Genetic resources of beech in Italy

This paper reports on the main characteristics of European beech forests in Italy. The natural distribution and the country data (surface an main typology) indicate that the beech stands cover more than 1 million hectares located from the Alps in the north, to the mountains of the island of Sicily, which is the southest border of the natural range of the species. The silviculture and forest management practices, as well as the health status are described. Some additional data concerning the lumber production and timber supply are also provided. Particular emphasis is placed on the genetic resources. The data on genetic variability, the phylogeography relationship as well as phenological and growth parameters and molecular genetics of Italian populations of beech are also presented.