more suitable for afforestation 
purposes. In most cases the objective of new plantations is timber production (only with 
beech), but restoration of old stands is also important. The area of active social broadleaved 
afforestation is that of its natural distribution. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 77 
Beech 
There are 18 regions of provenance for beech, including four isolated enclaves which are 
classified as zones for conservation of genetic resources, such as Caurel, Moncayo, Beceite or 
Ay116n (Fig. 1). Currently, 21 selected stands (1083 ha) from 10 regions of provenance have 
been approved for seed production (Table 1). 
Genetic variation is being studied using provenance tests from the northwestern zone of 
Spain (Puertas et al. 1995), and several Spanish populations have been studied with 
isoenzyme and DNA markers (Comps et al. 1993). However, there are no results available 
which would facilitate making recommendations on seed use. 
Phytoclimate has been used as the chief ecological factor upon which recommendations of 
seed sources could be based (Agundez et al. 1995a). A total of 120 sampling points were 
analyzed all over the natural distribution of beech in Spain, using phytoclimatic taxonomy. 
The defined regions of provenance, together with approved selected stands, were examined 
in order to determine homogeneity within regions, and similarity between them, with a view 
to selecting the appropriate stands for reforestation. 
The most heterogeneous regions are those which are in transition from a Nemoral type to 
Mediterranean or steppe types (no. 6, 10 and 13). Otherwise, the most homogeneous regions 
are small in size (no. 11, 12 and 14), except for provenances no. 4 and 7. The climates of both 
of the latter have great oceanic influence and the altitude is always under 1000 m. These two 
factors could explain their more homogeneous and mild climatic characteristics. Seed 
sources from marginal populations (with the exception of no. 1) are those adapted to more 
extreme conditions, and have the lowest levels of similarity with the other regions. Thus, for 
adaptation studies, these are the most important stands to examine. 
On the basis of the homologation of selected stands and regions of provenance, we can 
classify the regions of provenance into three types: 
1. Broad use provenances for the areas in phytoclimatic Nemoral types: no. 2, 7, 8 and 9. 
2. Broad use provenances for the areas in transition to Mediterranean and steppe 
phytoclimatic types: no. 10, 14 and 17. 
3. Local use provenances: no. 5, 6 and 13. 
In the southern part of the beech distribution area, where the climate has a Mediterranean 
tendency, there are currently not enough seed stands to cover seed consumption. EC 
regulations allow the mixing of seed from any seed stands in the same provenance region. 
When the climate of stands in the same region is very different, mixing of seed should not be 
recommended. This is the case of selected stands from regions no. 2, 8 and 13, where there 
are low levels of similarity. 
Oak 
Nine provenance regions for the three species have been defined in the north of the 
Peninsula, and five zones for conservation of genetic resources at certain points in the centre 
of Spain (Fig. 2). Currently, 13 selected stands (312 ha) from three regions of provenance of 
Quercus robur and seven selected stands (248 ha) from five regions of provenance of Q. 
petraea have been approved for seed production (Table 2). 
It is difficult to find oak stands in Spain in a sufficiently acceptable state for selection, as 
stands have dwindled to isolated trees, lines alongside fields or roads, or small stands often 
made up of very poorly pollarded trees. The small size of some of the stands reflects the 
impossibility of finding sufficiently large ones in good condition. Nowadays oaks are not 
used in reforestation, except in very isolated cases. 
78 SOCIAL BROAD LEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
.•.. ~ ... ,/.?,.:/ .... -:;~~ 
~".''I. •• ../".,.1 ,S: 
.--.} 
> 
.... ~ 
.~.~.: 
.-,........' :~, 
:./ :~.,. 
~""~ 
o 
REGIONES DE PROCEDENCIA DE 
Fagus sy/vatica L. 
1 SIERRA DEL CAUREL 9 P1RINEO OCCIDENTAl 
2 CORDILLERA CANTAsRICA 10 SIERRAS EXTERIORES DE 
OCCIDENTAl NAVARRA 
3 CORDILLERA CANTAsRICA 11 VALLE DE ARAN 
MERIDIONAL 12 PIRINEOS CENTRALES 
4 LlTORAL ASTUR CANTAsR1CO 13 PIRINEO ORIENTAL 
5 CORDILLERA CANTAsRICA 14 MONTSENY 
ORIENTAL 15 PUERTOS DE BECEITE 
6 CUENCA DEL EBRO 16 MONCAYO 
7 LlTORAl VASCO NAVARRO 17 SISTEMA IBERICO 
8 ARALAR, URBASA-ENTZ1A 1 a SIERRA DE AYLLON 
Escala 1: 6.000.000 
Fig. 1. Regions of provenance for beech in Spain. 
