Biotechnological Approaches for the Improvement and Conservation of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner

European alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner], also called black alder or European black alder, is a medium-sized tree that is widely distributed throughout Europe. In the few decades, black alder populations have declined drastically, partly as a result of deforestation and the disappearance of riparian habitats but mainly because of alder blight disease, caused by Phytophthora alni. In order to protect these important genetic resources, the existing conservation methods must be improved and new tools developed.