Concepts and requirements in the conservation of forest genetic resources
1995
Hattemer, H.H. (Georg-August-Univ., Gottingen (Germany). Abteilung fuer Forstgenetik und Forstpflanzenzuchtung)
Manifold human influences on the genetic structures of tree populations give cause for measures of conserving genetic resources. After presenting a definition of gene conservation, various objectives are considered. In view of the genetic systems of trees as long-lived plants at a low level of domestication, the conservation of the genetic adaptability of their populations to environmental changes is emphasized. This implies that the choice among candidate populations for conservation be based on the results of surveys of genotypes at marker gene loci. In view of the expense and the long-term importance of this step, the quality of gene markers and the information on their inheritance mode is critical. Besides marker gene loci, the expression of genetically controlled adaptive phenotypic traits deserves proper weight. The selection criteria are then based on estimates of certain parameters, such as the adaptive potential, the genetic meaning of which must be made transparent. Methods of dynamic conservation should be given preference because of the environmental situation of tree populations. Conservation in situ requires high silvicultural skill. The combination of these procedures with conventional static conservation ex situ induces flexibility and is very promising. Problems exist as to how to sample populations and how to measure their variation. Present research needs are indicated
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