Abstract

Biodiversity loss causes are variable, interactive and rather anthropogenic. Genetic variability, between and within species, has multiple fundamental values. Forest ecosystem diversity has an important role in evolution, selection and improvement processes aiming at the satisfaction of human needs. Serbian spruce (Picea omorika Panč./Purkyne) is an endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula and a tertiary relic. The conservation of this endemic species is necessary not only its rarity and vulnerability, but also on the account of its valuable pioneer qualities. Taking into account qualities of Serbian spruce, the model of Serbian spruce genetic diversity conservation was designed by the application of multiple population breeding system (MPBS), conservation method in which the population with the function of genetic conservation was subdivided into subpopulations, each having an effective population size. The proposed model of conservation of the total Serbian spruce genetic diversity can become an adequate solution for the prevention of further narrowing and also of the extension of the narrow range of the species.    

Key words: Serbian spruce, adaptability improvement, multiple population breeding system, genetic diversity conservation.