Conservation of genetic resources of the European black poplar (Populus nigra L.) in China
2005
Gangtie, L. (Inner Mongolia Agriculture Univ., (China)) | Zixiang, Y. | Slycken, J.V. | Weidong, Z.
Populus nigra L. is severely threatened in China. The species has its natural distribution area along the Ertix and Ulungur river systems in the Xinjiang Province ( West China). The forests along the two river valleys are being destroyed because of agricultural extension, animal husbandry and an increase of the human population. The area of P. nigra is becoming smaller and smaller and the species is actually only present along the two valleys as scattered individuals or in small groups. Trees over 100 years old cannot be found and the remaining trees are generally 40-60 years old. Notwithstanding the large number of seedlings that still germinate on the flooded land, only a few trees can survive animal grazing and drought. In the Ertix River valley, P. nigra mixes with P.×jrtyschensis C.Y. Yang. In the Ulungur River valley, however, only P. nigra is found. Because of its strong resistance to drought and frost and adaptability to poor sites, P. nigra is considered as an invaluable parent for breeding and selection work for northern China. In 1998, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) '009' Project was started to conserve the remaining genetic resources of P. nigra in ex situ collections. In situ conservation is also urgently needed
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