The importance of beech seed sources in Serbia for enhancement of seed and seedling production

Abstract

In Serbia, The Balkan beech, Fagus moesiaca (Domin, Maly) Czeczott is one of the most important and commercial broadleaf tree species. Beech is mainly regenerated naturally; however, for different silvicultural demands and afforestation needs, it is necessary to provide good quality planting material. To supply good quality seed and as a form of beech gene pool conservation in situ, 19 seed stands of this species were designated in Serbia. Selected seed stands are distributed throughout all types of beech communities in Serbia. This paper presents their characteristic, significance and direction of further beech seed and seedling production