Conservation of European white elm and black poplar forest genetic resource: Case study in Serbia

Abstract

European white elm (Ulmus laevis Pall.) and black poplar (Populus nigra L.) are species which occur in riparian forests and present the most significant types of forest trees in the alluvial habitats. Both species are characterized by their broad range and some type of vulnerability. Primarily due to the changes in their natural habitats caused disappearance of this species across Europe, also as Dutch elm disease at European white elm and hybridization of black poplar with poplar clones. Conservation is recognized as necessary and there is more activity in Europe in the aim. We give the review of activity on the conservation both species in Serbia, and especially present population of European white elm and black poplar at Veliko ratno ostrvo Island as very good candidates for in situ conservation.