Sophora toromiro Minutes of the 5th International Toromiro Management Group Meeting

Index
Venue & Dates		Summary 1: Stock Management
Delegates		Summary 2: Horticulture
Genetic Studies		Summary 3: Funding related issues
Reintroduction		Summary 4: Reintroduction
Archaeology		Summary 5: TMG structure

Delegates

The following institutions were represented with their TMG members:

1. Stad Botaniska Trädgården, Göteborg, Sweden;
2. University of Reading, England;
3. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Germany;
4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England;
5. Muséum National Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France;
6. CONAF Corporaçion Nacional Forestal, Isla de Pascua, Chile;

Summarised Minutes

Genetic Studies

A presentation on the genetic studies of Sophora toromiro was given. The results based on analysis of dried vegetative material collected from existing trees and herbarium specimen. Molecular DNA fingerprinting techniques were employed and included RAPD & Inter-SSR

Results

• There are genetically distinct individuals in S. toromiro found with eight genetic lines;
• There is greater diversity than expected within the species;
• No evidence of hybridisation could be identified between S. toromiro and S. microphylla, but thought to be a possible risk to occur in the future;
• It is essential to protect existing trees, particularly the Sudsuki tree and other Chilean trees;
• Melbourne trees are scientifically very important, as they present more than one genetic line. Their origin is unknown, but might be possibly early Routledge or Skottsberg introductions from European collections;
• It was confirmed that the Bonn stock derives from Göteborg;
• Genetic research could not give any indication on the level of inbreeding depression;
• It was suggested to undergo AFLP fingerprinting to look at segregation patterns of seedlings raised at Bonn and Viña del Mar;
• The genetic studies (DNA-fingerprinting) of so far untested Chilean genotypes ought to be carried out as a matter of urgency;
• the New Zealand Trees were finally confirmed as true S. microphylla and are not Toromiros;
• The work has shown that there is sufficient diversity to enable initiation of a breeding programme by utilising all identified genotypes;

For a full review on the genetic of Sophora toromiro please refer to Genetic Management.

Reintroduction

• In 1995 a project to reintroduce stock from Göteborg Botanic Garden to Rapa Nui was formulated. Two batches of plants were sent out to Easter Island. The consignment consisted of 170 cuttings from Göteborg and 35 seedlings from Bonn University Botanic Garden;
  Difficulties arose in attempts to follow up planting, as pest and disease problems occurred during quarantine period (2 years) on Rapa Nui. The currently high levels of mortality demonstrated the urgent need for better horticultural facilities on Rapa Nui.
• The need for skilled horticulturists and better horticultural facilities on Rapa Nui was recognised.
  The growing conditions on Rapa Nui are far from optimal as high in the nursery humidity sever disease problems.
  A thorough investigation in improved protection of trees from pathogens and nutritional problems should be carried out.

Current status of S. toromiro on Rapa Nui

• Currently there are 70 plants grown from seed from Viña del Mar planted in Rano Kau. In addition there are 7 plants at the CONAF nursery from Viña del Mar; Older stock (2 years) includes a consignment of 12 new plants from Viña del Mar.
• There are plans to establish mixed communities of trees and shrubs in Rano Kau crater of semi-natives and exotic species. This is part of the UNDP funded planting scheme 'Kaho Kaho Hera'.
• The CONAF nursery on Rapa Nui is currently producing 6 - 10,000 other indigenous species and has a capacity of 40,000 nursery stock plants to be grown annually.

General agreement

• The need for a formal inventory of Toromiro on Rapa Nui was recognised and should include the recording of numbers, their origins, locations etc..
• Capacity building ( = training + infrastructure) is needed of those involved in the project. Emphasis should be given to the island population in view of better integration in the project. There is a need for co-operation and integration with individuals and elders to increase support for the project.
• The next step in securing of S. toromiro should take place by establishment populations in agricultural plots, gardens and semi-natural plantings;

Archaeology

The reason for the research on Easter Island is to complete our knowledge of vegetation revealed by pollen analysis; in order to do this we have collected and studied charcoal founds in ovens and fire places located near ancient dwelling sites and places of ceremonies.

