Gene conservation and breeding of tree species in Azores islands

Abstract

Since no forest tree gene conservation activities were carried in the Azores islands with its unique flora, it is urgent to develop a strategy for management of the Azorean forest tree genetic resources. To safeguard the potential for adaptation was identified as the prime objective for gene conservation of tree species in Azores. Three species were identified as of potential interest for tree improvement. Prunus lusitanica was selected since it is rarely occurring and close to extinction. Piconia azorica and Juniperus brevifolia were selected based on their good wood quality and the interest in these trees by the Azorean Forest Service. Combined gene conservation and breeding was suggested for them. The breeding of all of them will follow the Multiple Population Breeding System concept. Open-pollinated seed will be collected for establishment of seedling seed orchards for each ecogeographic zone (cf Fig. 5). Culling of trees with undesired characteristics will be carried out before seed collection. Seeds will be used for establishment of new progeny plantations. For Prunus lusitanica only 1-2 seedling seed orchards are suggested. For the two other species several seedling seed orchards are suggested. For tree species not included in the breeding, in situ subpopulations are recommended. They should cover the entire range of distribution of these tree species. Whenever two or more species coexist, combined gene resource populations could be used to reduce the cost for conservation. Promotion of flowering by cutting of competing tree species should be carried out to guarantee regeneration of the gene resource populations. Supportive research for the management program is urgently needed

    Similar works