Table 1. Fagus sytvatica. National Catalogue of Basic Material (May 1999) 
Region of provenance Code Name Long. Lat. Elevation (m as I) Area (ha) 
2. WesternCordillera Cantabrica ES-71/02/04 Muniacos 5° 20' W 43° 15' N 800-1000 68 
2. WesternCordillera Cantabrica ES-71/02/05 Reres 
2. WesternCordillera Cantabrica ES-71/02/06 Peloiio 
5° 21' W 43° 07' N 1000-1500 
5° 10' W 43° 08' N 1100-1500 
4° 19' W 43° 07' N 500-900 5. Eastern Cordillera Cantabrica ES-71/05/03 Saja 
6. Upper Ebro Basin ES-71/06/01 Erramuza 2° 33' W 42° 38' N 820 
7. Sasque-Navarre coast 
7. Sasque-Navarre coast 
8. Aralar, Urbasa, Entzia 
8. Aralar, Urbasa, Entzia 
8. Aralar, Urbasa, Entzia 
8. Aralar, Urbasa, Entzia 
9. Western Pyrenees 
9. Western Pyrenees 
10. Sierras Exteriores, Navarre 
13. Eastern Pyrenees 
13. Eastern Pyrenees 
13. Eastern Pyrenees 
13. Eastern Pyrenees 
14. Montseny 
17. Sistema Iberico 
17. Sistema Iberico 
ES-71/07/04 Sta. Engracia 
ES-71/07/05 Altube 
ES-71/08/03 Marumendi 
ES-71/08/05 Limitaciones 
1 ° 55' W 43° 02' N 700-820 
2° 53' W 42° 59' N 440 
2° 07' W 42° 58' N 780 
2° 15' W 42° 49' N 950 
ES-71/08/06 Parzonerfa de Entzia 2° 15' W 42° 50' N 970 
ES-71/08/07 Parzoneria de Gi-A 2° 17' W 42° 55' N 900 
ES-71/09/03 Espinal 1° 23' W 43° 00' N 825-925 
ES-71/09/04 Erremendia 
ES-71/10/02 Lumbier 1 ° 03' W 42° 41' N 1100-1220 
ES-71/13/01 Saga de Castilla 
ES-71/13/02 Fageda Jorda 
ES-71/13/03 Monte Rodola 
2° 20' E 42° 13' N 1100-1200 
2° 30' E 42° 08' N 600-700 
2° 18' E 42° 10' N 1100-1400 
ES-71/13/04 Mas Espuiia 2° 24' E 42° 12' N 650-900 
ES-71/14/01 Coli de Te, Convento 2° 27' E 41° 47' N 1000-1200 
ES-71/17/01 Gallinero 2° 35' W 42° 09' N 1300 
ES-71/17/03 Tobia 2° 43' W 42° 16' N 1400 
85 
120 
63 
40 
83 
13 
60 
83 
30 
80 
21 
30 
41 
37 
52 
34 
57 
20 
44 
22 
Escala 1: 6.000.000 
COUNTRY REPORTS 79 
REGIONES DE PROCEDENCIA DE 
Quercus robur L. y 
Quercus pe/raea (Matt.) Liebl. 
1 GALlCIA 
2 CORDILLERA CANTABRICA 
aCCIDENTAL 
3 COROILLERA CANTABRICA 
CENTRAL 
4 CORDILLERA CANTAsRICA 
MERIDIONAL 
5 LlTORAl VASCQ·NAVARRO 
6 REGI6N VASCQ·NAVARRA 
7 PIRINEO NAVARRO 
8 PIRINEO CATALAN 
9 LlTORAl CATALAN 
de area restringida 
A Slstema Iberico septentrlonal 
B Moncayo 
C Ay1l6n 
D Las 8atuecas 
E IJaldemeca 
Fig. 2. Regions of provenance for oaks in Spain. 
Table 2. Quercus robur and Q. e.etraea. National Catalogue of Basic Material {June 1999} 
Region of erovenance Code Name Longitude Latitude Elevation (m asl) Area (ha) 
Quercus robur 
1.Galicia ES-41/1/1 Caldas De Reis 8°38'W 42° 36'N 20-30 2 
1.Galicia ES-41/1/2 Cartelos r 50'W 42° 34'N 600 45 
1.Galicia ES-41/1/3 Casa Do Gado 8°00'W 43° 02'N 480 12 
1.Galicia ES-41/1/4 Becerrea r09'W 42° 51'N 170 1.2 
1.Galicia ES-41/1/5 Campo Da Barcia 8° 11'W 42° 37'N 510 3.7 
1.Galicia ES-41/1/6 Cachafeiro 8° 19'W 42° 34'N 560 1.1 
1.Galicia ES-41/117 Golada 8°02'W 42° 48'N 430 1.2 
3. Central Cordillera Cantabrica ES-41 13/1 Ucieda 4°21'W 43° 16'N 300-500 20 
3. Central Cordillera Cantabrica ES-41/3/4 Canales 4° 14'W 43° 13'N 430 31 
3. Central Cordillera Cantabrica ES-41/3/5 La Calzada 3° 58'W 43° 07'N 550 22.9 
4. Basque-Navarre Region ES-41/4/1 2°54'W 42° 58'N 640 150 
4. Basque-Navarre Region ES-41/4/2 Las Paduras 2°53'W 42° 56'N 615 20 
4. Basque-Navarre Region ES-41/4/3 Murgufa 2° 49'W 42° 57'N 620 2 
Quercus petraea 
1.Galicia ES-42/1/1 Poso 6° 52'W 42° 51 'N 1050 1.6 
4.Southern Cordillera Cantabrica ES-42/4/1 Poniente 4° 12'W 43° 11 'N 500-700 46 
4.Southern Cordillera Cantabrica ES-42/4/2 Hijedo 3° 57'W 42° 54'N 930 26 
5. Basque-Navarre Coast ES-42/5/1 Arlaban 2°33'W 42° 58'N 630 20 
7. Navarre Pyrenees ES-421711 Garralda 1° 17'W 42° 56'N 700-850 130 
9. Catalan Coast ES-42/9/1 Cant Torrent 2° 29'W 41°47'N 400-600 5 
9. Catalan Coast ES-42/9/2 St. Hilari 2° 31'W 41°55'N 700-800 20 
80 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Research, current international collaboration 
Beech 
There is a network of experimental plots of national provenance, set up in 1986 and 1992 
with seven experimental plots and 42 Spanish provenances. Since 1993, Spain has also taken 
part in the projects financed by the ED and coordinated by the Federal Forest Research 
Institute in Grosshansdorf, Germany. Three plots have been established with provenances 
from the whole of Europe - one with 100 provenances set up in 1993, and two with 35 set up 
in 1998. In 1999, 30 Spanish populations were sent to INRA-Bordeaux, France for analysis 
based on cpDNA markers. 
