Molecular marker based genetic diversity in forest tree populations

Abstract

Forest trees are largely undomesticated and highly heterozygous, due to their out crossing breeding systems and, therefore, have large effective population sizes.1 Despite the high number of known species, approximately 450 different forest tree species are actively part of a deliberate domestication process through tree improvement programs (FAO).2 Knowledge of the genetic diversity of the threatened tree species in any region of the world may contribute to the creation of effective strategies for their preservation and future use. The majority of the world–wide forests represent natural forests (93%), with 12% dedicated as conservation forests. A major concern regarding forests health and resilience is the declining in forest genetic diversity as documented as early as 1967 (FAO conference). Genetic diversity serves several important purposes: (a) as a resource for tree breeding and improvement programs to develop well–adapted tree species varieties and to enhance the genetic gain for a multitude of useful traits; (b) to ensure the vitality of forests as a whole by their capacity to withstand diverse biotic and abiotic stressors under changing and unpredictable environmental conditions; and (c) the livelihoods of indigenous and local communities that use traditional knowledge. Rich genetic diversity within and among forest tree species thus provides an important basis for maintaining food security and enabling sustainable development (FAO).3