Genetic variability in Italian populations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.): managerial and silvicultural aspects – Part II

Abstract

In the first part the results of a study have been presented, carried out on thegenetic structure of eight populations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) – seven fromthe Alps and one from the Apennines – representative of the Italian range of thisspecies. They have highlighted a sharp differentiation of the Apennine relictpopulation from the remaining ones. Its peculiarities make it an important geneticresource that requires specific protection and management measures, which have beenanalysed together with the silvicultural treatments which could better guarantee its insitu conservation by helping the settlement and development of natural regeneration.Such considerations have also been extended to some Alpine populations which, forthe function they perform (seed collection areas) and other features, should besubjected to conservation measures on the basis of the principle of precaution and ofthe recognition of the forest as a subject of rights.