Complexity of gene resources conservation and utilisation of a differently managed multipurpose tree species (Castanea sativa Mill.): What, where and how to conserve

European chestnut is grown extensively for its fruit and timber and is important not only for rural diversification, local economies and cultures, but also for its contribution to the landscape and environment. The species is threatened across Europe by human activities and by the ravages of fungal attacks such as Phytophtora spp. causing ink disease. European chestnut is therefore proposed as a model species for the development of long-term strategies combining conservation of evolutionary and adaptive potential, exploitation of breeding stocks and preservation of Mediterranea landscape. The results of a fouryear EU funded project (CASCADE - EVK-CT-1999-00006) are reported.