Conservation genetics of Nordic trees and wood plants

Lead institute: Danish Centre for Forest , Landscape and Planning, KVL , Denmark

Project leader: Professor Erik Kjær

Background

Sustainable management of perennial species includes concern for their genetic resources. This is especially important in the face of climatic changes that will trigger dynamics in the species' distributional area, and challenge genetic viability and efficiency of natural selection.

The concept of dynamic conservation of the genetic resources of tree is widely accepted in the Nordic countries due to its evolutionary focus and close links between conservation and utilisation. However, this approach rests on a basic understanding of the underlying evolutionary processes, and how these are influenced by human and natural activities.

Objective

The overall objective is to provide a better understanding of the population genetics of native species to an extent that can guide wise use and protection of genetic resources of Nordic trees and woody plants. Cooperation, sharing of facilities, exchange of knowledge, and joint development of thought and ideas for improved research and development within the field is expected Nordic benefits from the programme.

General approach

Research that combine studies of quantitative traits and molecular markers will be applied in order to identify and compare genetic patterns of adaptive importance with measurements of gene flow, random genetic drift and inbreeding.