'Ulmus Laevis' Pallas, an Endangered Native Elm 30 May 2013

'Ulmus laevis' pallas, an endangered native elm 30 May 2013

Researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de of its habitat by humans, and according to the Madrid have confirmed by using DNA molecular criteria of the International Union for Conservation markers that the Ulmus laevis species is native in of Nature, Ulmus leaves must be considered a the Iberian Peninsula. species in danger of extinction. Therefore, researchers from the UPM are demanding to A detailed study of the elm grove, carried out by develop strategies to preserve this species as its the Forest Genetics and Physiology Research inclusion on the Red List of Spanish Vascular Flora Group of the UPM within the Spanish Elm in a way that these populations are protected by the Program, explains the controversial issue of the state regulations. origins of the Ulmus laevis. It was proved that using molecular makers of Nuclear and chloroplast According to the current law, Ulmus laevis is DNA not only that the genetic variability of this considered a native species, therefore it can be population in our country is similar or even higher used in restoration projects and environmental than the European population but also this species improvements of riverbanks even in protected survived in diverse parts of the Iberian Peninsula areas by the Natura 2000 network. during glacial periods, as suggested the presence of exclusive chlorotypes. More information: Venturas, M. et al. Human- induced changes on fine-scale genetic structure in The Ulmus laevis is an elm that differs from the Ulmus laevis Pallas wetland forests at its SW Ulmus minor by its fruit and because it is a rare distribution limit, Plant Ecology 214 (2): 317-327. species in Spain. Because of its low frequency, the DOI: 10.1007/s11258-013-0170-5 . Feb 2013. Flora Ibérica journal considers that it is an introduced species, ascribing its presence to wildlife. However, the study has allowed researchers to locate of a larger number of Provided by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid populations of this species in our country than expected. In addition, other works conducted by the group have determined the distribution area and the ecology of this specie in Spain that were unknown so far.

The results suggest that Ulmos laevis inhabits areas of acid soils and water availability, while the common elm occupies naturally basic soils and overcomes some summer drought. Although this species is very susceptible to Dutch elm disease (a disease that wiped out 99% of the Spanish elm) this pandemic do not mean a high risk for Ulmus laevis due to that the beetles (Scolytus spp.) that spread the disease do not feel attracted by this species.

As a consequence of the fragmentation and the small size of populations caused by the demolition

1 / 2

APA citation: 'Ulmus laevis' pallas, an endangered native elm (2013, May 30) retrieved 25 September 2021 from https://phys.org/news/2013-05-ulmus-laevis-pallas-endangered-native.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

2 / 2