Observation of Plant Genetic Resources of Sorbus domestica L. in Bulgaria
Observation of Plant Genetic Resources of Sorbus domestica L. in Bulgaria
PDFAuthors: Martin Stoilov and Marina Marcheva
Volume/Issue: Volume 28: Issue 1
Published online: 19 May 2025
Pages: 30 - 35
Abstract
The service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) is a fruit-bearing tree that is distributed in Central and Southern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. A detailed study of the distribution in Bulgaria of 246 specimens, characteristics and propagation was published in 1990. For over 30 years the species has been overlooked by the scientists. Our investigations can confirm the good phytosanitary and physiological conditions of 10 specimens described 30 years ago and revealed 91 new fruit-bearing trees. We found a great phenotypic diversity in shape, size, colour and taste, similar to those found in other European countries. A total of 101 trees are subject to monitoring and preservation in the areas of Gotse Delchev, Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv, Kyustendil, Sandanski, Stara planina mountain, and Sredna gora mountain. There are currently 9 new described habitats of fruit-bearing trees and the research goes on. As a result of the present survey, the species has been found to occur mainly in wild conditions in semi-mountainous areas. Most trees are old and fruit-bearing. In recent years there has been an increased interest in cultivating the species on private farms. These trees are seedlings, mostly young and not bearing fruit yet.
Keywords: plant genetic resources, L., distribution
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