Theme: Genetics and Chemical Traits

Projects
Project profile

AFLPs reveal genetic variation between samples of populations

Much of the genetic variation (genepools) of the species to be conserved is accounted for within existing population sampling strategies used within the MSBP and -advocated for use by Kew and other botanic gardens. However, there is increasing interest in and call for greater attention to be given to how the genotype contributes to phenotypic attributes that strongly affect population fitness and local adaptation, particularly for studies on restoration ecology to improve biological diversity on and stability of degraded landscapes (i.e. natural services) and to increase (populations and distributions of) rare, threatened and sustainable use species (i.e. natural goods). Chemical traits associated with seed provisioning (e.g. lipids, carbohydrates, proteins) contribute to the ‘goods’ value of many of the species identified for sustainable use. Reintroduced species should contain ‘genetic fitness’ for the current environment (including normal periodic stress) and ‘genetic redundancy’, such that there is sufficient diversity of alleles for selection in response to environmental change. Whilst local ecotypes and indigenous species are usually thought to have ‘sufficient’ genetic fitness, it is not clear whether this is reduced by the routine handling of ex situ seed collections (from harvesting to germination). Studies involving transplant experiments and common garden techniques combined with genetic analyses at the plant and seed level would start to separate out heritable from environmental effects, especially when combined with a good understanding of the mating system for the species. Overall, studies in this area are relevant to the impact of climate on species responses (see theme 'Climate and Reproductive Biology') and make inputs to the ‘ecosystem approach’ to conservation, as endorsed by the CBD.

Significant achievements and outputs (2000-05)

· Completed an AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphisms) study on Stylosanthes genetic diversity (intra-specific variation).

· Started a database on plant mating systems

· Started to assess the genetic similarity of horse chestnut trees with phenotypic plasticity in seed development

· Determined seed provisioning data (including oil content) on about 150 spp. of use in drylands and saline environments.

· Prioritised 60 sub-Saharan African species of sustainable use for seed biology studies

Projects on this theme:

Project Team

Selected CVs

Project Leader: Toorop, Peter

Seed Conservation Department

Simona Birtić, Matthew Daws, Fiona Hay, Ilse Kranner, Simon Linington, Hugh Pritchard, Moctar Sacande, Peter Toorop, (Dario Prada), (Chris Wood), (James Wood)