Seeing the trees as well as the forest: The importance of managing forest genetic resources

Abstract

a b s t r a c tReliable data on the status and trends of forest genetic resources are essential for their sustainable management. The reviews presented in this special edition of Forest Ecology and Management on forest genetic resources complement the first ever synthesis of the State of the World's Forest Genetic Resources (SOW-FGR) that has just been published by the Food and Agriculture Organization. In this editorial, we present some of the key findings of the SOW-FGR and introduce the seven reviews presented in this special edition on: (1) tree genetic resources and livelihoods; (2) the benefits and dangers of international germplasm transfers; (3) genetic indicators for monitoring threats to populations and the effectiveness of ameliorative actions; (4) the genetic impacts of timber management practices; (5) genetic considerations in forest ecosystem restoration projects using native trees; (6) genetic-level responses to climate change; and (7) ex situ conservation approaches and their integration with in situ methods. Recommendations for action arising from the SOW-FGR, which are captured in the first Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources, and the above articles are discussed. These include: increasing the awareness of the importance of and threats to forest genetic resources and the mainstreaming of genetic considerations into forest management and restoration; establishing common garden provenance trials to support restoration and climate change initiatives that extend to currently little-researched tree species; streamlining processes for germplasm exchange internationally for research and development; and the intelligent use of modern molecular marker methods as genetic indicators in management and for improvement purposes.

Insular biogeography and population genetics of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum) in the Central Rocky Mountains

“…Forest ecologists and land managers require detailed species information, including genetic data, to effectively assess and maintain the natural diversity, stability, and resilience of forest ecosystems (Loo et al. , UN‐FAO , Wickneswari et al. ).…”

“…Forest ecologists and land managers require detailed species information, including genetic data, to effectively assess and maintain the natural diversity, stability, and resilience of forest ecosystems (Loo et al 2014, UN-FAO 2014, Wickneswari et al 2014. Particularly relevant are considerations of the geographic genetic structure of forest species in montane environments, including tree symbionts.…”

A set of novel microsatellite markers developed for an economically important tree, Dracontomelon duperreanum, in China

“…Genetic diversity is the amount of variation in the heritable material maintained within and among species; it represents the adaptive and evolutionary potential of a species and has great economic, environmental, and scientific values (Loo et al, 2014). However, no genetic diversities have been reported for this valuable multipurpose tree yet, and such information is necessary for the efficient management of its genetic resources.…”

Conservation and Monitoring of Tree Genetic Resources in Temperate Forests

“…The recently published State of the World's Forest Genetic Resources FAO [4] indicates that about 4000 valuable tree species are considered to be threatened in some way. Almost 2300 tree species have been listed as national priorities for conservation and management [5]. Indeed, to counteract species extinction and biodiversity loss, the concept of biological conservation has been advanced.…”