The downy oak is a promising tree species for an increasingly warm climate
The downy oak (Quercus pubescens) is an unpretentious tree species known for its high resistance to drought and heat, as well as its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions. These qualities make it a promising candidate for use in specific environments where other tree species struggle to survive.
Photo: A stand of downy oak at the Satan locality above the municipality of Žitenice, in the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. Author P. Novotný, 30. 10. 2024
In recent years, the lower regions of the Czech Republic have experienced prolonged droughts and elevated temperatures. It is essential to identify suitable native thermophilic tree species to help preserve forest ecosystems in the future. The downy oak could play a significant role in this effort.
The downy oak thrives in the warmest regions of Bohemia and South Moravia. It primarily grows in forests designated for protective purposes and is often found in nature reserves where it plays a vital ecological role. This species also functions effectively as a land reclamation tree. Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, particularly on deforested scree slopes where other tree species struggle to grow. In the Red List of Vascular Plants of the Czech Republic, the downy oak is classified as NT (near-threatened species) and is currently legally protected.
To enhance the management of the currently underrepresented downy oak in Czech forests, it is essential to acquire and utilize appropriate sources of reproductive material. Increasing the presence of downy oak will aid in the necessary transformation of the species composition in Czech forests, aiming to improve their ecological stability and biodiversity in response to the challenges posed by climate change.
Photo: Acorns and leaves from the downy oak, Nature Reserve Lužické šipáky, in the Protected Landscape Area České středohoří. Author V. Buriánek, 30. 5. 2023
To increase the proportion of downy oak in forest stands, it is essential to utilize artificial planting methods more extensively. This approach requires careful monitoring of the genetic variability of the sources of reproductive material to ensure the development of future stands that are more adaptable.
This topic has been explored by scientists at the VÚLHM, v. v. i., specifically within the Department of Forest Tree Species Biology and Breeding, as part of the TAČR research project SS06010209 „Assessing the potential for broader forestry application of thermophilic oak species in relation to adaptation to ongoing climate change“ (Zhodnocení potenciálu širšího lesnického uplatnění teplomilných druhů dubů v souvislosti s adaptací na probíhající změnu klimatu).
One of the results of their work is the publication titled “Metodické postupy charakterizace genetické diverzity porostů dubu pýřitého (Quercus pubescens Willd.) s využitím DNA analýz (Methodological procedures for characterising the genetic diversity of downy oak /Quercus pubescens Willd./ stands using DNA analyses).
These methodological procedures have not been previously published in the Czech Republic. They were developed and validated using five selected downy oak stands located in Bohemia: Karlštejn, Lužice, Litoměřice, Košťálov, and the Moravian location of Pouzdřany.
The new procedures utilise DNA analyses that remain unaffected by changes in environmental conditions, allowing for an objective assessment of diversity within the studied downy oak stands. This enables the acquisition of varied sources of reproductive material and helps in identifying genetically identical individuals.
Monitoring genetic diversity will play a crucial role in selecting appropriate sources of reproductive material for establishing stands with sufficient variability. By intentionally increasing the genetic variability of these stands, we enhance their resilience against potential diseases, pests, and adverse climate conditions. Supporting genetically diverse sources also helps preserve the gene pool of this legally protected tree species.
Photo: Downy oak in the Nature Reserve Lužické šipáky, in the Protected Landscape Area of České středohoří. Author V. Buriánek, 30. 5. 2023
Understanding the genetic structure of stands chosen as sources of reproductive material can significantly improve afforestation practices. Genetic diversity within populations is vital for the survival of their members and their ability to adapt to changing habitat conditions.
The methodological procedures used to acquire knowledge about the diversity of the pedunculate oak will support the objectives of the recently approved long-term strategy aimed at enhancing the protection and sustainable biodiversity outlined in the “Strategy for the Protection of Biodiversity of the Czech Republic 2026–2050” (Strategie ochrany biologické rozmanitosti České republiky 2026–2050) and the subsequent “Action Plan for the Period 2026–2030” (Akční plán pro období 2026–2030). These documents align with the international obligations of the Czech Republic. Additionally, conducting genetic screening of existing oak stands supports the goals of the National Program for the Protection and Reproduction of the Forest Tree Gene Pool, which aims to promote high-quality reproductive resources.
If the need for widespread cultivation of this tree species arises in the future due to adverse climatic conditions, such as for alternative economic uses, it is expected that increased production will occur in stands established from high-quality, verified sources of reproductive material.
The publication titled “Metodické postupy charakterizace genetické diverzity porostů dubu pýřitého (Quercus pubescens Willd.) s využitím DNA analýz (Methodological procedures for characterising the genetic diversity of downy oak /Quercus pubescens Willd./ stands using DNA analyses) is available for download here.
The authors of this methodology are: Ing. Helena Cvrčková, Ph.D., Ing. Pavlína Máchová, Ph.D., Ing. Olga Trčková, and Bc. Kateřina Vítová from the Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, machova@vulhm.cz
Prepared according to the original by Jan Řezáč, VÚLHM, v. v. i., e-mail: rezac@vulhm.cz
Introductory photo: Downy oak in the Nature Reserve Lužické šipáky, Protected Landscape Area České středohoří. Author V. Buriánek, 30. 5. 2023