Oak 
In 1999 a test of Spanish provenances was started, but there has been no participation in 
international tests. Spain takes part in the ED-financed project coordinated by INRA-
Bordeaux, France for the study of oak genetic resources in Europe. Studies based on cpDNA 
markers have been performed including Spanish white oaks: Q. robur, Q. petraea, 
Q. pubescens, Q. faginea, Q. pyrenaica and Q. canariensis (Herran et al. 1999). 
Institutions involved 
e Ministry of the Environment - DGCONA. Servicio de Material Genetico: Selection of 
basic material. 
e Government of Navarre. Agriculture, Animal production and Forest Departement: Beech 
provenance studies. 
e AZTI Granja Modelo-CIMA/Government of the Basque Country: Oak molecular markers. 
e Forestry Research Institute. Lourizan (Galicia): Oak provenance studies. 
Needs and priorities for international collaboration 
There is a lack of information about the geographic variability of beech and about the 
provenance behaviour of oak. 
A network made up of the selected stands can form the base for conservation of genetic 
resources in situ. With this in mind, it would be advisable to cooperate in the definition of 
guidelines for stand management. 
References 
Agundez, D., S. Martin and J. De Miguel. 1995a. Provenance use of Fagus sylvatica L. in Spain. Pp. 90-
101 in Genetics and Silviculture of Beech. Proceedings from the 5th Beech Symposium of the 
IUFRO Project Group P.lo 10-00, 19-24 September 1994, Mogenstrup, Denmark (S.F. Madsen, ed.). 
Forskningsserien n° 11-1995, Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute, Horsholm, 
Denmark. 272 pp. 
Agundez, D., S. Martin, J. De Miguel, R. Galera, P. Jimenez and P. Diaz-Fernandez. 1995b. Las 
regiones de procedencia de Fagus sylvatica L. en Espafta. ICONA. 51 pp + 19 maps. 
Buesa Verdu, A. 1992. Situaci6n del hayedo en Bizkaia. Pp. 223-240 in Actas del Congreso 
Internacional del haya. Investigaci6n Agraria. Sistemas y Recursos Forestales (R. Elena, ed.). 
Special issue 1(1). 
Comps, B., B. Demesure, G. Barriere and B. Thiebaut. 1993. Research on geneti<:: variation of European 
Beech stands (Fagus sylvatica L.). Pp. 145-156 in The scientific basis for the evaluation of the genetic 
resources of beech. Proceedings of a Scientific Workshop under the community research 
programme on Agriculture and Agro-Industry, including Fisheries (AIR), held in Ahrensburg, 
Germany, 1-2 July 1993. (H. Muhs and G. von Wuehlisch, eds.). Working Document for the 
European Commission ref. F.l1.3-SJ /0009. Federal Research Center for Forestry and Forest 
products. Institute for Forest Genetics, Grosshansdorf, Germany. 267 pp. 
Costa, M., M. Garcia Ant6n, C. Morla and Sainz de Ollero. 1990. La evoluci6n de los montes de la 
Peninsula Iberica: una interpretaci6n basada en datos paleogeogrcHicos. Ecologia. Special issue 
1:31-58. 
COUNTRY REPORTS 81 
Diaz-Fernandez, P., P. Jimenez, S. Martin, M. De Tuero and L. Gil. 1995. Regiones de Procedencia de 
Quercus robur L., Quercus petraea (Matt) Liebl, y Quercus humilis Miller. ICONA, Madrid. 86 pp + 16 
maps. 
Herran, A., S. Espinel and P.G. Goicoechea. 1999. Utilizaci6n del polimorfismo del ADN de 
cloroplastos para definir regiones de procedencia materna en los robles blanc os de la Peninsula 
Iberica. Investigaci6n Agraria (in press). 
Madrigal, A., F. Puertas and J. Martinez-Millan. 1992. Tablas de producci6n de Selvicultura variable 
de Fagus sylvatica en Navarra. Gobierno de Navarra. 122 pp. + photos. 
Puertas, F., C. Traver and F. Olabe. 1995. Stem form and 10 years growth of Fagus sylvatica L. 
provenances in Navarre (Spain). Pp. 51-68 in Genetics and Silviculture of Beech. Proceedings from 
the 5th Beech Symposium of the IUFRO Project Group P.l. 10-00, 19-24 September 1994, 
Mogenstrup, Denmark (S.F. Madsen, ed.). Forskningsserien nO 11-1995, Danish Forest and 
Landscape Research Institute, Horsholm, Denmark. 272 pp. 
Puertas, F., G. Vega, D. Agundez and M.C. Traver. 1993. Testing provenances of Fagus sylvatica L. in 
Spain. Pp. 197-208 in The scientific basis for the evaluation of the genetic resources of beech. 
Proceedings of a Scientific Workshop under the community research programme on Agriculture 
and Agro-Industry, including Fisheries (AIR), held in Ahrensburg, Germany, 1-2 July 1993. (H. 
Muhs and G. von Wuehlisch, eds.). Working Document for the European Commission ref. F.l1.3-
SJ /0009. Federal Research Center for Forestry and Forest products. Institute for Forest Genetics, 
Grosshansdorf, Germany. 267 pp. 
82 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Management and conservation of oak ( Quercus petraea, Quercus 
robul) and beech (Fagus sy/vatica) genetic resources in the 
United Kingdom 
Ned Cundall 
Forestry Commission Research Agency, Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, 
United Kingdom 
Occurrence and origin 
Oak is the most important broadleaved species in Britain occupying approximately 
172 000 ha (Locke 1987). Beech ranks second among broadleaves and occupies 
approximately 74000 ha. Broadleaf planting has exceeded that for conifers over the last 
seven years. Within the area of recent new planting and restocking, the oaks are much more 
important than beech. All oak and beech woodlands in Britain have been affected by man to 
a greater or lesser extent. 
