Genetic resources (4.6)

A gene reserve forest (in situ conservation) established in the naturally regenerated pine stand in southern Finland. This typical natural, single tree pine forest can be managed following the regular practices if the regeneration with the seeds of this particular forest can be secured.

The purpose of protecting the natural genetic resources of forest trees²⁴ is to safeguard the internal diversity of the species and the capacity of stands to adapt to changes in the environment. Genetic diversity is taken into account in tree breeding, the production of forest reproduction material, regeneration and forest management.

The natural genetic resources of the main tree species in Finland – pine, spruce, silver birch and downy birch – are maintained in gene reserve forests²⁵, which have been selected to represent the variability of the species within their distribution area. The network of gene reserve forests is almost completed. The genetic resources of rare species are protected in gene banks²⁶ established specifically for the purpose. Nature conservation areas also contribute to the safeguarding of the genetic diversity of forest trees.

Genetically improved seed produced in seed orchards²⁷ is mainly used in forest tree nurseries for seedling production. The use of improve seed in seeding pine trees in forests has increased in recent years. In addition to seed orchard production, seeds are collected in forests in connection with fellings in commercial forests selected by forestry professionals. Registered seed collection forest stands are of minor importance nowadays. Pine seed from seed collection areas²⁸ is mainly used for stand seeding.

No forests are established in Finland of clones from a single individual tree, as the reduction of genetic variability would weaken the survival of tree species as the climate changes.

Table 4.6a. Gene reserve forests, 2011

There are several tree species living in some gene reserve forests.

ource: Finnish Forest Research Institute, register on forest genetics

Table 4.6b. Gene resource archives, 2002

Table 4.6c. Seed orchards, 2011

Source: Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira)

24 The genetic resources of forest trees comprise their genetic variability, the various species and varieties, and intra-species variation.

25 A gene reserve forest (in situ conservation) is a living gene bank, which is allowed to develop under evolutionary pressure. Gene reserve forests are usually regenerated naturally and are managed following the regular good silvicultural practices. ¨

26 Genetic resource archives (ex situ conservation) contain genetic material from several different stands. The archive is tended with intense management.

27 Seed orchards are tree plantations established specifically for the production of seed. The trees in a seed orchard are plus trees, the best individuals selected from natural populations using the methods of tree breeding.

28 Seed collection areas are natural stands which have been selected for the purpose of collecting seeds. The stands are of high-quality growing stock and suitable for seed production both in terms of the age and management history of the stand.