The Conservation of Elm Genetic Resources in Europe

Abstract

Throughout Europe, elms are threatened by Dutch elm disease and the destruction of riparian forests. The long-term conservation of elm genetic resources is now being implemented by a European Union (EU) project in collaboration with the EUFORGEN Noble Hardwoods network. The EU RESGEN 78 project involves partner institutes in 9 countries. It aims to achieve better evaluation of the existing collections and effective ex situ long term conservation measures. The ongoing activities include the establishment of a European database, characterization of genetic diversity using molecular markers, identification of valuable clones, rationalization of the existing collections, development of cryopreservation techniques, establishment of a long-term core collection, and raising public awareness. The EUFORGEN strategy for Ulmus foresees a number of complementary activities such as ecogeographic surveys, database compilation of in situ conservation stands, production of stand management guidelines, and distribution of the practical results achieved by both the Network and the project. It recommends the dynamic management of genetic resources in order to maximize the genetic diversity among the conservation populations. Links between activities in the EU and non-member countries will be facilitated.