Microsatellite markers were used to describe the genetic structure of a natural wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) stand in Slovenia. Based on eight analyzed loci, only 67 different multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were identified among 217 trees, indicating a significant amount of clonal reproduction in the stand. Low spatial genetic structure (SGS) was observed in the stand when only sexually derived genets were considered (Sp = 0.011), and the kinship coefficient was only significant in the first distance class (<40 m). When both the generative and vegetative origin of trees were included, the intensity of the SGS in the stand increased (Sp = 0.149). Forest paths, streams and ditches, which represent obstacles to root growth and consequently obstruct vegetative propagation via root suckers, also affected the spatial grouping of clones in the stand. A relatively high number of somatic mutations within clonal groups were observed, which further increased the complexity of the genetic structure in the stand.

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) is a non-native conifer from western North America that was introduced into European forests at the end of the 19th century. Plantations of Douglas-fir in Europe have shown good performance, quality, and resilience to exacerbating climatic conditions. However, all these qualities strongly depend on provenance. A total of 1061 surviving trees of fifteen different Douglas-fir provenances were measured in a Slovenian provenance trial that was established within the framework of the 1966/1967 IUFRO seed collection program. We found significant differences among provenances with respect to survival rate, growth performance, and log quality. The total recorded yield of the 46-year-old stand was 602.9 m³/ha, and the average survival rate was 43%. The correlation of juvenile tree heights in 1985 and their average breast height diameters in 2017 is positive and significant. Based on vitality and diameter, the best performing provenances were Yelm and Cathlamet. The provenance with the best log quality assessed through branchiness is Jefferson (Olympic Peninsula, western Washington). All the most promising provenances for western Slovenia (Central Europe) originate from the low-altitude western coast of Washington (WACO), with the Cathlamet provenance showing the best combination of good growth, survival rate, and log quality.

Microsatellite markers were used to describe the genetic variability of four seed stands of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.). One hundred and thirty one individuals were genotyped at ten nuclear microsatellite loci. Total genetic diversity was high (H_E = 0.704), while differences between stands were small but significant (F_ST = 0.053, G′_ST = 0.234). There was a significant amount of clonal reproduction in one stand, with only 11 genotypes identified among 36 trees. One stand showed a significant excess (F_IS = −0.044) of heterozygosity, and one showed a deficit (F_IS = 0.044). Our results demonstrate the importance of taking into account the biological and genetic characteristics of species in forest management, especially when determining a new seed stand. The small genetic differences found between seed stands indicate that a large number of stands are not required. However, they should be carefully selected and should possess adequate genetic variability to ensure low relatedness between seed trees.

This study focuses on the morphological and genetic characteristics of European crab apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.) and the occurrence of hybrids in its populations. We analyzed a total of 107 putative European crab apple trees in Slovenia: 92 from nine natural populations, five from a seed stand and 10 from a stand of unnatural origin. We also included 18 domesticated apple trees (Malus × domestica Borkh.) and two Japanese flowering crab apple trees (Malusfloribunda van Houtte) as outliers. The trees were classified into groups of European crab apples, hybrids and domesticated apples according to their morphological and genetic characteristics. Classification based on morphological traits produced different results (58.75% European crab apple, 37.11% hybrids and 4.14% domesticated apple) compared to those based on genetic analysis (70.10% European crab apple, 21.64% hybrids and 8.26% domesticated apple). When genetic and morphological characteristics were combined, only 40.20% of the trees were classified as European crab apple, and an additional group of feral cultivars of domesticated apples (6.18%) was identified. The analysis revealed that hybridization with domesticated apple is taking place in all studied natural European crab apple populations; however, hybrids and feral cultivars only occur to a limited extent. When introducing European crab apple into forests in the future, only genetically verified forest reproductive material obtained exclusively from suitable seed stands should be used.

The aim of our research was to study the impact of various environmental factors on the resin production of pines in the Slovenian Karst. Five plots were established % three in Pinus nigra (Arnold) stands and two in Pinus sylvestris (L.) stands. On each plot, the 19-20 most vigorous dominant or codominant trees with a minimum diameter at breast height (DBH) of 20 cm were selected and their resin yield analysed in 2012. Resin yield in P. nigra was considerably higher than that in P. sylvestris. The average resin yield per tree during the study period of 102 days was 1.144 kg for P. nigra and 0.612 for P. sylvestris. There were substantial differences in resin yield among individual trees in the study period: 0.336-2.487 kg for P. nigra and 0.249-1.270 kg for P. sylvestris. The resin yield in P. nigra was considerably higher for the trees with larger DBH, while this was not the case in P. sylvestris. Tree species was the most important factor in resin yield. Increased precipitation resulted in higher resin yields on most plots, whereas better site productivity positively affected resin yield on all P. nigra plots but not on P. sylvestris plots.

Sunscreens ensure thorough protection against sunburn. The delivery of UV filters into the stratum corneum and viable epidermis could be reduced by the use of antioxidants (such as β-carotene and trans-resveratrol, alone or combined). The presence/absence of antioxidants (trans-resveratrol and β-carotene) in formulations containing benzophenone-3 (UV-filter) and their efficiency under disinfection and neutral conditions are studied and compared. The trial was conducted on 38 people. The prepared ointments were applied to the participants’ forearms, irradiated and monitored by reflectance colorimetry after 0, 4, 6, and 8 min. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the skin color’s main characteristics and the F-ratio was used to test overall differences. The ointments containing antioxidants and benzophenone-3 were the most efficient, followed by those with benzophenone-3 alone. It was proven that photoprotection with benzophenone-3 is still effective, despite the formation of its chlorinated products. Due to the short time of exposure to disinfecting conditions, it could be assumed that benzophenone-3 was only partially chlorinated. This clinical study demonstrated that formulations containing antioxidants are likely to be more suitable for protecting skin against UVB irradiation than a UV filter alone.