Mediterranean forest genetic diversity and adaptive conservation strategies

Transcription

1 Mediterranean forest genetic diversity and adaptive conservation strategies Aristotelis C. Papageorgiou Forest Genetics Laboratory Democritus University of Thrace Orestiada, Greece

2 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 2

3 Importance of genetic diversity 3 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

4 The genetic system of a forest Genetic diversity is maintained when the genetic system is working! 4

5 Forest genetic diversity in the Mediterranean is high 5 Petit et al. 2003

6 Glacial refugia 6

7 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 7

8 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 8

9 Changes of geographical range 9 Quercus petraea

10 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 10

11 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 11

12 New approach in forest management 12

13 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 13

14 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 14

15 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 15

16 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 16

17 Thank you 17