Economic importance 
The total annual production of hardwoods is approximately 100 000 m 3 of which 33 000 m3 
are oaks and 20 000 m 3 are beech. Average standing prices are from £55 to £70/ m 3 for oak 
and from £14 to £40/m3 for beech. Prices at the sawmill are about £25/m3 higher than for 
standing timber. The market is steady for British oak, but prices for beech have recently 
declined because of economic trends. 
Silviculture 
Both oak and beech are grown as high forest, although there are small areas of coppiced oak. 
Both species are mainly grown in the private sector in mixture with other broadleaves and 
are managed for landscape, amenity, conservation and game cover as well as for timber 
production of limited economic value. There is a trend toward continuous-cover forestry. 
Natural regeneration of both species is favoured but is not reliable in the British climate. 
Artificial regeneration is used not only for new planting on ex-agricultural land but also to 
restock existing woodland. 
Ecologicalandcufturalimporlance 
Both upland and lowland oakwoods have special ecological value (Anonymous 1994a: Forest 
Practice Guides 5 and 1). Western oakwoods support mats of mosses (Musci) and liverworts 
(Hepaticae) which are confined to oceanic climates along the western seaboard of Europe. 
Lowland forests such as the New Forest, Windsor Forest and Great Park are among the rich-
est localities in Europe for original-woodland species. Beech-ash woodland is particularly 
important as a habitat for rare orchids (Anonymous 1994a: Forest Practice Guide 2). 
Many individual ancient oaks have historical associations. A few oaks (such as the Major 
Oak of Sherwood Forest) have been commercially propagated by micropropagation and the 
potted plants are sold in garden centres. 
Health of oak and beech in Great Britain 
In contrast to many countries of continental Europe in which the health of oaks was 
generally giving much more concern than that of beech (Turok et al. 1998), the current 
position in Great Britain is that there is some concern about the health of both species, 
especially in certain areas. The health of hedgerow and roadside trees is generally much 
worse than for trees growing in a forest situation. In beech especially many roadside and 
hedgerow trees are in very poor condition, which is thought to be due to damage from salt 
COUNTRY REPORTS 83 
(applied to roads in winter) and to drought, rather than due to air-pollution (which however 
may cause some yellowing of the upper crown of beech in some localities in late summer). 
"Oak dieback" is a recognized condition (Greig 1992) which occurs in South and East 
England and extends as far north as Yorkshire. It is not considered to be the same condition 
as "oak decline". Although often lethal, the prevalence of oak decline does not seem to be 
increasing. The causes of oak dieback have not been clearly elucidated but drought and 
storms (e.g. that of 1987) are probably contributory factors and the involvement of a newly 
described Phytopthora species (P. quercina) has been implicated in a proportion of cases. 
The general condition of several species including both beech and oak is assessed 
annually by means of crown density of a large number of plots distributed throughout Great 
Britain. In oak there was an overall trend of reduction of crown density from 1987 to 1997, 
but a significant improvement in 1998 (Redfern et al. 1999). In beech there are wide 
fluctuations in crown density from year to year, but there does not appear to be an overall 
reduction of crown density as seen in oak; there was a significant improvement in beech in 
1998. 
Silviculture of beech is threatened in many areas by grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis 
Gmelin). These vermin cause serious damage to many hardwood trees, especially at the 
"pole" stage and control is expensive. Grey squirrels are an exotic pest which have not yet 
become established in continental Europe, although there is a population in Italy. 
Genetic differences between provenances (or families) of oak and beech in their 
susceptibility to diseases, pests or adverse edaphic factors have not yet been demonstrated in 
Britain, presumably because there has until recently been relatively little work studying 
adaptive variation in these species. 
Use of Forest Reproductive Material 
Oak and beech fall under the Forest Reproductive Material regulations of the European 
Union. Seed is collected from reasonable numbers of these Registered Stands (Table 1) in 
good mast years which only occur every 3-4 seasons. Much seed is imported from 
continental Europe, especially in poor mast years for either species. 
Table 1. Registered stands of oak and beech 
Species No. of registered stands 
Quercus petraea 21 
Quercus robur 30 
Mixed petraea/robur 14 
Fagus sylvatica 25 
Area (ha) 
218 
122 
58 
134 
For oak about 80% of the registered stands are in Region of Provenance 40, covering most 
of central and southern England, but are concentrated along the western boundary with 
Wales. Seed is collected from the stands of mixed sessile and pedunculate oak under 
derogation. By far the largest areas of beech Registered Seed Stands are in Region of 
Provenance 40. 
Tree improvement (provenance and progeny testing) 
Provenance tests 
Oak 
A series of mostly sessile oak provenance trials was established by Forest Research under the 
auspices of IUFRO in 1990 and 1992 at nine sites in England and Wales (one in Scotland). 
Early heights of about 50 oak seed sources have been assessed and analyzed for individual 
sites. In these English trials material from seed stands in England is generally more vigorous 
than material from seed sources from continental Europe (Cundall1999). 
84 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Earlier work reported by Worrell (1992) indicated that European provenances of sessile 
oak were inferior to British but this was based on a sample of 10 seed sources only. 
Beech 
Forest Research has recently participated in the European Network of International Beech 
Provenance Trials (Von Wuehslisch et al. 1998). One trial which was established in 1996 in 
the Chiltern hills near London includes 46 seed sources and the second trial, established in 
1999 at a lowland forestry site, includes 25 seed sources. Earlier work evaluating about 20 
seed sources, reported by Worrell (1992), showed that the growth rates of continental 
provenances of beech were superior to British in about 50% of cases, provenances from 
northern France, Belgium and Holland being the fastest growing. 
Progeny tests 
Oak 
Forest Research established oak progeny trials in 1993 at three sites. About 35 families from 
stands of sessile and pedunculate oak respectively are planted in neighbouring field trials. 
