Projects / Programmes
Development of guidelines for dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.01.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B430 |
Biomedical sciences |
Sylviculture, forestry, forestry technology |
forest, genetic diversity, conservation of forest genetic resources, forest reproductive material
Researchers (12)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
29875 |
Marko Bajc |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Technical associate |
2008 - 2009 |
280 |
| 2. |
14869 |
PhD Gregor Božič |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Researcher |
2007 - 2009 |
509 |
| 3. |
11958 |
PhD Robert Brus |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Researcher |
2007 - 2009 |
743 |
| 4. |
28855 |
Melita Hrenko |
|
Technical associate |
2007 - 2009 |
0 |
| 5. |
17332 |
Jana Janša |
|
Technical associate |
2007 - 2009 |
5 |
| 6. |
26070 |
PhD Kristjan Jarni |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Researcher |
2007 - 2009 |
98 |
| 7. |
07127 |
PhD Hojka Kraigher |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Head |
2007 - 2009 |
1,331 |
| 8. |
29237 |
PhD Boštjan Mali |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Junior researcher |
2008 - 2009 |
200 |
| 9. |
24777 |
Barbara Štupar |
|
Technical associate |
2007 - 2009 |
29 |
| 10. |
01641 |
PhD Nikolaj Torelli |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Researcher |
2007 |
969 |
| 11. |
28260 |
Tadeja Vitez |
|
Technical associate |
2007 |
0 |
| 12. |
24343 |
PhD Marjana Westergren |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Junior researcher |
2007 - 2009 |
408 |
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The survival of the long-lived forest tree species in the changing environment is based on their adaptation potential, which depends on the intra-specific genetic diversity. It is therefore crucial for long-term stability of forests to conserve the dynamic genetic diversity of each species, thus enabling its adaptation to the possible future changes through maintaining its evolutionary potential. For development of directives for dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources (FGR) information on their quality and spatial distribution is needed. This information can be acquired through application of isozymes and molecular markers, while the implementation is predominantly based on the characterization and tending of forest seed stands, i.e. basic material for collection of forest reproductive material (FRM) and on its appropriate use. Our previous studies have shown that western-European principles on FRM cannot be transferred directly to the Slovenian practice, therefore development of dynamic forest gene conservation principles demand also development of methods for collection, treatment and storage of FRM. In genetic studies our research will be limited to three model species: Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl). For the physiological-technological studies of FRM the choice of species will depend on the fructification of a range of different broadleaf species. Our results are aimed to enable professionally sound measures in dynamic conservation of FGR of spruce and ashes on the whole NW part of the Balkan peninsula, facilitate development of protocols for silvicultural practice and operational development of the seed storage facilities in Slovenia. The results will additionally contribute to the common pan-European biodiversity conservation action plans in the context of climatic changes effects on forest ecosystems.
Significance for science
Within the scope of the project we have:
• developed a molecular database, which can store molecular data for up to 25 co-dominant loci. Selection of data according to tree species, population, country of origin, sampling year and individuals is possible. With the help of the special built in programme transformation of selected data into input formats for various population genetic programmes is enabled,
• studied for the first time genetic differentiation of Norway spruce populations from western Dinaric Alps (BIH) and compared them with populations from the Dinaric Alps in Slovenia and Croatia as well as to populations from the Alps in Slovenia, France and Germany. Analysis was carried out with two types of molecular markers, namely isozymes (52 populations) and microsatellites (25 populations, only from Slovenia and BIH; microsatellite analysis was carried out for the first time in the studied area),
• developed a unique system for confirming the origin of suspect seed-lots based on comparisons with known reference samples,
• done a complex morphometric analysis of leaves and samaras of narrow-leaved ash (5 populations) and common ash (one population) and discovered that differentiation between species can be achieved based on in depth leaf and samara morphology. Differentiation between the two species can be aided with a newly developed molecular method based on analysis of five nuclear microsatellite loci. We designed and carried out molecular analysis of 12 narrow-leaved ash and 5 common ash populations. Differentiation among populations and differences in genetic variability between seed stands and non-seed stands were studied,
• analysed for the first time data on growth of different beech provenances from the provenance trials in Slovenia and Croatia,
• shown for the first time that juvenile and adult beech trees react differently to ozone fumigation, that adult trees respond with an increase of fine root production which was also positively correlated with high cytokinin concentrations in xylem sap,
• founded a test system for development of seed extraction and storage technology for beech acorns in Slovenia,
• nominated seed stands to be considered as dynamic gene conservation units based on harmonised minimum requirements.
Significance for the country
Adequate measures for dynamic gene conservation of forest genetic resources can only be prepared on the basis of information on their distribution and quality in an area. With the help of this research we have attained information on the distribution of genetic resources from Norway spruce, beech, narrow-leaved ash and common ash in the north-western Balkan Peninsula. Based on these findings and harmonised minimum requirements, gene conservation units for the above mentioned species have been proposed in order to safeguard the genetic variability within populations needed to maintain the dynamic adaptive potential. Adaptive potential is vital for survival and development of at least a part of individuals within a population in the case of significant changes of the living environment. Tree populations in Slovenia have a high adaptation potential due to history of glacial refugia and crossing of migration routes in this area as well as sustainable and multifunctional system of forest management. Thus these populations are also of significant importance on the pan-European level. The need for establishment of ex situ conservation measures has also emerged in the case of small endangered but from others significantly different populations, e.g. narrow-leaved ash population Dragonja.
Based on the results of the project we have proposed guidelines for the use of forest reproductive material for the considered species in the view of suitability of selected seed stands and transfer of reproductive material among regions. A new system for confirmation of the origin of suspicious seed lot samples has been put to practice.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
