Reproduction of Ulmus glabra Huds. in the region of origin 20: Guadarrama-Ayllón range

Abstract

The conservation status of Ulmus glabra Huds. in the Spanish central mountain range is endangered. Several studies report that the species is close to extinction in this area.
The aim of this project is to study the ex-situ reproduction of Ulmus glabra in nurseries in order to make available the plant material necessary to address conservation plans through the following partial objectives:
1.- Development of a protocol for the production of cloned specimens through vegetative reproduction by cutting, establishing the techniques that offer the best rooting results.
2.- Analysis of the capacity of sexual reproduction and the viability of the seeds.

Samples of 49 trees were taken from 9 different populations and the influence of 3 factors on rooting success was studied, concluding that only the use of indolbutyric acid was statistically different than the rest.
Wych elm viable seeds are very rare, but contrary to previous reports they are easily conserved and even maintain their germination capacity for at least one year in outdoor nursery growing conditions (heat, cold and high humidity).