Under an initiative of the British Hardwood Improvement Programme based at the 
Oxford Forestry Institute, 246 plus-trees of both sessile and pedunculate oak have recently 
been selected throughout Britain, the Netherlands, France and Ireland. The 246 trees selected 
were reduced to 110 using primarily the criterion of earlywood vessel size, since work has 
shown that large earlywood vessels are linked with an increased incidence of shake (Savill 
1986). The larger vessel sizes were in Dutch oak; planting this material could increase the 
predisposition to shake on difficult sites. The plus trees will be used to establish Breeding 
Seedling Orchards (Hubert and Savill 1999). The 110 'plus' trees have been grafted onto 
clonal rootstock at Horticulture International, East MaIling, using a "hot-pipe" technique 
with about 50% success. This is an example of ex situ conservation. This oak improvement 
initiative is interesting as ~here is emphasis on selection of economic characters, without 
great regard as to their local origin or species. 
Beech 
A tree improvement programme of plus tree selection with the establishment of untested 
clonal seed orchards was set up in the 1950s. Early work has been summarized by Samuel et 
al. (1993). In the beech progeny trials there was a marked negative correlation between form 
and vigour, although it was clear that a selection programme could be effective and that 
heritabilities are similar to those found in coniferous species. However modest gains of 
about 15% would have little benefit in a species with an average yield class of 6. The beech 
clonal seed orchards were removed from the National Register in 1993 as seed collection 
from them had been limited. 
Conservation of genetic resources 
The UK recognized conservation of genetic diversity as an important underpinning 
component of conservation of biological diversity (Anonymous 1994b: UK Biodiversity 
Action Plan). The importance of genetic conservation for forestry is recognized in the UK 
Forestry Standard (Anonymous 1998) which states that "new native woodlands provide a 
special opportunity to conserve the genes of locally native trees and shrubs". Another aim is 
to maintain genetic integrity of populations of native species. 
A review of current knowledge of genetic variation and conservation of British native trees 
and shrubs (Ennos et al. 1998) is currently being considered by Forestry Commission as a basis 
for policy-making. The challenges of implementing genetic conservation of oaks and beech are 
considerable. The original genetic structure of these species has presumably been altered by 
the clear-felling of most of the original forests. Within woodland there has been some 
COUNTRY REPORTS 85 
tendency to fell the trees of better form, leaving the poorer trees to provide seed for the next 
generation ("dysgenic selection") but the genetic consequences of this have never been tested. 
It is also thought that historical planting of translocated oak and beech has been on a 
significant scale compared with the use of local and autochthonous material. Indeed, beech is 
only considered native to south and east England, yet is now widely distributed throughout 
the United Kingdom and regenerates naturally even in Scotland. On the other hand interesting 
patterns of genetic variation can still be discerned among oaks. Cottrell et al. (1999) studied the 
distribution of cpDNA variants among stands thought to be of native origin (some possibly 
autochthonous). Most British oak stands sampled proved to derive from an Iberian refugium. 
Ennos et al. (1999) list five objectives of genetic conservation: 
1. To maintain current levels of adaptation and fitness in present-day populations. 
2. To maintain and where possible enhance the long-term adaptive potential of species 
and populations in the face of environmental change. 
3. To safeguard the continued supply of genetic variation for use in all aspects of forestry, 
from woodland conservation to tree improvement programmes. 
4. To conserve those aspects of the genetic structure of populations which reflect their 
unique evolutionary history. 
5. To maintain and, as far as possible, restore natural genetic processes, especially 
geneflow and natural selection. 
Conservationists naturally emphasize the importance of preservation because great efforts 
have been devoted to this at the species level. However Eriksson et al. (1995) emphasize that 
for forest tree populations today's genetic resources should be regarded as the starting point 
for gene conservation activities, but not as the goal for gene conservation programmes. 
It is important for their genetic conservation that both oak and beech have very high 
levels of genetic diversity, as measured for example by isoenzyme heterozygosity (e.g. 
Comps et al. 1993; Herzog 1996), as would be expected for wind-pollinated, long-lived and 
highly outcrossed (Merzeau et al. 1994) species. 
Much oak and beech planting stock used in Britain is currently imported from continental 
Europe (because of poor mast years in Britain) and the issue of the likely relative 
maladaptation of exotic planting material to Britain's oceanic climate is an important one. 
Furthermore the imported material will over time undoubtedly hybridize with native 
material. Ennos raises the issue of "hybrid breakdown" which may occur if exotic 
populations from different evolutionary units are allowed to mix. Evidence for such hybrid 
breakdown in oaks or beech, or for any other forest species, is lacking in Britain, however. 
At the practical level it is important to ensure that if oak and beech material have to be 
imported from continental Europe it is from areas which have been shown from provenance 
trial results to be relatively well adapted to British conditions, rather than from areas where 
seed sources are poorly adapted to a northern find oceanic climate. 
As a result of concerns over genetic conservation, and pressure from conservationists to 
use locally native seed sources in the establishment of new native woodland, a provenance 
map has been published by the Forestry Commission in which the former four zones of 
provenance are divided into 23 seed zones (Herbert et al. 1999). The intention is that this 
would be used on a voluntary basis and. would guide seed transfer of all native broadleaves, 
including oaks and beech. This system will have to run in parallel with European Union 
Forest Reproductive Material Directives which already cover both oaks and beech. 
Considering all broadleaves there is as yet no comprehensive plan for the conservation of 
Forest Genetic Resources in Great Britain, as has been developed for example in Denmark 
(Graudal et al. 1995). However the review of genetic conservation (Ennos et al. 1998) which 
was commissioned by the Forestry Commission will undoubtedly influence policy. Ennos et 
al. (1999) have also made some recommendations for the genetic management of native species 
in Scotland, but there has not been a comparable published study for England or Wales. 
