A rare case of natural regeneration in butternut, a threatened forest tree, is parent and space limited

Ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems has emerged as a critical tool in the fight to reverse and ameliorate the current loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Approaches derived from different genetic disciplines are extending the theoretical and applied frameworks on which ecological restoration is based. We performed a search of scientific articles and identified 160 articles that employed a genetic approach within a restoration context to shed light on the links between genetics and restoration. These articles were then classified on whether they examined association between genetics and fitness or the application of genetics in demographic studies, and on the way the studies informed restoration practice. Although genetic research in restoration is rapidly growing, we found that studies could make better use of the extensive toolbox developed by applied fields in genetics. Overall, 41% of reviewed studies used genetic information to evaluate or monitor restoration, and 59% provided genetic information to guide prerestoration decision-making processes. Reviewed studies suggest that restoration practitioners often overlook the importance of including genetic aspects within their restoration goals. Even though there is a genetic basis influencing the provision of ecosystem services, few studies explored this relationship. We provide a view of research gaps, future directions and challenges in the genetics of restoration.

show abstract

“…) and founder effects due to recolonization by few individuals (Hoban et al . ; Vandepitte et al . ).…”

Section: Meta‐analysis Of the Use Of Genetics In Ecological Restorationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contribution of genetics to ecological restoration

et al. 2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Increased fitness in the F1 generation has been implicated in the establishment of future hybrid generations (Drake, 2006), as Hoban et al (2009) found. Furthermore, the majority of these hybrids occur in anthropogenically disturbed habitats (Hoban et al, 2012a), probably due to human mediated transport of F1 individuals (Woeste and Pijut, 2009) and the short dispersal distance (generally < 100 m) of butternut seeds from mother trees (Hoban et al, 2012b) in subsequent F2 and backcross generations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vegetative and Adaptive Traits Predict Different Outcomes for Restoration Using Hybrids

et al. 2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Hybridization has been implicated as a driver of speciation, extinction, and invasiveness, but can also provide resistant breeding stock following epidemics. However, evaluating the appropriateness of hybrids for use in restoration programs is difficult. Past the F1 generation, the proportion of a progenitor’s genome can vary widely, as can the combinations of parental genomes. Detailed genetic analysis can reveal this information, but cannot expose phenotypic alterations due to heterosis, transgressive traits, or changes in metabolism or development. In addition, because evolution is often driven by extreme individuals, decisions based on phenotypic averages of hybrid classes may have unintended results. We demonstrate a strategy to evaluate hybrids for use in restoration by visualizing hybrid phenotypes across selected groups of traits relative to both progenitor species. Specifically, we used discriminant analysis to differentiate among butternut (Juglans cinerea L.), black walnut (J. nigra L.), and Japanese walnut (J. ailantifolia Carr. var. cordiformis) using vegetative characters and then with functional adaptive traits associated with seedling performance. When projected onto the progenitor trait space, naturally occurring hybrids (J. × bixbyi Rehd.) between butternut and Japanese walnut showed introgression toward Japanese walnut at vegetative characters but exhibited a hybrid swarm at functional traits. Both results indicate that hybrids have morphological and ecological phenotypes that distinguish them from butternut, demonstrating a lack of ecological equivalency that should not be carried into restoration breeding efforts. Despite these discrepancies, some hybrids were projected into the space occupied by butternut seedlings’ 95% confidence ellipse, signifying that some hybrids were similar at the measured traits. Determining how to consistently identify these individuals is imperative for future breeding and species restoration efforts involving hybrids. Discriminant analysis provides a useful technique to visualize past selection mechanisms and current variation in hybrid populations, especially when key ecological traits that distinguish progenitors are unknown. Furthermore, discriminant analysis affords a tool to assess ecological equivalency of hybrid populations and breeding program efforts to select for certain traits and monitor the amount of variability of those traits, relative to progenitors.

show abstract

“…Straightforward analyses of parentage or assignment tests employing markers with a high information content (Hoban et al . ; Veale et al . ) are another example in which simulations may not contribute much.…”

Section: Cautions Outlook Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some species or situations will conform relatively well to the assumptions of Bayesian or likelihood-based methods for estimating parameters of population size and migration rates. Straightforward analyses of parentage or assignment tests employing markers with a high information content (Hoban et al 2012b;Veale et al 2013) are another example in which simulations may not contribute much. Nonetheless, simulations have a role in most investigations by complementing analytical approaches or by verifying the power of the sampling strategy (Fig.…”

Section: Cautions Outlook Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An overview of the utility of population simulation software in molecular ecology

Hoban

2014

Molecular Ecology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Stochastic simulation software that simultaneously model genetic, population and environmental processes can inform many topics in molecular ecology. These include forecasting species and community response to environmental change, inferring dispersal ecology, revealing cryptic mating, quantifying past population dynamics, assessing in situ management options and monitoring neutral and adaptive biodiversity change. Advances in population demographic-genetic simulation software, especially with respect to individual life history, landscapes and genetic processes, are transforming and expanding the ways that molecular data can be used. The aim of this review is to explain the roles that such software can play in molecular ecology studies (whether as a principal component or a supporting function) so that researchers can decide whether, when and precisely how simulations can be incorporated into their work. First, I use seven case studies to demonstrate how simulations are employed, their specific advantage/necessity and what alternative or complementary (nonsimulation) approaches are available. I also explain how simulations can be integrated with existing spatial, environmental, historical and genetic data sets. I next describe simulation features that may be of interest to molecular ecologists, such as spatial and behavioural considerations and species' interactions, to provide guidance on how particular simulation capabilities can serve particular needs. Lastly, I discuss the prospect of simulation software in emerging challenges (climate change, biodiversity monitoring, population exploitation) and opportunities (genomics, ancient DNA), in order to emphasize that the scope of simulation-based work is expanding. I also suggest practical considerations, priorities and elements of best practice. This should accelerate the uptake of simulation approaches and firmly embed them as a versatile tool in the molecular ecologist's toolbox.

show abstract

A rare case of natural regeneration in butternut, a threatened forest tree, is parent and space limited

Cited by 13 publications

References 47 publications

Contribution of genetics to ecological restoration

Contribution of genetics to ecological restoration

Vegetative and Adaptive Traits Predict Different Outcomes for Restoration Using Hybrids

An overview of the utility of population simulation software in molecular ecology

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About