Virtually full nut crops are harvested which makes the natural regeneration of walnut impossible. Forest taxation data acquired by the Institute confirm this negative trend. Walnut stands are generally overmature and suffer from damage by pests and diseases. Commercial timber harvesting, often by joint venture enterprises with no clear approach to ensuring reproduction of the genetic diversity, also pose a great risk. In large parts of Central Asia, the forest land is concentrated in arid zones.
Forests provide valuable pastures and prevent moving sands.
Tree breeding is widely considered an integral part of the activities towards the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources. Field trials conducted by the Forestry Research Institute of Uzbekistan since the 1940's have focused on poplars, willows, elms, walnut, pistachio and almond. Several generations of breeders have been involved in the development of varieties in nut and fruit trees all over the region. Selection and breeding programmes have been initiated for the principal forest tree species. Immense areas, e.g. the land previously covered by the Aral Sea are awaiting afforestation programmes requiring availability and high genetic quality of reproductive material.