Ex situ conservation of forest genetic resources in Serbia

Ex situ conservation of forest genetic resources (FGR) in Serbia is predominantly based on its preservation through the establishment of field trials, such as seed orchards, provenance trials and clonal archives. In the present chapter we made an overview of ex situ objects founded in Serbia so far, as well as research results gained within them. All the objects have been established by individual selection of plant material from phenotypically superior genotypes which characterized by high stem quality, and above-average height and diameter increments. Nevertheless, present situation on FGR conservation in Serbia is unsatisfactory due to neither sufficient number of objects nor tree species covered. Thus, future activities on ex situ conservation should be directed towards the establishment of new field objects of the most important tree species for Serbian forestry, as well as species that are projected to be the most endangered by climatic change. Likewise, taking into account climate change projections for the region of South-East Europe, a modified approach in tree breeding is required to meet new demands in a rapidly changing environment.