Population differentiation in the wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background and Purpose: The wild cherry (Prunus avium) has great and multiple importance. The fruits it produces are used for several purposes (as food for people, birds and other animals, as well as in phytotherapy). As many birds and mammals feed on the fruit of the wild cherry, it has the ability of dispersion over large areas in a very short time. It is present in from river deposits up to 1900 m/alt, while it is quite rare in the Submediterranean. Wild cherry grows as a solitary tree or in small groups, usually at the edge of the forest or within the forest in areas with more sunlight. The significance of the wild cherry is reflected in the high conomic value of its wood, which makes itmuch demanded and popular, and thus endangered. Materials and Methods: The plant material was collected from 22 natural populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fruit and leaves were collected from marginal or solitary trees, usually from the south-facing,outer sun-exposed parts of the tree crown. We measured the following fruit characteristics: fruit length (FL), fruit width (FW), fruit thickness (FT), seed length (SL), seed width (SW), seed thickness (ST), length of the stalk (LOS) and width of the stalk (WOS), and leaf characteristics: length of the petiole (LP), length of the leaf blade (LB), distance from the blade base to the blade’s widest part (BBW), width of the leaf blade (WB), insertion angle of the leaf venation (AV), number of leaf teeth on a 2-cm length (NT), blade width at 1 cmfrom the blade apex (WBA) and blade width at 1 cm from the blade’s base (WBB). All statistical analyses of the data were made using the SPSS 15.0 package for Windows. Results: The results obtained show the presence of a high level of intrapopulational, as well as interpopulational, morphological variability in the natural populations of the wild cherry which have been investigated. Analyses of population differentiation have not confirmed our expectations. Our results only indicate differentiation in fruit size characteristics, but the indicators are very weak. The resulting high values of the regression coefficient in this research can serve to estimate the values of some features and characteristics without their measurement. Conclusions: The analyses of 16 morphological characteristics in 22 natural populations of the wild cherry in Bosnia and Herzegovina showed statistically significant differences between investigated populations. Differentiation in natural populations of the wild cherry was very low and identified only in fruit dimension characteristics

Genetic Variability of Norway Spruce (Picea abies /L./ H. Karst.) in the Bosnian Part of the Dinaric Mountain Range

Priznatim izoenzimskim biljezima, izvršili smo molekularno genetičku identifikaciju dijela prirodnih populacija smreke u Dinaridima, na širem području Bosne i Hercegovine. Uporabom izoenzimskih biljega analizirali smo 13 populacija smreke (Picea abies Karst.), dok smo varijabilnost analizirali uporabom 13 enzimski sustava, te proveli analize na 20 polimorfnih lokusa, sa 73 alela. Prosječan broj alela po lokusu kretao se od 1,80 do 2,60. Analizom smo utvrdili postojanje velike varijabilnosti unutar populacija, te za gen lokus GOT – C postojanje klinalne varijabilnosti. Genetički multilokusni diverzitet iznosio je od 27,5 do 37,0, a gen pool diverzitet od 1,277 do1,380. Provedeno istraživanje pokazalo je da populacija Vlašić ne pripada autohtonim, prirodnim populacijama smreke u Bosni i Hercegovini. Dobivena srednja alelna udaljenost između analiziranih populacija kretala se od 0,18 % do 2,06 %, te postoji povezanost između genetičkih i zemljopisnih udaljenosti, s izuzetkom populacije Vlašić.In this study we have carried out the molecular genetic identification of a part of natural populations of spruce in Central Dinaric Alps, in a broader area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the approve isoenzyme markers.By usage of 13 enzyme systems we studied the genetic variability at the level of biochemical markers. In the studied populations we obtained high values of heterozygosis which proves that the studied populations, over the adaptation period in diverse ecological circumstances, have not lost much of their adaptability. Therefore, the populations from this area showed better adaptability than the populations from central European area, since they possess higher genetic variability, with the exception of the population of Vlašić, which by its genetic structure shows it does not belong to the autochthonous genetic resources of spruce from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We carried out the analysis at 20 polymorphous loci, with 73 allele, and we obtained an average number of analyzed allele per locus, which varied between 1,80 and 2,60.The analysis thus confirmed the existence of major variability within populations, and for gene locus GOT – C the existence of clinal variability. The genetic multi-loci diversity varied between 27,5 and 37,0, and the gene pool diversity from 1,277 to 1,380, while a mean allele distance varied from 0,18 % to 2,06 %, thus confirming that there exists the relationship between genetic and geographic distances between the studied populations, with the exception of Vlašić. In order to preserve the natural genetic resources of spruce in Bosnia and Herzegovina it would be necessary to establish a dense network of gene banks in situ and ex situ (seed systems, seed zones and seed plantations), necessary to preserve the genetic diversity within populations. Based on the studies that were carried out, it would mean that each significant ecological niche for spruce should have its gene bank with corresponding number of units, in order to preserve ecological and physiological identity of the populations. In management of natural spruce forests, and their renovation, an advantage should, however, be given to their natural renewal, with constant monitoring of the genetic structure, which would enable us to undertake timely measures in preservation of optimal natural genetic diversity which is typical for each population

