Conservation of genetic resources of Sorbus torminalis in Poland

The paper presents the proposal of a strategy of conservation of genetic resources of wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) in Polish forests. Some results of the recent studies on distribution, resources and genetic variability of wild service tree in Poland that make a scientific base of the programme are presented. Both in situ and ex situ methods should be applied in conservation of genetic resources of S. torminalis. Conservation affords should first to be focused on forest management oriented in favor of wild service tree (e.g. logging intervention, competition control, preparing of favorable sites for new establishments). Further, in situ measures should include selection of conservation areas (natural gene reserves) and preserving trees of the best quality (protected genotypes). These objects would provide seeds for new establishments and to feed populations of small size. The genotypes of the selected earlier preserving trees (about 250-300) would be protected in ex situ conservation objects - seedling and clonal seed orchards. These plantations would also provide seeds needed for future establishments. The genotypes of endangered populations or single trees of S. torminalis could be preserved in the Forest Gene Bank in Kostrzyca.