Introduction

Previous projects

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© Pictures courtesy of (l-r): C. Navarro, R. Gribel, S. Cavers.

General Introduction

Genetic variation is of paramount importance to the long-term survival of forest ecosystems, since its level and distribution will determine the forests' ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Tropical forests are under increasing attack, either through timber exploitation or conversion to farming and other land uses. However, little is known of the effects these disturbances will have on the genetic diversity of forest tree species. Before it is possible to determine the impact of these disturbances, it is essential to acquire a good understanding of the distribution and dynamics of genetic diversity in natural populations. To date, there has been little work of this nature undertaken, and thus our ability to assess the scale of human impacts, such as logging, fragmentation and domestication, is virtually non-existent.

Approach and Methodologies

Recent developments in molecular genetics have produced powerful, PCR-based techniques that are suitable for use in studies of this nature. A range of new tools can be used to answer a series of questions concerning biodiversity, gene flow and mating systems in tree species selected for their ecological and/or economic importance.

THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY ARE TO:

	Quantify the level and distribution of genetic diversity within a range of economically and ecologically important tropical tree species
	Describe the dynamics of this diversity (i.e. gene flow and mating systems of the selected species) Use the information to contribute to the development of in situ conservation strategies
	Identify suitable material for ex situ conservation in gene banks
	Evaluate the consequences of selected human impacts upon genetic diversity within tropical forests Develop universal DNA markers that are suitable for assessing gene diversity in tropical tree species

THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ARE TO:

	Describe and compare the level and distribution of genetic diversity in a selected number of tropical trees species from different types of tropical forest
	Describe the dynamics of this diversity
	Identify the effects of specific human impacts on the diversity described (specifically, logging, fragmentation and domestication)
	Derive suitable conservation strategies for the selected tree species

PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT THROUGH EU FUNDING FROM 1994 - 2001 (FRAMEWORKS III AND IV)

1994-1997 (FRAMEWORK III)

Partner	Species and Country of study	Results
	Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata) Costa Rica Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) Central America	- Atlantic and Pacific populations in Costa Rica are genetically distinct - Logging decreased genetic diversity in Central American mahogany populations
	Five tree species French Guyane	- Mating system is a major factor maintaining diversity. - Changes in spatial distribution, i.e. logging, affect outcrossing rates and diversity
	Tabebuia heterophylla Caribbean	- Density significantly influences outcrossing rate - Evidence for colonisation of Caribbean Islands from both southern (South America) and northern (Central America) refugia

1997-2001 (FRAMEWORK IV)

Partner	Selected species	Country/Region	Work Outline
	-Cedrela odorata -Vochysia ferruginea, Swietenia macrophylla -Hyeronima alchorneoides, Lonchocarpus costaricensis	Central America Costa Rica Costa Rica Costa Rica Costa Rica	-Impact of logging on regional distribution of diversity -Study dynamics of diversity by mating system and geneflow analysis -Impact of forest fragmentation on regional diversity
	-Qualea rosa, Symphonia globulifera -Ocoten rubra, Monorobium coccinea -Tabebuia heterophylla	French Guyane French Guyane French Guyane French Guyane Caribbean	-Impact of logging on mating system and regional diversity -Regional distribution of nuclear and cytoplasmic diversity -Regional distribution of nuclear and cytoplasmic diversity
	Eugenia uniflora Anacardium occidentale	Coastal Brazil Coastal Brazil	-Examine regional distribution of diversity along the south coast and the impacts of forest fragmentation on diversity and mating system -Regional and local studies of diversity and the effect of domestication
	Swietenia macrophylla Pseudobombax munguba, Ceiba pentandra	Brazil Brazilian Amazon Brazilian Amazon	-Regional and local studies of the distribution of diversity in central Brazil -Investigate dynamics of diversity by examination of the mating system and levels of geneflow within and between populations
	Develop molecular markers with other collaborators Anacardium occidentale	Belgium Coastal Brazil	-AFLPs, for nuclear, and PCR-RFLP, for organelle (chloroplast), estimates of diversity. -Microsatellites for dynamics of diversity -Effect of domestication on regional and local diversity

Overview of progress from FP3 to FP4 funded projects

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