Strategies for conservation and improvement of Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) gene resources in Saxony : Ökologie und Waldbau der Weißtanne : 8. [Achtes] Tannen-Symposium

1997

S. 53-63

16 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200104263

Despite its potential occurence in natural forest communities of the mountainous regions in Saxony which would cover about 18% of the forest area, Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is an endangered speicies today. Nevertheless, about 1,600 Silver fir trees are still existing in Saxony. The relicts are heavily damaged and genetically impoverished. Big efforts have been made and are made to conserve the still existing genetic resources of Silver fir by in situ- and ex situ- measures. Due to the seriously impoverished genetic structures of Silver fir, experiments were done to improve the genetic variation by artificial pollination of Silver fir trees in forest stands. To re-introduce Silver fir into the forest ecosystems of Saxony to a large extent, the use of reproductive material introduced from neighbouring regions such as the mountainous regions of eastern Bavaria as well as provenances from Poland, Czech Repbublic is recommended based on the results of isozyme studies. The significant reduction of SO2-pollution in the mountainous regions, the significant reduction of the density of game as well as the availability of suitable forest reproductive material and the use of silvicultural methods appropriate for the survival and growth 9f Silver fir are preconditions for the successful reintroduction of Silver fir in the forest ecosystems of Saxony. Today, Silver fir is not only an indicator for the condition of the forest exosystem, it will be also the touchstone for an ecologically adapted silviculture.