Clonal Identification Based on Quantitative, Codominant, and Dominant Marker Data: A Comparative Analysis of Selected Willow ( Salix

Clonal identification in forestry may employ different means, each with unique advantages. A comparative evaluation of different approaches is reported. Nine quantitative leaf morphometric parameters, 15 variable codominant (isoenzyme) and 15 variable dominant (RAPD) loci, were used. All clones presented unique multilocus isoenzyme genotypes and 86% presented unique multilocus RAPD genotypes. Quantitative, isoenzyme and molecular data were subjected to principal component analysis, the latter two data sets after vector transformation. Most of the variability (quantitative 99%, isoenzyme 72.5%, RAPD 89%) was accounted for in the first three axes. This study has shown: (1) individual quantitative parameters were inefficient for clonal identification, (2) multilocus clonal identification was successful, (3) dominant markers were more polymorphic than codominant ones: 1.5 variable loci per enzyme system, 7.5 variable RAPD loci per primer, (4) 15 codominant marker loci could identify about 2.8 times more individuals than 15 dominant ones, but this advantage is surpassed when 42 dominant loci are employed, (5) multivariate analysis of morphological, codominant and dominant genetic data could not discriminate at the clonal level. It was concluded that due to their higher number of loci available dominant markers perform better than codominant ones, despite the higher informativeness of the latter

Global to local genetic diversity indicators of evolutionary potential in tree species within and outside forests

There is a general trend of biodiversity loss at global, regional, national and local levels. To monitor this trend, international policy processes have created a wealth of indicators over the last two decades. However, genetic diversity indicators are regrettably absent from comprehensive bio-monitoring schemes. Here, we provide a review and an assessment of the different attempts made to provide such indicators for tree genetic diversity from the global level down to the level of the management unit. So far, no generally accepted indicators have been provided as international standards, nor tested for their possible use in practice. We suggest that indicators for monitoring genetic diversity and dynamics should be based on ecological and demographic surrogates of adaptive diversity as well as genetic markers capable of identifying genetic erosion and gene flow. A comparison of past and present genecological distributions (patterns of genetic variation of key adaptive traits in the ecological space) of selected species is a realistic way of assessing the trend of intra-specific variation, and thus provides a state indicator of tree genetic diversity also able to reflect possible pressures threatening genetic diversity. Revealing benefits of genetic diversity related to ecosystem services is complex, but current trends in plantation performance offer the possibility of an indicator of benefit. Response indicators are generally much easier to define, because recognition and even quantification of, e.g., research, education, breeding, conservation, and regulation actions and programs are relatively straightforward. Only state indicators can reveal genetic patterns and processes, which are fundamental for maintaining genetic diversity. Indirect indicators of pressure, benefit, or response should therefore not be used independently of state indicators. A coherent set of indicators covering diversity–productivity–knowledge–management based on the genecological approach is proposed for application on appropriate groups of tree species in the wild and in cultivation worldwide. These indicators realistically reflect the state, trends and potentials of the world’s tree genetic resources to support sustainable growth. The state of the genetic diversity will be based on trends in population distributions and diversity patterns for selected species. The productivity of the genetic resource of trees in current use will reflect the possible potential of mobilizing the resource further. Trends in knowledge will underpin the potential capacity for development of the resource and current management of the genetic resource itself will reveal how well we are actually doing and where improvements are required

Exploitation of epigenetic variation of crop wild relatives for crop improvement and agrobiodiversity preservation

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are recognized as the best potential source of traits for crop improvement. However, successful crop improvement using CWR relies on identifying variation in genes controlling desired traits in plant germplasms and subsequently incorporating them into cultivars. Epigenetic diversity may provide an additional layer of variation within CWR and can contribute novel epialleles for key traits for crop improvement. There is emerging evidence that epigenetic variants of functional and/or agronomic importance exist in CWR gene pools. This provides a rationale for the conservation of epigenotypes of interest, thus contributing to agrobiodiversity preservation through conservation and (epi)genetic monitoring. Concepts and techniques of classical and modern breeding should consider integrating recent progress in epigenetics, initially by identifying their association with phenotypic variations and then by assessing their heritability and stability in subsequent generations. New tools available for epigenomic analysis offer the opportunity to capture epigenetic variation and integrate it into advanced (epi)breeding programmes. Advances in -omics have provided new insights into the sources and inheritance of epigenetic variation and enabled the efficient introduction of epi-traits from CWR into crops using epigenetic molecular markers, such as epiQTLs

Les ressources génétiques forestières dans le bassin méditerranéen

Ce texte est le rapport du Groupe FAO d'experts des ressources génétiques forestières, pour la Méditerranée. Il a été présenté par Michel Bariteau, membre de ce groupe, lors de la 12e Session de la FAO à Rome, du 21 au 23 novembre 2001. Il fait le point sur l'état actuel des ressources génétiques forestières dans l'ensemble des pays du bassin méditerranéen

Energy potential of native shrub species in northern Spain

This paper we present an energy review of the waste generated by shrub species in soils of low fertility for use as fuel in a power plant. The residues analysed belong to the species: Rhamus alaternus, Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Smilax aspera, Erica sp., Rubus ulmifolius, and Pteridium aquilinum. Gross calorific value (GCV), net calorific value (NCV), density, elementary chemical analysis, moisture content, percentage of ash, productivity, energy density and FVI (fuel value index) have been measured. These parameters have been determined for three levels of moisture (maximum, medium and minimum). At medium moisture level, the residues of U. europaeus are those that reach the greatest FVI, 20,000. In the other extreme is the P. aquilinum with an FVI of 403. The average productivity of waste, in t ha 1, of each species has been determined in order to know how much energy is stored per hectare. U. europaeus and P. spinosa are the species which accumulate more energy per hectare, with similar values of around 81 MJ ha 1 yr 1 and installed power of 2.59Wha 1. The energy recovery of the waste in a thermal power plant would generate an annual revenue of 14.6 MV, taking into account that 40% of the forest land covered by shrub in Cantabria is used for this purpose

Monitoring of species' genetic diversity in Europe varies greatly and overlooks potential climate change impacts.

