Allozyme markers in forest genetic conservation

Abstract

Application. Allozyme markers are useful in three main aspects of forest genetic conservation: assessing the amount and distribution of genetic variation; determining sampling plans for in-situ and ex-situ conservation; and monitoring changes in genetic diversity. Since allozymes represent only one type of polymorphism, they are best used in conjunction with other traits when information about adaptive variation is needed.Abstract. Genetic diversity is important in tree-breeding, in managing rare and endangered tree species, and in maintaining healthy populations of widespread native tree species. Allozymes are useful in determining genetic relationships among species, where they can be used to assess affiliations of rare taxa and predict relative endangerment among species. Because allozymes sometimes yield different information about genetic variation within species than revealed by other traits, when estimates of total or adaptive genetic variation are important, allozymes are best used in conjunction with other traits. Allozymes are useful for measuring direct allelic diversity when designing ex-situ and in-situ conservation strategies. We demonstrate an application of canonical trend-surface analysis for determining locations of in-situ genetic conservation areas. Allozymes also serve as useful markers in monitoring the effects of forest management and other environmental changes on genetic diversity.

Optimal sampling strategies for capture of genetic diversity differ between core and peripheral populations of Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr

“…Some authors have emphasized the importance of allelic richness rather than heterozygosity for gene conservation planning (e.g., Schoen and Brown 1991;Millar and Westfall 1992). For example, results from numerous studies suggested that allelic richness measures may be more useful than allelic evenness measures when quantifying effects of disturbances on gene pools (e.g., Buchert et al 1997;Stoehr and El-Kassaby 1997).…”

Across-species patterns of genetic variation in forest trees of Central Europe

“…Generally, richness is considered more important for conservation planning than diversity both at the species level (Bock et al 2007;Isbell et al 2009) and the intraspecific (genetic) level (Millar and Westfall 1992;Gapare et al 2008). Allelic richness responds sensitively to past demographic changes associated with the reduction of effective population sizes , resulting from many humaninduced processes, such as harvesting (Buchert et al 1997) or procurement and handling of forest reproductive material (Stoehr and El-Kassaby 1997).…”

CIFOR’s research programme on conservation of tropical forest genetic resources

“…Millar and Westfall (1992) reviewed data on genetic diversity for twenty species of Californian conifer to recommend extensions to the existing protected area network. Their work did not include an assessment of threat to individual populations, and indeed there have been no examples of data on genetic diversity being combined with assessments of threat to determine a genetic conservation strategy.…”

“…The advantages of such an approach are many. Areas for extension of existing protected area networks can be identified based on some algorithm designed to maximise genetic diversity or differentiation, as was done by Millar and Westfall (1992). Beyond this, however, areas which may be useful additions to the protected area network, but which are under such intense threat that effective control is not possible, can be identified, thus avoiding wasted money and effort.…”