In Romania, the interest for biomass production from short rotation coppice (SRC) is at beginning, being focused on the culture of poplar and willow. The high productions of biomass, which can be obtained from these cultures, are affected by numerous diseases and harmful insects, with negative effects on viability and vitality of these cultures. In order to improve the actual clones (certified for culture in Romania) resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, a collection of different provenance Salix sp. potential genitors was established in March 2015 (Didactical and Experimental Station belonging to BUASVM Timişoara). The genitors collection includes 38 genotypes collected from the spontaneous flora belonging to 11 different species of Salix. Diseases of shoots and leaves caused by Marssonina salicicola, Pollaccia saliciperda, Uncinula salicis and Cercospora salicina were registered. A negative impact on young shoots vitality had leaf beetle Melasoma saliceti L., small poplar borer (Saperda populnea) as well as sucking pests like different species of Aphidae or mites. The most tolerant genotypes both to pests and diseases were belonging to S. rosmarinifolia and S. pentandra. The most sensitive species include genitors from S. fragilis, S.alba and S.purpurea. Tolerance to pests and diseases was dependent on species and origin. The genitors will be monitored in the coming years for an accurate assessment of tolerance to diseases and pests, in different climatic conditions.

Salix sp., pests, diseases

Presentation: oral