Preservation of genetic resources in gene reserves means to define gene conservation as a primary goal of forestry. As a consequence, this will mean that other, e.g. monetary goals will be less important in these stands. Moreover, silviculture primarily has to support the well defined goal "maintenance of genetic resources".
Although our knowledge about the consequences of silvicultural and other anthropogenic influences on the woods is still poor, it seems meaningful to check the existing data in how far they could be applied not only for regular silviculture but also for the management of gene reserves. Using three Central European genera of the Fagaceae (Quercus L., Fagus L. and Castanea Mill.) as an example, some concepts of conservation of genetic resources in defined gene reserves as well as silvicultural consequences are shown and critically discussed.
In this context we show that the three closely related genera need different concepts of conservation of genetic resources.