european forest genetic resources programme

Related Information

Publications

Sorbus domestica
Genetic consequences of low local tree densities – Implications for the man-agement of naturally rare, insect pollinated species in temperate forests
[PDF]

Populus nigra
A large scale survey of Populus nigra, presence and genetic introgression from non-native poplars in Switzerland based on molecular identification
[PDF]

Pinus cembra
Gradual decline in genetic diversity in Swiss stone pine populations (Pinus cembra) across Switzer-land suggests postglacial re-colonization to the Alps from a common eastern glacial refugium
[PDF]

Variation in the chloroplast
DNA of Swiss stone
pine (Pinus cembra)
reflects contrasting postglacial
history for populations
from the Carpathians
and the Alps
[PDF]

Sorbus torminalis
Mating patterns and contemporary
gene flow by
pollen in a large continuous
and a small isolated
population of the scattered
forest tree Sorbus
torminalis
[PDF]

Taxus baccata
Dynamics of genetic variation
in Taxus baccata:
local versus regional perspectives
[PDF]

 

Contact

Genetic Research

Rolf Holderegger
Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL
Birmensdorf

 email

website

 

Inventory and Promotion

Andreas Rudow
Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems (ITES)
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)
Zurich

 email

website

Switzerland

Inventory of European black poplar in Thurgau Photo: Andreas Rudow, ETH

National Coordinator

Peter Rotach
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ), Waldmanagement/Waldbau
Universitätsstrasse 22
Zürich
email email

Experts contributing to EUFORGEN working groups

Peter Rotach, (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ), Waldmanagement/Waldbau, Zürich), Andreas Rudow, (Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich)

Management of forest genetic resources in Switzerland

Inventory

Since 1997 population inventories of twelve more or less rare and scattered tree species have been realised by the project Promotion of Rare Tree Species (SEBA): european white elm (Ulmus laevis), black poplar (Populus nigra), wild pear (Pyrus pyraster), service tree (Sorbus domestica), wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis), common walnut (Juglans regia), yew (Taxus baccata), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), small-leaved and broad-leaved lime (Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos), sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa). The resulting distribution surveys brought knowledge about core populations and fragmentation of these species and allowed the definition of specific national promotion strategies. Furthermore it supported practical application in the forest as well as research projects focussing on genetical and ecological aspects of these species.

So far genetic analyses on a national level have been realised for the main tree species spruce (Picea abies), silver fir (Abies alba), stone pine (Pinus cembra) three oak species (Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens), and for the scattered and rare tree species black poplar (Populus nigra), service tree (Sorbus domestica), wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) and yew (Taxus baccata).

In situ conservation

The national catalogue of seed stands was established in the 1980s. Currently it includes 256 objects of over 30 tree species covering an area of 1681 ha. Several of these could serve as core populations of Gene Conservation Units (GCU) on a national or international level.

Today in Switzerland five established Gene Conservation Units (GCU) exist for the main tree species spruce (Picea abies), silver fir (Abies alba) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea). As part of the Common Action Plan (CAP) for the selection of Gene Conservation Units (GCU) of international importance over 30 potential GCU for ten rare and scattered broadleaves (selected 1st and 2nd priority species) were proposed to EUFORGEN for evaluation.

The project Promotion of Rare Tree Species (SEBA) realised systematical knowledge transfer to the forest service in two course campaigns in 2000 and 2004, visited by over 500 foresters from all over Switzerland (40%). Currently the measures for the promotion of rare and ecologically valuable tree species are supported by a governmental programme for the conservation of biodiversity in Swiss forests (NFA biodiversity, rare tree species).


Ex situ conservation

On the initiative of ETH Zurich and the canton Bern forest service ex situ conservation and seed production orchards with a total area of 4.8 ha and a total number of over 800 clones were established for several rare and scattered tree species: European white elm (Ulmus laevis), black poplar (Populus nigra), wild apple (Malus sylvestris), wild pear (Pyrus pyraster), service tree (Sorbus domestica), common walnut (Juglans regia), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), common alder (Alnus glutinosa), small-leaved and broad-leaved lime (Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos), sweet cherry (Prunus avium).

 

Further information

National catalogue of seed stands (NKS)

http://www.nks.admin.ch/Pages/Public/HomePage.aspx


Project Promotion of Rare Tree Species (SEBA)

http://www.seba.ethz.ch


Governmental programme (NFA biodiversity, tree species)

http://www.bafu.admin.ch/biodiversitaet/07982/08300/index.html