Restoration of autochthonous poplar species (Populus sp.) in riparian zone: Genofond establishment

European black poplar (Populus nigra L.) and white poplar (Populus alba L.) are among dominant tree species in autochthonous biocenoses of riparian zones in Serbia. These species become rare and even endangered, especially European black poplar. About 50 genotypes of European black and white poplar from 12 Serbian populations, mostly from Vojvodina, are collected and propagated by means of micropropagation. The genotypes are propagated by axillary buds to reduce chances for somaclonal variation. The genotype collection would be the basis for stoolbed establishment and further production of propagation and planting material for nursery production and afforestation, presumably in protected areas.