86 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
More than 100 exotic oak species, some of which are endangered in their native habitat 
(e.g. Quercus acerifolia) are represented in the Sir Harold Gardens and Arboretum, Romsey, 
Hampshire1, which holds, among others, the National Collection of Quercus, this being an 
example of international ex situ conservation. Living material in the collection is available for 
study, as is the extensive collection of wild, collected and cultivated Quercus material in the 
Harold Hillier Herbarium. 
Public awareness 
Public awareness of general nature conservation in the United Kingdom is high. Tree 
planting by various voluntary groups has been encouraged especially in connection with the 
forthcoming millenium. There has been emphasis on the planting of locally native trees, 
with an emphasis on the importance of local genetic adaptation (e.g. Browne 1996) 
notwithstanding the complete lack of any scientific data, from British sites, on this point. 
Oaks are much favoured as native species which support a wide variety of wildlife whereas 
beech tends to be regarded as "non-native" in some areas and not so valuable for nature 
conservation as oak. 
References 
Anonymous. 1994a. Forest Practice Guides 1-8: The management of Semi-natural Woodlands. Forestry 
Commission, Forestry Authority, Edinburgh. 
Anonymous. 1994b. UK Biodiversity Plan. Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. London, 
HMSO. 
Anonymous. 1998. The UK Forestry Standard. The Government's Approach to Sustainable Forestry. 
Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. 
Browne, D. (compiler and ed.). 1996. Our trees: A guide to growing Northern Ireland's native trees 
from seed. Steering group of the Seeds of Time and Place Initiative of the Esso Living Tree 
Campaign; Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) and Northern Ireland, Department 
for the Environment for Northern Ireland, Environment and Heritage Service. 72 pp .. 
Comps, B., B. Demesure, G. Barriere and B. Thiebaut. 1993. Research on genetic variations of European 
beech stands (Fagus sylvatica L.). Pp. 145-156 in The scientific basis for the evaluation of the genetic 
resources of beech. The scientific basis for the evaluation of the genetic resources of beech. 
Proceedings of a Scientific Workshop under the community research programme on Agriculture 
and Agro-Industry, including Fisheries (AIR), held in Ahrensburg, Germany, 1-2 July 1993. (H. 
Muhs and G. von Wuehlisch, eds.). Working Document for the European Commission re£. F.II.3-
SJ /0009. Federal Research Center for Forestry and Forest products. Institute for Forest Genetics, 
Grosshansdorf, Germany. 267 pp. 
Cottrell, J.E., RC Munro, H.E. Tabbener, A.CM. Gillies, G.!. Forrest, J.D. Deans and A.J. Low. 1999. 
Distribution of Chloroplast DNA variation in British oaks (Quercus robur and Q. petraea): the 
influence of postglacial colonisation and human management. Forestry Ecology and Management. 
(in press) 
Cundall, E.P. 1999. Evaluation and selection of seed-sources in British broadleaves. Pp. 27-33 in Forest 
Research Annual Report. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. 
Ennos, RA, R Worrell, P. Arkle and D.C Malcolm. 1998. Genetic variation and conservation of British 
Native Trees and Shrubs. A Review of Current Knowledge and Implications for Management, 
Policy and Research. Internal Report to Forest Practice Division of Forestry Commission. 
Unpublished. 
Ennos, RA., R Worrell and D.C Malcolm. 1999. The genetic management of native species in 
Scotland. Forestry 71(1):1-23. 
Eriksson, G, G. Namkoong and J. Roberds. 1995. Dynamic conservation of forest tree gene resources. 
Forest Genetic Resources No. 23. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, 
Italy. 
Graudal, L, E.D. Kjaer and S. Canger. 1995. A systematic approach to the conservation of genetic 
resources of trees and shrubs in Denmark. Forest Ecology and Management 73:117-134. 
1 Web site <http://www.hillier.hants.gov.uk> 
COUNTRY REPORTS 87 
Greig, B.J.W. 1992. Occurrence of decline and dieback of oak in Great Britain. Forestry Commission 
Research Information Note 214. 
Herbert, R, S. Samuel and G. Patterson. 1999. Forestry Commission Practice Note. FCPN 8. Using 
Local Stock for Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Forestry Commission, Forestry Authority, 
Edinburgh. 
Herzog, S. 1996. Genetic inventory of European oak populations: consequences for breeding and gene 
conservation. Ann. Sci. For. 53:783-793. 
Hubert, J. and P.5. Savill. 1999. Improving oak: the first steps towards a breeding programme. 
Quarterly Journal of Forestry (2):117-125. 
Locke, G.M.L. 1987. Census of woodlands and trees 1979-82. Forestry Commission Bulletin 63. HMSO, 
London. 
Merzeau, 0, B. Comps, B. Thiebaut and J. Letouzey. 1994. Estimation of Fagus sylvatica L mating 
system parameters in natural populations. Ann. Sci. For. 51:163-173. 
Redfern, D.B., RC Boswell and J.C Proudfoot. 1999. Forest Condition 1998. Forestry Commission 
Information Note 19. 
Samuel, CJ.A, CM. Cahalan and AM. Fletcher. 1993. Beech in Britain. Pp. 115-118 in The scientific 
basis for the evaluation of the genetic resources of beech. Proceedings of a Scientific Workshop 
under the community research programme on Agriculture and Agro-Industry, including Fisheries 
(AIR), held in Ahrensburg, Germany, 1-2 July 1993. (H. Muhs and G. von Wuehlisch, eds.). 
Working Document for the European Commission ref. F.II.3-SJ/0009. Federal Research Center for 
Forestry and Forest products. Institute for Forest Genetics, Grosshansdorf, Germany. 267 pp. 
Savill, PS 1986. Anatomical characters in the wood of oak which predisposes trees to shake. 
Commonwealth Forestry Review 92(3):217-222. 
Turok, J., A Kremer and S. de Vries (compilers). 1998. First EUFORGEN Meeting on Social 
Broadleaves, 23-25 October 1997, Bordeaux, France. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, 
Rome. 
