Genetic basis of conversion and conservation of forest gene resources of spruce stands in Silesian and Zywiec Beskid Mountains

The quality evaluation of Beskid stands is presented. The threat posed to spruce stands and factors of the degree of their destruction degree are characterized. The feasibility of stand conversion on genetic basis using morphological markers was determined, the results of tests of Istebna race progeny and the sources of forest reproductive material of r, beach and admixture species being taken into con- sideration. The genetic structure of the most valuable spruce stands was evaluated on the basis of isoenzymic and terpene polymorphism. The results of the investi- gation are used as the basis in the rational conversion of spruce stands, including the conservation of populations characterized by the highest genetic value, and in the realization of the program for the protection of gene resources of the Beskid Mountains in the Wisla Carpathian Gene Bank.