Genetic monitoring of populations currently attracts interest in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity but needs long-term planning and investments. However, genetic diversity has been largely neglected in biodiversity monitoring, and when addressed, it is treated separately, detached from other conservation issues, such as habitat alteration due to climate change. We report an accounting of efforts to monitor population genetic diversity in Europe (genetic monitoring effort, GME), the evaluation of which can help guide future capacity building and collaboration towards areas most in need of expanded monitoring. Overlaying GME with areas where the ranges of selected species of conservation interest approach current and future climate niche limits helps identify whether GME coincides with anticipated climate change effects on biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that country area, financial resources and conservation policy influence GME, high values of which only partially match species' joint patterns of limits to suitable climatic conditions. Populations at trailing climatic niche margins probably hold genetic diversity that is important for adaptation to changing climate. Our results illuminate the need in Europe for expanded investment in genetic monitoring across climate gradients occupied by focal species, a need arguably greatest in southeastern European countries. This need could be met in part by expanding the European Union's Birds and Habitats Directives to fully address the conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity

Monitoring of species’ genetic diversity in Europe varies greatly and overlooks potential climate change impacts

Genetic monitoring of populations currently attracts interest in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity but needs long-term planning and investments. However, genetic diversity has been largely neglected in biodiversity monitoring, and when addressed, it is treated separately, detached from other conservation issues, such as habitat alteration due to climate change. We report an accounting of efforts to monitor population genetic diversity in Europe (genetic monitoring effort, GME), the evaluation of which can help guide future capacity building and collaboration towards areas most in need of expanded monitoring. Overlaying GME with areas where the ranges of selected species of conservation interest approach current and future climate niche limits helps identify whether GME coincides with anticipated climate change effects on biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that country area, financial resources and conservation policy influence GME, high values of which only partially match species’ joint patterns of limits to suitable climatic conditions. Populations at trailing climatic niche margins probably hold genetic diversity that is important for adaptation to changing climate. Our results illuminate the need in Europe for expanded investment in genetic monitoring across climate gradients occupied by focal species, a need arguably greatest in southeastern European countries. This need could be met in part by expanding the European Union’s Birds and Habitats Directives to fully address the conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity

Clonal Identification Based on Quantitative, Codominant, and Dominant Marker Data: A Comparative Analysis of Selected Willow (Salix L.) Clones

Clonal identification in forestry may employ different means, each with unique advantages. A comparative evaluation of different approaches is reported. Nine quantitative leaf morphometric parameters, 15 variable codominant (isoenzyme) and 15 variable dominant (RAPD) loci, were used. All clones presented unique multilocus isoenzyme genotypes and 86% presented unique multilocus RAPD genotypes. Quantitative, isoenzyme and molecular data were subjected to principal component analysis, the latter two data sets after vector transformation. Most of the variability (quantitative 99%, isoenzyme 72.5%, RAPD 89%) was accounted for in the first three axes. This study has shown: (1) individual quantitative parameters were inefficient for clonal identification, (2) multilocus clonal identification was successful, (3) dominant markers were more polymorphic than codominant ones: 1.5 variable loci per enzyme system, 7.5 variable RAPD loci per primer, (4) 15 codominant marker loci could identify about 2.8 times more individuals than 15 dominant ones, but this advantage is surpassed when 42 dominant loci are employed, (5) multivariate analysis of morphological, codominant and dominant genetic data could not discriminate at the clonal level. It was concluded that due to their higher number of loci available dominant markers perform better than codominant ones, despite the higher informativeness of the latter

Clonal Identification Based on Quantitative, Codominant, and Dominant Marker Data: A Comparative Analysis of Selected Willow (Salix L.) Clones

Clonal identification in forestry may employ different means, each with unique advantages. A comparative evaluation of different approaches is reported. Nine quantitative leaf morphometric parameters, 15 variable codominant (isoenzyme) and 15 variable dominant (RAPD) loci, were used. All clones presented unique multilocus isoenzyme genotypes and 86% presented unique multilocus RAPD genotypes. Quantitative, isoenzyme and molecular data were subjected to principal component analysis, the latter two data sets after vector transformation. Most of the variability (quantitative 99%, isoenzyme 72.5%, RAPD 89%) was accounted for in the first three axes. This study has shown: (1) individual quantitative parameters were inefficient for clonal identification, (2) multilocus clonal identification was successful, (3) dominant markers were more polymorphic than codominant ones: 1.5 variable loci per enzyme system, 7.5 variable RAPD loci per primer, (4) 15 codominant marker loci could identify about 2.8 times more individuals than 15 dominant ones, but this advantage is surpassed when 42 dominant loci are employed, (5) multivariate analysis of morphological, codominant and dominant genetic data could not discriminate at the clonal level. It was concluded that due to their higher number of loci available dominant markers perform better than codominant ones, despite the higher informativeness of the latter.Peer Reviewe