Von Wuehlisch, G., M. Liesebach, H.J. Muhs and R Stephan. 1998. A Network of International Beech 
Provenance Trials. Pp. 164-172 in First EUFORGEN Meeting on Social Broadleaves, 23-25 October 
1997, Bordeaux, France (J. Turok, A Kremer and S. de Vries, compilers). International Plant 
Genetic Resources Institute, Rome. 
Worrell, R 1992. A Comparison Between European Continental and British Provenances of Some 
British native Trees: Growth, Survival and Stem Form. Forestry 65(3):255-280. 
88 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Programme 
Thursday 3 June 
Arrival of participants at Zurich Airport (transfer of the participants from the Airport to the 
hotels) 
1345 Transfer of the participants from the hotels in Zurich to the Swiss Federal 
Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL) in Birmensdorf 
1415-1500 Opening of the meeting: 
" Welcome host country /WSL 
" Welcome Chair of the Network (A. Kremer) 
" Introduction and format of the meeting 0. Turok) 
Joint session with the EU/FAIR Project on Oaks 
1500-1630 Research on oak genetic resources in Europe - results of the EU /FAIR Project: 
" Phylogeographic map of chloroplast DNA diversity in oaks on a range-
wide scale (R. Petit) 
" Geographic variability in oaks based on provenance tests (S. Madsen) 
• Comparative levels of diversity in Quercus petraea and Q. robur (A. Kremer) 
1630-1645 Coffee break 
1645-1830 Discussion: 
" Extension of the phylogeographic map in eastern Europe 
" Submission of an extended project proposal for funding to the EU Fifth 
Framework Programme 
1830 Transfer to Zurich 
Friday 4 June 
0800 Transfer of the participants from the hotels to WSL 
0830-0850 Social Broadleaves in the Swiss forest policy (M. Bolliger, Swiss Forest Agency) 
0850-0920 Overview of legislation related to genetic resources of Social Broadleaves in 
Europe (S. de Vries) 
0920-1000 Information and documentation 0. Jensen): 
" Database of provenances in Quercus petraea and Q. robur - jointly with 
EU/FAIR 
" Standardized protocols for leaf morphology analysis, chloroplast DNA 
analysis and microsatellites - jointly with EU /FAIR 
1000-1030 Coffee break 
1030-1230 Discussion: common minimum information standards of the Network; 
1230-1330 
1330-1800 
1800-1900 
1900 
descriptors and databases 
Lunch at the WSL restaurant 
Excursion to Bulach (management of oak genetic resources) 
Direct transfer from Bulach to the "Uetliberg" 
Social dinner at Zurich-Uetliberg 
Saturday 5 June 
0800 Transfer of the participants from the hotels to WSL 
0830-1000 Brief round-the-table updates on the progress made in countries (Moldova, 
Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, 
Slovenia, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, 
Lithuania, Finland and Sweden) 
1000-1030 Coffee break 
PROGRAMME 89 
1030-1230 Introductory country reports: Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, 
Russian Federation, Spain and the United Kingdom 
1230-1330 Lunch at the "Sternen" restaurant 
1330-1530 Development of joint gene conservation strategies: 
" Results of a survey conducted prior to the meeting (T. Geburek) 
11 Discussion: technical guidelines for the sampling, design and management 
of gene conservation units in Social Broadleaves 
1530-1600 Coffee break 
1600-1800 Public awareness: 
• Leaflet (J. Turok) 
• Slide collection (D. Jacques) 
" Other public awareness initiatives 
1800 Transfer to Zurich 
Sunday 6 June 
0800 Transfer of the participants from the hotels to WSL 
0830-1000 Miscellaneous: 
• Scope of the Network regarding species 
• Next meeting 
1000-1030 Coffee break 
1030-1200 Approval of the report of the meeting 
Conclusions 
Closure of the meeting 
1200-1300 Lunch at the "Sternen" restaurant 
Departure of participants (Transfer to Zurich/ Zurich Airport). 
90 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
List of Participants 
Mr Thomas Geburek 
Institute of Forest Genetics 
Federal Forestry Research Centre, FBV A 
Hauptstrasse 7 
1140 Wien 
Austria 
Tel: +43-1-878382223 
Fax: +43-1-87838 2250 
Email: 
Mr Dominique J acques 
Station de Recherches Forestieres 
Ave Marechal Juin 23 
5170 Gembloux 
Belgium 
Tel: +32-816-26454 
Fax: +32-816-15727 
Email: 
Mr Alexander H. Alexandrov 
Forest Research Institute 
Kliment Ohridski Blvd. 132 
1756 Sofia 
Bulgaria 
Tel: +359-2-622961 
Fax: +359-2-622965 
Mr Joso Gracan 
Forest Research Institute 
Cvjetno Naselje 41 
10450 Jastrebarsko 
Croatia 
Tel: +385-1-6281492 
Fax: +385-1-6281493 
Email: jo
Mr Vladimir Hynek 
Forestry and Game Management Research 
Institute, Jiloviste - Strnady 
15604 Praha 5 
Czech Republic 
Tel: +420-2-57921643 
Fax: +420-2-57921444 
Email: h
Mr Jan Sveigaard Jensen 
Forest and Landscape Research 
Institute 
H0rsholm Kongevej 11 
2970 H0rsholm 
Denmark 
Tel: +45-45-763200 
Fax: +45-45-763233 
Email
Mr Pekka Vakkari 
Foundation for Forest Tree Breeding 
Viljatie 4 A 5 
00700 Helsinki 
Finland 
Tel: +358-9-35051427 
Fax: +358-9-3505 1411 
Email: 
Mr Antoine Kremer 
Station de Recherches Forestieres, INRA 
BP 45 
33611 Cestas Gazinet 
France 
Tel: +33-5-57979074 
Fax: +33-5-579790 88 
Email: a
Mr Richard Stephan 
Institute for Forest Genetics and Forest Tree 
Breeding, BFH 
Sieker Landstr. 2 
22927 Grosshansdorf 
Germany 
Tel: +49-4102-696144 
Fax: +49-4102-696 200 
Email: st
Mr Scindor Bordacs 
National Institute for Agricultural Quality 
Control 
Department of Forestry 
Keleti K. u. 24 
1024 Budapest 
Hungary 
Tel: +36-1-2124808 
Fax: +36-1-2125367 
Email
Mr John Fennessy 
Coillte T eoranta 
Tree Improvement Centre 
Kilmacurra Park 
Kilbride 
Wicklow County 
Ireland 
Tel: +353-404-482 82 
Fax: +353-404-48377 
Email: 
Mr Paolo Menozzi 
Universita di Parma 
Dip. Scienze Ambientali 
Via delle Scienze 
43100 Parma 
Italy 
Tel: +39-0521-905611 
Fax: +39-0521-905 402 
Email
Mr Virgilijus Baliuckas 
Dept. of Forest Genetics and Reforestation 
Lithuanian Forest Research Institute 
4312 Girionys 1 
Kaunas Reg. 
