Forest Genetics

About this book

Trees continue to maintain a unique significance in the social, ecological and economic systems of the world - as large, long-lived perennials covering 30% of land on Earth; their very nature dictates their importance. An understanding of forest genetics is essential for providing insight into the evolution, conservation, management and sustainability of both natural and managed forests.

Providing a comprehensive introduction to the principles of genetics as important to forest trees, this text integrates the varied sub-disciplines of genetics and their applications in gene conservation, tree improvement and biotechnology. Topics discussed include genetic variation in natural forest trees, the application of genetics in tree improvement and breeding programs, and genomic sciences and molecular technologies.

Contents

1) Forest Genetics - Concepts, Scope, History and Importance; SECTION I: BASIC PRINCIPLES; 2) Molecular Basis of Inheritance - Genome Organization, Gene Structure and Regulation; 3) Transmission Genetics - Chromosomes, Recombination and Linkage Mendelian Genetics; 4) Genetic Markers - Morphological, Biochemical and Molecular Markers; 5) Population Genetics - Gene Frequencies, Inbreeding and Forces of Evolution; 6) Quantitative Genetics - Polygenic Traits, Heritabilities and Genetic Correlations; SECTION II: GENETIC VARIATION IN NATURAL POPULATIONS; 7) Within-population Variation - Genetic Diversity, Mating Systems and Stand Structure; 8) Geographic Variation - Races, Clines and Ecotypes; 9) Evolutionary Genetics - Divergence, Speciation and Hybridization; 10) Gene Conservation - In Situ, Ex Situ and Sampling Strategies. SECTION III: TREE IMPROVEMENT; 11) Tree Improvement Programs - Structure, Concepts and Importance; 12) Base Populations - Species, Hybrids, Seed Sources and Breeding Zones; 13) Phenotypic Mass Selection - Genetic Gain, Choice of Traits and Indirect Response; 14) Genetic Testing - Mating Designs, Field Tests and Test Implementation; 15) Data Analysis - Mixed Models, Variance Components and Breeding Values; 16) Deployment - Open-pollinated Varieties, Full-sib Families and Clones; 17) Advanced-generation Breeding Strategies - Breeding Population Size, Structure and Management; SECTION IV: BIOTECHNOLOGY; 18) Genomics - Discovery and Functional Analysis of Genes; 19) Marker-assisted Selection and Breeding - Indirect Selection, Direct Selection and Breeding Applications; 20) Genetic Engineering - Target Traits, Transformation and Regeneration.

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