Genetic Variability of Norway Spruce (Picea abies /L./ H. Karst.) in the Bosnian Part of the Dinaric Mountain Range

Priznatim izoenzimskim biljezima, izvršili smo molekularno genetičku identifikaciju dijela prirodnih populacija smreke u Dinaridima, na širem području Bosne i Hercegovine. Uporabom izoenzimskih biljega analizirali smo 13 populacija smreke (Picea abies Karst.), dok smo varijabilnost analizirali uporabom 13 enzimski sustava, te proveli analize na 20 polimorfnih lokusa, sa 73 alela. Prosječan broj alela po lokusu kretao se od 1,80 do 2,60. Analizom smo utvrdili postojanje velike varijabilnosti unutar populacija, te za gen lokus GOT – C postojanje klinalne varijabilnosti. Genetički multilokusni diverzitet iznosio je od 27,5 do 37,0, a gen pool diverzitet od 1,277 do1,380. Provedeno istraživanje pokazalo je da populacija Vlašić ne pripada autohtonim, prirodnim populacijama smreke u Bosni i Hercegovini. Dobivena srednja alelna udaljenost između analiziranih populacija kretala se od 0,18 % do 2,06 %, te postoji povezanost između genetičkih i zemljopisnih udaljenosti, s izuzetkom populacije Vlašić.In this study we have carried out the molecular genetic identification of a part of natural populations of spruce in Central Dinaric Alps, in a broader area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the approve isoenzyme markers.By usage of 13 enzyme systems we studied the genetic variability at the level of biochemical markers. In the studied populations we obtained high values of heterozygosis which proves that the studied populations, over the adaptation period in diverse ecological circumstances, have not lost much of their adaptability. Therefore, the populations from this area showed better adaptability than the populations from central European area, since they possess higher genetic variability, with the exception of the population of Vlašić, which by its genetic structure shows it does not belong to the autochthonous genetic resources of spruce from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We carried out the analysis at 20 polymorphous loci, with 73 allele, and we obtained an average number of analyzed allele per locus, which varied between 1,80 and 2,60.The analysis thus confirmed the existence of major variability within populations, and for gene locus GOT – C the existence of clinal variability. The genetic multi-loci diversity varied between 27,5 and 37,0, and the gene pool diversity from 1,277 to 1,380, while a mean allele distance varied from 0,18 % to 2,06 %, thus confirming that there exists the relationship between genetic and geographic distances between the studied populations, with the exception of Vlašić. In order to preserve the natural genetic resources of spruce in Bosnia and Herzegovina it would be necessary to establish a dense network of gene banks in situ and ex situ (seed systems, seed zones and seed plantations), necessary to preserve the genetic diversity within populations. Based on the studies that were carried out, it would mean that each significant ecological niche for spruce should have its gene bank with corresponding number of units, in order to preserve ecological and physiological identity of the populations. In management of natural spruce forests, and their renovation, an advantage should, however, be given to their natural renewal, with constant monitoring of the genetic structure, which would enable us to undertake timely measures in preservation of optimal natural genetic diversity which is typical for each population

The genetic population study of Balkan Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.)

Background and Purpose: Silver fir (Abies albaMill.) is one of the most important forest tree species in theWestern Balkan area from both economic and ecological aspect. Its distribution has for years been the subject of scientific research, the reason being that silver fir from these areas displays very interesting morphological and genetic differentiation. Material and methods: The development of modern methods and the use of nad5-4 marker have solved the problem of contact zones of silver fir originating from the Apennine and Balkan glacial refugia in the Western Balkan area. The objective of this study was to determine the boundary of gene introgression of silver fir derived from the Apennine and Balkan glacial refugia in the western Balkan populations with the use of isoenzymes. Twenty-four selected populations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia were investigated. Nine enzyme systems were studied, polymorphic gene loci were scored and so were their allelic types. The analysis of general genetic parameters did not allowfor any conclusion, and neither did the analysis of genetic distances. For this reason, the allele distribution was analyzed. Results and Conclusions: Statistical analysis showed the separation of the populations from Croatia which belong to the group west of the contact zone. In the populations along the contact zone and in those from the eastern part, the grouping did not show any regularity or any clinal variability. The main reason for this is attributed to high ecological diversity, fragmentation and the occurrence of genetic drift. It can be concluded that silver fir originating from the Balkan refugium was more widely distributed in the past, but is now constantly retreating in relation to that originating from the Apennines. Another hypothesis is that it may have reached southern Germany through a similar gene flow. The impact of the alleles originating from the Apennine refugium is also present in the eastern parts of Bosnia

