Selection and breeding of fast growing trees for multiple purposes in Serbia

Abstract

© 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG. Fast growing tree species play significant role in timber production in Serbia with emphasis on poplars and willows as most dominant species. Use of poplar and willow for establishment of highly productive plantations requires reproductive material which originates from long term breeding and selection processes which are conducted both in Serbia and worldwide. Besides coping with traditional issues such are productivity and resistance to pest and diseases, current circumstances (climate change, degraded lands etc.) pose new challenges in breeding of poplars and willows. This article presents review of both traditional and contemporary breeding and selection processes conducted in Serbia with aim of production new cultivars/clones suitable to obtain various desired properties.