Conservation and Management of Romanian Forest Genetic Resources in the Context of Climate Change

Abstract

Forest genetic resources (FGR) of Romania harbour high genetic diversity although human impact, during the last two centuries, has strongly affected forest ecosystem composition and structure. Dynamic in situ conservation of FGR was the first choice approach to conserve the adaptation potential in natural populations of target tree species by selecting most representative and valuable populations. However, only 17 FGR growing in extreme environmental conditions have been selected and incorporated into the National Catalogue of Forest Genetic Resources. Establishment of new FGR in marginal tree populations that are close to the xeric limit of speciesʼ natural distribution should be extended. Almost half of tree populations selected for adaptation and included in the National Catalogue of Basic Materials for Production of Forest Reproductive Materials are represented by oak species, which is explained by lack of natural regeneration in the last decades. The shortage of native forest reproductive material of oak species (e.g. Quercus robur, Q. pedunculiflora, Q. pubescens) remains one of the biggest challenges in the conservation and management of rear edge oak populations in Romania. Molecular fingerprinting of FGR should constitute an important tool for genetic monitoring of evolutionary changes and to assist ecological reconstruction of fragmented tree populations. Collaboration with neighboring countries is an important aspect for dynamic conservation of FGR and their sustainable management.