Three ecologically, chronologically and functionally different dwellings sites were studied:

1. A modest dwelling near Hanga Ho'onu in La Pérouse bay;
2. The cult village of Orongo on Rano Kau;
3. The royal hamlet associated with ahu Akahanga, one of the main groups of ahu moai;

At these three sites, 200 auger cores down to bedrock were taken. This enabled us to determine the richest places of carbonised plant material in most complete stratigraphic sequences. Twelve test-pits, measuring between 0,6 m2 to 1 m2 were opened. Painstaking excavations, involving sieving of the sediments, enabled us to collect an abundance of anthracologically important material. 32961 fragments of wood, roots, stalks, seeds, and fibres were collected on these 3 sites. Twenty one 14C datations made it possible to date these sites between the 14th century and the 18th century.

The botanical identification of 2823 wood charcoals are almost completed; this study includes all the charcoal fragments discovered on the earlier stratigraphic levels of the 3 sites. The samples are small in size and often consist of twigs or small branches with a diameter of 1 to 2 cm. They often represent fuel collected around the neighbouring sites and appear not to be drift wood. The small size and the fragility of these samples has made it necessary to develop a special technique of developing slides. It also made it inevitable to use the scanning electron microscope for a more in-depth study.

Those charcoals collected in the ancient stratigraphic levels have been dated from the beginning of the 14th century to the mid 17th century. The botanical identification resulted in the following:

1. The presence of trees still growing on the island : Caesalpinia (major or bonduc ?), Thespesia populnea, Broussonetia papyrifera, Sapindus saponaria, Triumfetta semitriloba.
2. The presence of 2 shrubs and 1 palm tree referred to in John Flenley palynological studies: Sophora toromiro, Coprosma sp. and a Palm (Paschalococos disperta ?). The presence of 10 new taxa of which 4 have still to be identified:

• Elaeocarpus (cf tonganus ?),
• Myrsine sp.
• Syzygium sp. (or Eugenia cf ramiflora ?)
• Pittosporum sp.
• Alphitonia (cf ziziphoïdes ?)
• Premna sp.
• not identified type 1 (Xylosma sp. ?)
• not identified type 2 (Canthium sp. ?)
• not identified type 3 and type 4

All these trees and shrubs grow in Polynesia, notably in Rapa, Anderson, Pitcairn, Gambier and Marquesas. The same botanical diversity appears on the three archaeological sites in relation to this relatively recent period.

John Flenley's analysis has proven the existence of other trees and shrubs growing on the island when the Polynesians arrived. This included the following: Macaranga sp., Acalypha sp., Trema sp. and one Myrtaceae (Metrosideros sp. ?) .

It is worth mentioning that those trees and shrubs discovered by palynological studies and those revealed by anthracological studies all belong to a form of mesophile vegetation. A similar vegetation is still growing today in Rapa or Tahiti in the lower parts of the valleys and on low altitude slopes.

The statistical study of the proportion of woody and non-woody fuel shows that the Gramineae (represented by rhizomes, probably those of Paspalum forsterianum) were more prolific during the last occupational phase. The use of Gramineae as fuel seems became increasingly important from a date that could be determined after 1650.

This finding allows to assume a radical change in the flora of the island.

Vegetation history revision

• The forest on Rapa Nui was more diverse than expected and persisted longer than previously thought. The persistence of Toromiro until the 1880's as a cultivated stock means that the population bottleneck is only 1-2 generations in length. This is shorter than earlier anticipated and is a good sign !
• It is assumed that Toromiro grew as an open or forest under-story tree. Toromiro dislikes humidity and apparently lacks of any significant height. These are characteristics that lead to the believe of it being a forest margin tree.
• The possibility of using the Botanic Garden on Rapa Nui as a pool for genetic stock diversity with satellite plantings was discussed. In order to have a more practical approach in obtaining co-operation in planting projects it appears that introductions of S. toromiro should be made on farm plots as opposed to semi-natural habitats.

Established objectives:

• Importance of establishing founder populations and using these for seed production;
• Investigation in seed-banking and cryo-preservation required;
• Reintroduction must be combined with restoration and development projects to ensure greater success;

Summaries

Summary 1: Stock management

Proposal of action:

• Founder collections should be secured and ought to hold all available genotypes at facilities with a proven ability to cultivate Toromiro: Viña del Mar (as priority collection with reserve, duplicate collections at Rapa Nui to be established as soon as possible)
• Phase I plantings to focus upon farm/garden plots, as reintroduction regarded as high risk;
• Phase II of introduction to concentrate on semi-natural plantings;

Summary 2: Horticulture

A discussion followed during which the importance of securing global collections of S. toromiro was agreed, with emphasis upon trying to secure a collection at the CONAF BG, Viña del Mar.

