Metla Project 3393

Reproductive biology and genetic structure of forest stands

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Duration: 2004-2007   Keywords: anthesis, genetic variability, inbreeding
Research project group: Distinct projects 1 - Structure and function of forest ecosystems

Objectives

Genetic variability with a forest stand is a basis for both natural evolution and forest tree breeding. It is commonly agreed that genetic variabitity is a natural resource, the utilization of which is controlled by national and international agreements. Furthermore, the management and conservation of genetic resources is considered to be a governmental responsibility (Convention on Biodiversity, Strasbourg Resolution2, National Strategy on Plant Genetic Resources in Finland).

This project provides information on genetic variability in natural forest stands and in conservation units and breeding populations. This information will be used to estimate adaptability and vigour in the stands as well as differentiation among the stands. Furthermore, it will be evaluated if estimates of variation in neutral markers can be used as an indicator for adaptive variation, which is more costly to measure.The research objects are broadleaved species which differ in distribution, pollination type and type of seed shed. Comparison of these selected species gives more widely applicable knowledge on the genetic functioning of forest stands. The results will be used to help gene conservation tasks, especially optimizing sampling and resource allocation, and to aid in decision making concerning breeding populations and production of reproductive material.

Project leader: Rusanen, Mari
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Unit, PL 18, FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 5477
E-mail: mari.rusanen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Luomajoki, Alpo (2004-05), Vakkari, Pekka, VA (2004-07)


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Updated 12.06.2012
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