Mediterranean forest genetic diversity and adaptive conservation strategies
Aristotelis C. Papageorgiou
Forest Genetics Laboratory
Democritus University of Thrace
Orestiada, Greece
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Genetic component of biodiversity
...is a total of meaningless mathematic expressions… Perlman & Adelson 1997
…should not be given priority, since its measurement is complicated and expensive… Dobson 1995
Misunderstandings: “Laboratory analysis is the first step of any gene
conservation method” “The object of conservation programmes are the
genes we see in the laboratories”
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Importance of genetic diversity
Main condition for adaptation under new environments Maintenance of populations and species Stability of communities and ecosystems Constant production of goods and services
Biological information base Is transferred over generations and rearranged through
mating system Influenced by population size Changes and promotes adaptation Is imported and exported
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The genetic system of a forest
Genetic diversity is maintained when the genetic system is working!
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Forest genetic diversity in the Mediterranean is high
Petit et al. 2003
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Glacial refugia
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Possible impacts of climate change on tree populations
Direct impacts Tree populations will need to adapt in a rapidly
changing environment Indirect impacts
Forest fires Outbreaks of insects and disease
Human induced impacts Deforestation Mismanagement Land use change
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Genetic consequences
Extinction of species and populations Loss of rare species Loss of valuable populations Loss of connectivity – fragmentation
Adaptation of populations Reduced population size and density
Genetic drift & inbreeding Change of allele frequencies
Increase of specialization – possible reduction of gene diversity & adaptability
Migration to the north or to higher altitudes Founder effect & bottlenecks “nowhere to go” – increased probability of extinction
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Changes of geographical range
Quercus petraea
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Adaptive conservation & management
Adaptation is the only option Migration will not work
Increase adaptability of current populations of forest trees in the Med
Target: not genetic diversity itself, but the mechanism producing & maintaining diversity Genetic system
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Strategies
In situ: dynamic, allow evolution on site Forest management
Secure pollen & seed movement Promote natural regeneration Expand management in non productive forests
Landscape connectivity Restoration
Local seed or best adapted seed Protected areas – networks
Main forest species & their ecotypes Climate refugia & primary forests Estimated new refugial areas
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New approach in forest management
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Adaptive conservation & management
Ex situ: to preserve current genetic structures for future needs Frequent collection of reproductive material
from selected forests Restore in gene banks Keep in plantations in different locations
Seed orchards for restoration purposes Adaptive breeding
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Some often discussed options
Evacuation and transfer to the north (?) Will probably not work
For small number of populations only Founder effect
Breeding targeting adaptive genotypes (?) Will probably not work
Takes time Application will be restricted Could reduce diversity in populations
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What is needed?
Collaboration with various partners New forest management approach Effective forest protection framework International synergy Awareness about the importance of the
forest for society and economy
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Mediterranean forests
Have accumulated adaptation potential through Different climatic fluctuations in the past Spatially diverse environments Human pressure
Best strategy: protect and manage them to maintain adaptation mechanisms
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Thank you
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