How Many Seed Transfer Zones Are Necessary for the Preservation of the Genetic Identity of Austrocedrus chilensis Natural Populations in Argentina?

Two different studies based on isozymes that include genetic structure analysis have arrived at contrasting conclusions regarding the minimum number of seed transfer zones for Patagonian cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis) in Argentina that are required in order to avoid genetic contamination in restor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Restoration ecology 2012-09, Vol.20 (5), p.551-554
Main Author: Pastorino, Mario J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Austrocedrus chilensis
Contamination
Environmental restoration
Genetic diversity
genetic structure
Native species
operational genetic management units
Patagonian cypress
provenance regions
Trees
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Summary:Two different studies based on isozymes that include genetic structure analysis have arrived at contrasting conclusions regarding the minimum number of seed transfer zones for Patagonian cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis) in Argentina that are required in order to avoid genetic contamination in restoration programs. Unfortunately, the more recent article lacks discussion on these controversial results, which is, therefore, the purpose of this article. The reliability of the markers used and the sampling performed in these studies are evaluated comparatively. The later study found higher levels of diversity and differentiation but paradoxically suggested that only two seed transfer zones would be enough to preserve the genetic identity of the natural populations of the species, whereas the earlier study concluded that at least five are necessary. Arguments are presented here for the case that definition of fewer than five genetically homogeneous groups is absolutely inappropriate and implies a probable risk of genetic contamination and maladaptation.
ISSN:1061-2971
1526-100X
DOI:10.1111/j.1526-100X.2012.00899.x