MICROPROPAGATION OF Fagus spp.

Abstract

The genus Fagus,a member of the Fagaceae family, comprises ten species of moncecious trees native to the Northern Hemisphere Temperate Zone regions of Eurasia and Eastern North America. The name Fagus (related to Greek phagein, to eat) is a reference to the distinctive triangular nuts of these species, which are eaten by both wildlife and humans. The chief members of this genus are Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech), which is one of the economically most important deciduous trees of Central Europe and together with oaks defines the climax vegetation of this region; F. orientalis Lipski (Oriental beech), a native of the temperate regions of Eastern Europe, the Balkan peninsula, the Caucasus and Asia Minor; F. grandiflora Ehrh. (American beech), a native of Eastern North America that is both of great