The genetic potential of mother trees as a basis for Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Atropurpureum’ plant production

Abstract

Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is one of the most valuable species of Serbia’s noble hardwoods. Based on the results of previous research, it can be concluded that this is a species with a pronounced ecological plasticity and high genetic potential. From the aspect of ornamentalness, one of the most frequent cultivars in urban green spaces and tree rows is the cv ‘Atropurpureum’, also known as ‘Spaethii’ or ‘Purpureum’. It is distinguished by dark green leaf adaxials and purple undersides, which give the crown an extraordinarily attractive appearance. The genetic potential of the analyzed mother trees can be used for the mass production of the Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Atropurpureum’ and Acer pseudoplatanus plants needed for urban green area maintenance and creation of tree rows. Special attention should be paid to the potential of mother trees 5 and 3; their descendants, along with purple leaf undersides, also have high average height values for five-year old plants.

Keywords

• Phenotypical expression
• Magnoliophyta
• selection
• variability
• urban habitat