Forest genebanks: a new approach to conserving forest tree genetic resources.

Abstract

This paper discusses the various steps involved in the establishment of forest genebanks with particular reference to the conservation of the genetic resources of Phyllanthus emblica, an important medicinal plant species of India.

Complex ex situ - in situ approach for conservation of endangered plant species and its application to Iris atrofusca of the Northern Negev

“…Th is approach was considered potentially promising, but was not tested and no detailed methodology for practical use was developed (Husband and Campbell 2004). A slightly diff erent approach are the "forest gene banks" (Uma Shaanker and Ganeshaiah 1997, Uma Shaanker et al 2001. In this concept, a particular existing population acts as an in situ sink, into which genetic material from several source sites is introduced and maintained.…”

Impact of Population Structure, Growth Habit and Seedling Ecology on Regeneration of <i>Embelia ribes</i> Burm. f. —Approaches toward a Quasi <i>in Situ</i> Conservation Strategy

“…This would ensure the preservation of both natural and adaptive (introduced) genetic diversity. Additionally, establishment of forest gene banks as suggested [35] would go a long way in preventing this rare species from becoming extinct.…”

“…Therefore, for an endangered species, creation of ex-situ collections and decisions about suitable material for relocation/reintroduction should take into account the potential risks of inbreeding depression, in addition to local adaptation and spatial structure of adaptive variation [32]. In species that lack local adaptation, low genetic diversity and self-incompatibility, a slightly modified approach of "forest gene bank" was suggested [33][34][35]. A novel approach of quasi in situ conservation of endangered plants was proposed by [32].…”

How to conserve threatened Chinese plant species with extremely small populations?

“…This has motivated a search for an efficient integration of these two approaches by creating living collections of needed capacity under natural, semi-natural or artificial conditions. Two concepts of integrative conservation that suit PSESPs are “forest gene banks” ( Uma Shaanker and Ganeshaiah, 1997 , Uma Shaanker et al., 2001 , Uma Shaanker et al., 2002 ) and “ quasi in situ ” ( Volis and Blecher, 2010 , Volis, 2015 ). The former concept proposes use of a particular existing population as an in situ sink into which genetic material from several source sites is introduced and maintained.…”