Lithuania 
Tel: +370-7-547245 
Fax: +370-7-547446 
Email
Mr Frank W olter 
Administration des Eaux et Fon':~ts 
Service de l'Amenagement des Bois 
BP 411 
2014 Luxembourg 
Luxembourg 
Tel: +352-4960 71 
Fax: +352-40 78 40 
Email: 
Mr Gheorghe Postolache 
Laboratory of Silviculture 
Institute of Botany 
Padurii 18 
2002 Chisinau 
Moldova 
Tel: +373-2-523553 
Email: 
Mr Sven M.G. de Vries 
Institute for Forestry and Nature Research 
(IBN-DLO) "de Dorschkamp" 
PO Box 23 
6700 AA Wageningen 
The Netherlands 
Tel: +31-317-477841 
Fax: +31-317-424988 
Email: 
Mr Tore Skf0ppa 
Norwegian Forest Research Institute 
H0gskoleveien 12 
1432 As 
Norway 
Tel: +47-64-949000 
Fax: +47-64-942980 
Email: 
PARTICIPANTS 91 
Ms Maria Regina Chambel 
Instituto Superior de Agronomia 
Dpt Eng. Florestal 
Tapada da Ajuda 
1399 Lisboa Cedex 
Portugal 
Tel: +351-1-3638161 
Fax: +351-1-364 5000 
Email: 
Mr Ladislav Paule 
Faculty of Forestry 
Technical University 
96053 Zvolen 
Slovakia 
Tel: +421-855-5206221 
Fax: +421-855-5350608 
Email:
Ms Hojka Kraigher 
Slovenian Forestry Institute 
Vecna pot 2 
1000 Ljubljana 
Slovenia 
Tel: +386-61-1231343 
Fax: +386-61-273589 
Emai1: 
Ms Dolores Agundez 
CIFOR-INIA 
Apdo 8111 
28080 Madrid 
Spain 
Tel: +34-91-3476857 
Fax: +34-91-3572293 
Email: 
Mr Lennart Ackzell 
National Board of Forestry 
55183 Ji::inki::iping 
Sweden 
Tel: +46-36-155 706 
Fax: +46-36-166170 
Email: l
Mr Patrick Bonfils 
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and 
Landscape, WSL 
Zurcherstr. 111 
8903 Birmensdorf 
Switzerland 
Tel: +41-1-7392363 
Fax: +41-1-7392215 
Email
92 SOCIAL BROADLEAVES NETWORK: SECOND MEETING 
Ms Svitlana A. Los 
Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and 
Forest Melioration 
Pushkinska 86 
310024 Kharkiv 
Ukraine 
Tel: +380-572-43 1549 
Fax: +380-572-432520 
Email: s
Mr Ned Cundall 
Forestry Commission Research Agency 
Northern Research Station 
Roslin, Midlothian EH 25 9 SY 
United Kingdom 
Tel: +44-131-4452176 
Fax: +44-131-4455124 
Email: 
Mr Jozef Turok 
Regional Office for Europe 
International Plant Genetic Resources 
Institute (IPGRI) 
Via delle Sette Chiese 142 
00145 Rome 
Italy 
Tel: +39-0651892250 
Fax: +39-06575 03 09 
Email:
Other participants 
(EU research project) 
Ms Ulrike Csaikl 
ARCS 
2444 Seibersdorf 
Austria 
Tel: +43-2254-7803524 
Fax: +43-2254-780 3653 
Email
Mr Soren F. Madsen 
Danish Forest and Landscape Research 
Institute 
Horsholm Kongevej 11 
2970 Horsholm 
Denmark 
Tel: +45-45-763200 
Fax: +45-45-763233 
Mr Remy Petit 
Station de Recherches Forestieres, INRA 
BP 45 
33611 Cestas Gazinet 
France 
Tel: +33-5-579790 71 
Fax: +33-5-57 97 90 88 
Email:
Mr Andrew Lowe 
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology 
Bush Estate 
Peniculk 
Midlothian EH26 OQB 
United Kingdom 
Tel: +44-131-4454343 
Fax: +44-131-4453943 
Email: 
Mr Pablo G. Goikoetxea 
NEIKER 
Granja Modelo-Arkaute 
Apdo.46 
01080 Vitoria-Gasteiz 
Spain 
Tel: +34-945-121313 
Fax: + 34-945- 281422 
Email: 
Unable to attend 
Mr Mikhail V. Pridnya 
Research Institute of Mountain Forestry and 
Forest Ecology 
Kurortnyi prospect 74 
354002 Sochi 
Russian Federation 
Tel: +7-8622-621 842 
Fax: +7-8622-621842 
Email: