European Black Poplar

(Populus nigra L.)

Saša Orlović Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment

Novi Sad (former Poplar Research Institute)

University of Novi Sad

Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment

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Distribution area

Populus nigra, the black poplar, is a species of cottonwood poplar, the type

species of section Aigeiros of the genus Populus, native to Europe, southwest and

central Asia, and northwest Africa

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Characteristics

It is a medium-sized to large

decidous tree, reaching 20–30 m

(rarely 40 m) tall, with a trunk up

to 1.5 m diameter.

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Characteristics

•Bark clear and smooth in juvenile

phase,

•Mature rough with longitudinal

fissures with characteristic

intercrossings

•Frequent burl (protrusion of trunk

around epicornic or dormant buds)

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Characteristics

The leaves are diamond-shaped

to triangular, 5–8 cm long and

6–8 cm broad, green on both

surfaces.[

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Characteristics

The species is dieocious (male

and female flowers on different

plants), with flowers in catkins

and pollination by wind

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Populus nigra in Serbia

Populus nigra L., Populus

pubescens (Parl.) Jov. et Tuc.,

Populus panonica it. et Bess.

(in lowlands), Populus

metohiensis Tuc. (on south part

of Serbia) and many

spontaneous simple and

complex hybrid.

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Populus nigra in Serbia

• P. nigra consist pure stands

(Populetum nigrae) and mixed

stands with Salix sp. (S. alba).

• The distribution on highest level of

alluvial sediment on soil type

fluvisol and humofluvisol.

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Conservation of Populus nigra in Serbia

• Activities on conservation started in 1993 (in situ)

• 60 genotypes collected and cloned in the Experimental estate

• Assessment of the susceptibility on diseases was conducted in juvenile

phase

• In 1996, PhD thesis was finished. The research in the thesis was

focused on different anatomical, physiological and morphological

characteristics. The results showed variability and stability of

characters on different soil types

• The biggest area for in situ conservation is in Nature reserve “Gornje

Podunavlje”

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Serbia in EUFORGEN Populus nigra Network

• EUGORGEN – Populus nigra Network started in

1994

• The First meeting where Serbian delegate

participate was held in Geraarsbergen (Belgium) in

1997

• Active participation started form 2002, when Serbia

joined to the Program

• 2 genotypes of P. nigra from Serbia were included

in EUFORGEN collection situated in Casale

Monferratto and Wageningen

• The copy of EUFORGEN P. nigra collection exist

on Experimental Estate of the Institute of Lowland

Forestry and Environment

Threats to populations • Loss of habitat

• Introgression of alleles from hybrid poplars

• Diseases

• Pests

LOSS OF GENETIC VARIABILITY!!!!

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Dothichiza populea Sacc. et Br. – bark canker of

black poplars

• Black poplar and its clones have increased

sensitivity to this pathogen.

• Weakness parasite (young plants are

sensitive when their viability reduced)

• The most effective control – selection or

creation and introduction of less sensitive

clones in practice and production.

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• It occurs mainly in young plants

(aged 1-7 years)

• The fungus causes premature

defoliation and physiological

weakness of the plants.

• Protection measures: create

favorable conditions for the

development of plants and

fungicide application.

Marssonina brunnea Ell. et Ev. (P. Magn.) – causal

agent of brown leaf spot of black poplars

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• They appear in the second part of

the growing season (in the most

intense on adult trees).

• The consequences of attacking are

similar to the previous disease

(premature defoliation,

physiological weakness of the

plants, loss of increment).

• Protection measures: the choice of

less sensitive clones and application

of appropriate fungicides.

Melampsora spp. – poplar leaf rusts of black poplars

Stilpnotia salicis – Satin moth

Chrysomela populi – Poplar leaf beetle

Phyllodecta vitelinae – Willow leaf beetle

Pygaera anastomosis – Poplar tip moth

Lymantria dispar – Gypsy moth

Cryptorrhynchus lapathi – poplar and willow borer

Chaitophorus leucomelas - poplar aphid

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Thanks to

Dr Ivan Herpka

(1924-2001)

Prof. dr Aleksandar Tucović

(1928-2004)

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Congratulations to Vojvodinašume for an

excellent project