Vladan Popovic

Douglas-fir provenance phenology observations

Abstract Lavadinović V., Isajev V., Rakonjac L., Popović V., Lučić A.: Douglas-fir provenance phenology observations. Ekologia (Bratislava), Vol. 32, No. 4, p. 376-382, 2013. Introduction of species involves adaptation, productivity and success in new types of environmental conditions. The introduction also includes confirmation to bring in only species which are superior on their natural habitat. In Canada and western North America, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii/Mirb./Franco) is one of the most ecologically and economically value trees. In Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Chile, Douglas fir is important as an exotic fast-growing timber species. Douglas fir has one of the widest natural ranges of any tree species, extending from the Pacific Coast to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains and from 19°N in Mexico to 55°N in western Canada. In Serbia, from the original seeds introduced from British Columbia and Canada, the experimental Douglas-fir provenance is established in a few locations. One of the main dangers for the Douglas fir is its sensitivity to the occurrence of late frost in spring and early occurrence of frost in the autumn. The aim of the paper is to test the effect of environment on the expression of Douglas-fir seed transfer. Bud burst phenology is closely related to genecology of introduced species. Douglas fir is susceptible to cold climate and most of its genetic structure and ability depends on its ecological adaptability. In order to avoid errors introduction of Douglas-fir provenances that are sensitive to the occurrence of extreme temperature, applied are researching for buds phenological changes Douglas fir, as an introduced species, has to be tested at the provenance level before its introduction to the new sites in Serbia.

Afforestation on bare lands – example of Ibar Gorge, Serbia

The afforestation of bare lands, sandstone, and skeletal terrains are one of the biggest challenges forestry scientists face. These terrains are characterized by specific ecological conditions that are generally unfavorable for the growth of woody species. These are usually shallow soils, unstable, and poor in nutrients and moisture. The characteristics of these habitats make said terrains unfavorable for the regeneration of forest vegetation. It is therefore crucial for the success of afforestation to gain detailed knowledge and understanding of environmental conditions. Only after the detailed research and study of field conditions can the selection of species for afforestation, including selection of species characteristics and technology of planting, begin. Mistakes made during previous establishments of green areas are one of the main reasons some species of vascular flora have disappeared. This alone expresses the undeniable importance of knowledge on habitat specifics, work schedule, and selection of species for afforestation. With the aim to implement the future afforestation within the planned scope, it is necessary to organize an effective nursery production of seedlings with characteristics that will suit the environmental conditions of bare lands, sandstones, and skeletal terrains whose afforestation is planned.

Analysis of intra-population variability of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum L. Rich.) in seed stand near Backa Palanka using RAPD markers

The analysis of Bald cypress genetic variability at the level of test trees was performed using RAPD (Random Amlified Polymorphic DNA) markers. RAPD analysis was performed on 20 test trees with 13 primers. A total of ten primers gave a clear picture while three primers amplified weakly. 60 is a total number of detected bands obtained by RAPD analysis with 10 selected primers, and the average number of bands is 6. Based on presence/absence of RAPD fragments among all 20 Bald cypress test trees were calculated similarity coefficients by Dice and they range from 0.73 to 1. Based on similarity coefficients was performed the cluster analysis and results were presented as a dendrogram. All 20 test trees were grouped into two sub-clusters. Test trees 1, 4 and 11 were grouped in the first sub-cluster while other test trees were grouped in the second sub-cluster. By analysis of relations within every sub-cluster and sub-sub-cluster the existence of genetic distances between observed test trees can be noticed. The greatest similarity is between test trees 2, 12, 15 and 18. The results of genetic similarity and distance between observed test trees indicate the overwhelming presence of genetic diversity. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31070: The developments of technological procedures in forestry in order to attain an optimal forest cover percentage]