Analysis of differences of growth and phenology of provenances of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in provenance experiment at Kupres (Bosnia and Herzegovina

U ovom radu analizirano je 15 europskih provenijencija običnog bora u međunarodnom pokusu kod Kupresa. Pokus je osnovan tijekom proljeća 2012. godine sa biljkama starosti dvije godine (2+0).Ukupno je posađeno 2700 sadnica običnog bora u pokusnom dizajnu slučajnog blok sustava koji je prilagođen terenu, 15 provenijencija u pet ponavljanja (5 x 36 sadnica).Pokus čine provenijencije iz deset europskih zemalja: Austrija (Traisen, Rein, Sistrans), Bosna i Heregovina (Bugojno), Ukrajina (Ivano Frankivsk), Slovačka (Hanusovce), Rumunjska (Sacueini), Norveška (Narvik, Arnes), Njemačka (Teisendorf, Trippstadt), Poljska (Raciane – Nida) i Italija (Ca del Lupo, Fenestrelle, Piani – Valda).Rezultati morfoloških i fizioloških istraživanja odnose se na razlike preživljivanja, visinama, promjer na vratu korijena i proljetnoj fenologiji otvaranja pupova.Analysis of differences of growth and phenology of provenances of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in provenance experiment at Kupres (Bosnia and Herzegovina)In this paper, 15 European provenance of Scot pines have been analyzed in an international experiment at Kupres. The experiment was established during the spring of 2012 with plants of two years old (2 + 0). A total of 1,800 seedlings of ordinary Scot pine were planted in the experimental design of a casual block system adapted to the terrain, 15 provenances in five repetitions (5 x 36 seedlings). The experiment is made up of ten European countries: Austria (Traisen, Rein, Sistrans), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bugojno), Ukraine (Ivano Frankivsk), Slovakia (Hanusovce), Romania (Sacueini), Norway (Narvik, Arnes), Germany (Teisendorf , Trippstadt), Poland (Raciane - Nida) and Italy (Ca del Lupo, Fenestrelle, Piani - Valda). The results of morphological and physiological researches relate to differences in survival, height, root neck diameter, and spring phenomenon of bud opening. The total number of seedlings measured is 1830, with the percentage of survival in the year 2017 being 67.70%, and ranging from 35.50% (Italy I1) to 87.70% (Austria A1). Descriptive analysis of the diameter of the root neck was found to have the highest mean diameter of Austria A1 (4.07 cm). The lowest value of the average diameter of the root neck has plants originating in Norway N1 (1.19 cm), root diameter values ranged from 0.30 cm to Norway N1, which is the minimum of 9.30 cm for Austria A1 which represents the maximum when it comes to the average diameter of the neck of the root.With an average height of 116.26 cm, the provenance of Poland P1 shows the highest average value for altitude, while the plants from Norway N1 have the lowest average value for a height of 40.52 cm.All studies have shown a variance analysis that statistically significant differences between investigated provenances are present, as confirmed by Duncan’s test.On the basis of the analysis carried out, it can be concluded that on the basis of the height of the only N1 and Italy I1 provenances, they are separated into separate groups because they have noticeable and far least average values of the seedlings height. On the other hand, as far as diameter on the root of the root can be seen only the N1 Norway proves itself into a separate group with by far the smallest mean diameter.Based on phenological observations, there is variability between all provenances. Differences in movement, duration and end of individual phenomena have been established. As a start of ordinary Scot pine tree vegetation in the international experiment on Kupres can be taken on April 26 because in the three provenances this day the opening of the buds began. In the other 12 provenances the opening of the buds began on May 3, and on 21 June it was noted that the plants in all fifteen investigated the origins have come to the final stage, that is, they have completely formed needles of green color.The first results of the phenological observations show that these studies should continue to determine the overall genetic diversity of ordinary wrinkles, to determine the success and genetic variability of provenances, as well as the behavior and success of different provenances at a given locality.Ordinary pine is genetically differentiated into ecological and vegetation areas, and shows different morphological and physiological characteristics from different areas. This indicates the separation of northern provenances.The research results obtained at the early juvenile stage are incomplete, often burdened with various disadvantages, and very often different from those obtained at later stages, and such research has to be carried out in continuity

