Experts from NWSFE and WWF Bulgaria Begin Collection of Wild Cherry Seeds for Production of Saplings
Based on the results of a recent drone survey and data collection on forest fruit trees, experts from NWSFE and WWF Bulgaria have initiated the collection of Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) seeds at the one of the intervention sites in Berkovitza Forest Unit. This effort aims to produce saplings that will be planted later to enhance food availability for bears.
The optimal period for seed collection is from June to the end of July, with experts focusing on trees that exhibit higher fruit production to ensure a greater yield of viable seeds. Once harvested, the cherries were transported to the Berkovitza Forest Nursery, where the seeds were extracted from the pulp, dried for 2-3 days, and then stratified in the refrigerator until autumn. This process is crucial, as the production of saplings from wild forest fruit trees is relatively limited in Bulgaria, making the experience gained at the Berkovitza nursery vital for future replication in other ecoregions.
This collaborative effort is part of a broader activity aimed at enhancing habitat heterogeneity and climate resilience in transnational forest ecosystems, systematically documenting experiences from 23 intervention sites across three different ecoregions.
21/06/2024
By Aleksandra Ugarkovic
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