Common crab apple (Malus sylvestris Mill.) is a minor tree species native to Slovenia. In the study we have researched the distribution and endangerment of common crab apple in Slovenia. We analyzed 97 trees from 9 populations. We performed the morphometrical analysis of leaves and fruits. We examined 12 morphological traits of the leaves and 8 morphological traits of the fruits. The results show that the common crab apple is a threatened and rare tree species in Slovenia. In our study, based on two of the most characteristic morphological traits % hairiness of leaves and fruit diameter, only 44,42 % of the studied trees represent the common crab apple and the other 55,58 % are potential hybrids with orchard apple (Malus % domestica Borkh.). Generally, in Slovenia there is a lot of appropriate habitats for common crab apple, due to more and more extensive overgrown areas. Common crab apple in Slovenia is endangered mainly because of hybridization with orchard apple. The second reason is contempt of common crab apple in the silviculture. For long-term conservation common crab apple should be taken into account as much as possible in silviculture and there should be more vigilance in checking traceability of seedlings. It is necessary to isolate forest seed objects or network of individual trees with the appropriate genetic code.
|