MORPHOLOGICAL VARIABILITY OF THE LEAVES OF THE MACEDONIAN OAK(Quercus trojana Webb.) IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AND MONTENEGRO

U radu je provedena morfometrijska analiza svojstava lista makedonskoga hrasta (Q. trojana) iz Bosne i Hercegovine i Crne Gore. Analizom je obuhvaćeno13 populacija s ukupno 130 jedinki. Cilj je bio kroz analizu varijabilnosti morfoloških svojstava lista iz populacija, koje pripadaju malim i izrazito fragmentiranim populacijama, utvrditi stupanj njihove diferenciranosti i odrediti svojstva koja najbolje ukazuju na međupopulacijske razlike. Na osnovi provedene analize glavnih komponenti (PCA) nije utvrđeno jasno i logično grupiranje s obzirom na geografski raspored istraživanih populacija. Morfološka svojstva koja su najviše povezana s razlikovanjem populacija pokazala su relativno niske i umjerene vrijednosti s PC osima, čije su maksimalne vrijednosti korelacije iznosile ≤ 0,554. Klasterska analiza je istovjetna rezultatima PCA i upućuje na postojanje dvije skupine populacija koje nisu geografski logično raspoređene. Rezultati deskriptivne i univarijatne statističke analize ukazali su na izraženu varijabilnost morfoloških svojstava lista između populacija, te prisutnost značajnih razlika po pojedinačnim svojstvima. Dobivene su značajne razlike na međupopulacijskoj razini, s tim da su unutarpopulacijske (individualne) statistički značajnije nego međupopulacijske.A morphometric analysis of the leaf traits of Macedonian Oak (Q. trojana) in its north-westernmost range was conducted, including in total 130 individuals from 13 natural populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The purpose of the study was to use the analysis of variance for the morphological characteristics of leaves from small and markedly fragmented populations to determine if there are any patterns of population differentiation and detect the morphological characteristics associated with such differentiation. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) did not identify the existence of discrete groups but rather of a continuous gradient in the variation of morphological characteristics and the absence of geographical population patterns. The morphological characteristics most closely related to population differences displayed relatively low to moderate values with PCs whose maximum correlation values were ≤ 0.554. The results of a cluster analysis conformed to the PCA results, indicating two population groups, which equally display no geographical pattern. The results of descriptive and univariate statistics pointed to marked variability of morphological leaf characteristic between populations and the presence of significant differences among individuals. Finally, it should be noted that the study of populations of Macedonian Oak in its north-westernmost range identified a high degree of variability in the morphological leaf characteristics studied, and indicate that many different factors impact on the patterns of the small and fragmented populations of this species in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Further research on a larger sample, using molecular markers, will contribute to a better and more accurate knowledge of Macedonian Oak variability in this part of its natural range. Since this is a sub-Mediterranean region, and Macedonian Oak is a very important tree species from ecological point of view, thus conservation by in situ method in all open and preserved areas is recommended, with particular attention to the origin of the forest reproductive material for reintroduction to degraded habitats, as suggested by the results obtained

GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION OF EUROPEAN BEECH (Fagus sylvatica L.) IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Biokemijska genetička identifikacija obične bukve (Fagus sylvatica L.), provedena je korištenjem izoenzimskih biljega u osam prirodnih populacija na širem području Bosne i Hercegovine. Genetska varijabilnost analizirana je pomoću 10 izoenzimskih sustava, sa 16 polimorfnih lokusa i 52 alela. Utvrđena je statistički značajna razlika između populacija, uz nešto nižu vrijednost prosječne diferenciranosti. Dobiveni rezultati upućuju na zaključak, da bi se u svrhu održavanja prirodnih genetskih izvora obične bukve u Bosni i Hercegovini trebala uspostaviti što gušća mreža banki gena metodama in situ i ex situ (banke sjemena, sjemenske sastojine i sjemenske plantaže) potrebna za održavanje genetske raznolikosti populacija. Na temelju rezultata istraživanja, svaka ekološka niša obične bukve trebala bi imati svoju banku gena,uz odgovarajući broj populacija i jedinki, kako bi se očuvale ekološke i fiziološke značajke ove vrijedne gospodarske vrste.European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most important forest tree species in Bosnia and Herzegovina from both the economic and ecological aspect. Bosnia and Herzegovina has 3,231,500 ha of forests and forestland, accounting for about 60 % of its total area. In the structure of forests and forestland, high forests cover 51.10 %, coppices 38.70 %, scrubland 4.00 %, bare land and clearings 5.80 % of the total forest area, while other unproductive areas account for 0.40 %. In addition, European beech also occurs in mixed forests of beech and fir, and beech, fir and spruce, which is 46 % of all high forests. Consequently, the total area of forests featuring European beech is about 1,652,400 ha. The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) showed very good horizontal stratification in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It grows, in combination with Sessile oak (Fagetum submontanum), in the lowest forest belts, further it can be found in hills, where it forms pure stands (Fagetum montanum), and finally in mountain areas, mixed with common fir or with both fir and spruce, forming most important community of mixed beech and fir forests (Abieti fagetum). The forests growing in the Central Dinarides are very specific; on a very small space there is a broad variety of climate, edaphic, orographic and other factors which all have direct influence on the differentiation of various ecotypes. Biochemical analysis of genetic structure of eight beech populations using 16 isoenzyme gene loci provided significant genetic differentiation. In some of the gene loci variability was high, whereas in some populations monomorphism was identified only for some gene loci. The average number of alleles per locus ranged from 2.3750 in the Velež population to 2.7500 in the Dinara population, while the average number of genotypes in a locus ranged from 2.8750 in the Posušje population to 3.5625 in the Dinara population. The highest heterozygocity was found in the Čemerno population and the lowest in the Velež population. Some of the observed alleles, such as Pgi-B1, represent rare allelles, which is very useful for subsequent determination of seed and plant material provenance, and indicates specific stand markers. Apart from their importance in determining the origin of forest reproductive material, they are also vital for the successful application of management measures. The negative fixation index values in the studied seed stands are indicators of more liberal management. They would not lose much of their genetic potential for adaptation since they possess sufficient genetic variability, as confirmed by this research. Genetic multilocus diversity ranged from 55.26 to 185.29, and genofund diversity was between 1.2000 and 1.3616. The obtained parameter of mean differentiation for all the populations was relatively low and amounted to Dj = 4.86. This parameter indicates the proportion of total diversity and can be assessed with about 95.14 %. This value is conditioned by inter-population and intra-population genetic diversity and by lower differentiation between the populations. The highest differentiation was found in the Posušje population (Dj = 7.58), which points to its high stability and homogeneity in comparison with other populations from this research. In order to maintain natural genetic resources of European beech in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it should be establish dense network of gene banks in situ and ex situ (seed zones, seed stands, clonal and seedling seed orchards), which are necessary for maintaining genetic diversity of the populations. On the basis of research each important ecological niche for European beech should have its gene bank, with appropriate collection of genotypes, in order to preserve ecological and physiological features of the populations. Since only partial genetic structure of European beech in Bosnia and Herzegovina was provided by this research, further study is needed in order to perform genetic distribution of seed units of this valuable commercial species. Particular attention should be paid to the delineation of provenances (seed stands), as well as to experimental division based on provenance tests and the study of ecological-physiological properties

European Red List of Trees

The European Red List is a review of the status of European species according to IUCN regional Red Listing guidelines. It identifies those species that are threatened with extinction at the regional level – in order that appropriate conservation action can be taken to improve their status. This publication summarises results for all Europe’s native species of tree (454 species), of which 265 species (over 58%) are endemic to continental Europe, with 56% (252 species) endemic to the 28 EU Member States. Of these, 168 (42%) of the species are threatened with extinction at the European level, however, for 57 species (nearly 13%) there was insufficient information to assign a conservation status, and are therefore classified as Data Deficient, and in need of further research. The main threat to tree species in Europe has been identified as invasive or problematic species, impacting 38% of tree species, followed by deforestation and wood harvesting, and urban development (both affecting 20% of tree species). For threatened species, livestock farming, land abandonment, changes in forest and woodland management, and other ecosystem modifications such as fire are the major threats, impacting the survival of trees.Peer reviewe

On the identity of Thymus humifusus var. aureopunctatus (Lamiaceae) and taxonomic notes on the Th. richardii complex

The name , described from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is lectotypified, and its taxonomic value is discussed. is currently considered an endemic subspecies common to Mallorca (Balearic Islands) and Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Balkan Peninsula. Specimens identified as from both Balearic Islands and Bosnia and Herzegovina were studied to determine if they are indeed the same taxonomic entity. Detailed micromorphological observations and morphometric analysis, suggest that the Balkan plants () and the Majorcan populations () are clearly separate entities. For the former name, based on morphological, phytochemical, biogeographical and present results, we propose the subspecific rank, as comb. & stat. nov. Full descriptions of all five subspecies currently accepted within are provided