CHARACTERIZATION AND PROPAGATION OF AN ADULT TRIPLOID PEDUNCULATE OAK(QUERCUS-ROBUR L)

Investigations of ''European oak decline'' and genetic structure of mo re than 400 adult oaks showed that 1 tree was genetically variant beca use of unusual isozyme patterns. Further examination showed a variant leaf morphology and an increased stomatal length. Chromosome counts an d isozyme analysis indicated that the tree is a triploid oak. The cons ervation of this remarkable genotype was achieved by rooted cuttings. The occurrence of flowering and fruit set of the adult tree offer oppo rtunities for further research concerning problems of reproduction, ge netics and stress resistance in oak. with altered ploidy level.