• Greater control of any breeding would be gained at these sites, as opposed to Rapa Nui where horticultural capacity does currently not exist.
• The need for financial backing to fund horticultural training and nursery facilities was highlighted.
  It was agreed that transfer of horticultural skills was essential to ensure success of future projects.

1. It was noted that micro-propagation facilities were not essential to the island as facilities existed elsewhere in Europe and Chile.
2. AC informed the group that there was no need to pursue genetic fingerprinting work beyond existing stock. However he did stress the need for females to be equally represented in any breeding programme. Essential to keep the number of founder trees as high as possible.
3. Cross-pollination should be carried out between international collections.
4. General agreement for investigation into Leguminosae pollen collection, storage etc..
5. Concerns were expressed over possible quarantine problems with the movement of pollen over national boarders.
6. It was noted that the incorporation of S. toromiro into plantings of natural and semi-natural species on farm plots may ensure higher chances of survival.
7. MM emphasised the need for a field gene bank and keeping genetic stock at one site of the island within ease of
   access, fencing and irrigation;
8. The possibility of using sterile in-vitro plant material from overseas was discussed as a means of overcoming the
   legal problems concerning the import of soils, disease etc..
9. BA noted that he was attempting storage of S. toromiro pollen in liquid nitrogen a few weeks ago. Promised to feedback results to the group.
10. The importance of providing protection in the form of fencing was discussed. The manner of planting and location would determine the approach to fencing. It was agreed that this is a sensitive issue and fencing must be initiated by the islanders on Rapa Nui;
11. The necessity to negotiate and maintain contact with local farmers re. S. toromiro was expressed.

Summary 3: Funding related issues

1. Viña del Mar requires two more members of staff to undertake to necessary horticultural operations;
2. Improvement of nursery facilities and capacity building for Rapa Nui and Viña del Mar are seen as necessary;
3. Rapa Nui - staff / facilities need improvement;

• TMG should not only focus on S. toromiro alone, but a multi-disciplinary group approach will increase possibilities of funding. A key issue in generating funding will be in the field of public education.
• The importance of public awareness on the project and environmental issues in general was discussed and a meeting on Rapa Nui to inform the local community on the objectives of the TMG was suggested.
• Classes at the school on Rapa Nui have been in operation for the last 3-4 years. The course runs for a year with 1 class a week. It is important to educate the young children on Rapa Nui, using local resources such as TV from Chile. Radios are very important means of communication. There is possibility to use locally produced videos to broadcast to the island in weekly slots.

Summary 4: Re-introduction issues

The successful establishment of Toromiro on Easter Island will require activities in the following areas:

1. Environmental education;
2. Horticultural and conservation capacity building at Viña del Mar and Easter Island;
3. Species management skills for Toromiro and others, including indigenous cultivars have to be developed;
4. Research on role of rhizobia, genetic studies needs to be continued;

Summary 5: Review of TMG structure

• Any activities of the TMG have to take the needs of Easter Island as a Small Island Development State (SIDS) into account. The TMG has to look at the development of management tools for small island biodiversity. The TMG group represents an already established European network and is in a better position to get funding from official agencies;
• There was general agreement that the currently European lead group should include more Chilean organisations and members. This would enable the group to become more 'client oriented. There was general agreement for a change in TMG structure to establish a parallel group in Chile. There is an urgent need to find a Chilean representative to co-ordinate activities in Chile and Rapa Nui.

1. Easter Island is a World Heritage site and the conservation of the Toromiro should be seen as a 'flagship' component of the overall project.
2. There was a recognised need for a co-ordinator of Biodiversity on Rapa Nui with a representative from CONAF as obvious candidate.
3. There is an urgent need to develop a biodiversity management plan for Rapa Nui.
4. Methods of increasing financial income for related projects were discussed, with examples already in operation cited, e.g. guides, the possibility of charging a fee similar to that in operation on the Galapagos Islands.
5. The TMG expressed general agreement that the securing of islanders family support was paramount. This should precede any decision on exact planting and nursery sites, policies and approaches.

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