Quality and origin of forest reproductive material (FRM) define the possible genetic diversity, structure, survival and development of seedlings and resilience of the future forest to stress and disturbances. The Slovenian Forestry Institute (SFI) must, based on the public authorization, in accordance to the Forest Act, The Act on Forest Reproductive Material and other legislation requirements concerning FRM, check its origin before issuing the master certificate or, on demand of the inspectorate, at any time during its marketing and use. Application of molecular methods contributes to the determination of FRM origin and its genetic quality. SFI continually develops know-how, infrastructure, gene bank, and molecular databases for performing such tests. In this study, the origin (provenance) and genetic diversity of FRM collected from four beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seed stands in 2016 were analysed, resulting on the suspicion of (intentional) mislabelling of the origin of the FRM, and compared to samples stored in the Slovenian Forest Gene Bank. In total 15 samples were analysed using 16 nuclear microsatellite loci. From the technical point of view, the selected markers proved to be appropriate for individual tree identification, evaluation of genetic diversity, and identification of the alleged origin. Due to the possible mixing of samples, for which seed was collected from the ground, and technical needs, we will analyze in the future at least 12 seeds per tree for the needs of the seed tree genotype reconstruction. Genetic diversity of smaller samples (seed collected from less seed trees) was significantly lower than that of large ones. We would like to emphasize that FRM should be collected at least from the number of trees prescribed in the decree on approval of the seed object in order to safeguard genetic diversity of FRM. Methods of clustering using Bayesian methods and phylogenetic trees correctly determined the origin of reference samples, while the resolution of the principle component analysis was lower. All methods used for identification of the alleged origin of seed samples, unambiguously proved that TURs sample was not collected in TUR seed stand, and it also differed from the rest of the analysed beech gene pool in Slovenia. In the presented case study, the applied methods for the molecular identification of FRM origin proved to be necessary and prevented introduction of the inappropriate FRM into Slovenian forests.
F.22 Improvement to existing health/diagnostic methods/procedures
COBISS.SI-ID: 4858278In the light of the anticipated higher frequency and the extent of natural disturbances, the catastrophic sleet in February 2014 followed by bark beetle gradations in 2015 and 2016 reminded us of the impaired supply chain with seed and seedlings in Slovenia. In this paper, we analysed the trends of artificial regeneration in the last 20 years and gaps between the planned use and the current stock of seedlings in Slovenian nurseries. The extent of forest regeneration with seeding and planting is decreasing in Slovenia; forest nurseries and seed production are stagnating. Currently, we are not able to produce the required number of seedlings of desired target species to reforest areas damaged by past and ongoing natural disturbances.
F.30 Professional assessment of the situation
COBISS.SI-ID: 4772006The chapter gives an overview of the development of forestry in Slovenia in the light of managing and conserving forest genetic resources. Special attention is given to the description of the legislative framework, the international collaboration, the extent and functioning of the Slovenian forest gene bank, forest genetic monitoring as the necessary precondition of managing and conserving forest genetic resources in the changing climates, and the Slovenian forest genetic resources programme.
F.23 Development of new system-wide, normative and programme solutions, and methods
COBISS.SI-ID: 52722302nd modified and upgraded edition of the Seed practicum (1st edition in 2001), reviewed by prof. F Batič and acad I Kreft, the text part modified within this project, while the graphics were prepared, and the publication published, within the project LIFEGENMON. Already the first edition is largely used by undergraduate students of forestry, while this one has updated the legislative basis, presents SIFORGEN and EUFORGEN, the measures for genetic protection of forests and the system for forest genetic moniroting, the selection of species biology regarding fructification, seeds and seedlings production and handling, as well as implementation of SIFORGEN in practice, has been largely upgraded.
F.17 Transfer of existing technologies, know-how, methods and procedures into practice
Organisation of two workshops - meetings: on the Problems of forest seeds and nurseries (at the Slovenian Academy of Sceinces and Arts, in november 2016) and for presentation of the 2nd edition of the Seed practicum to stakeholders (70 participants) at the Slovenian Forestry Institute in the autumn 2019.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 4771238