• An introduction to Forest Genetics
• Forest Genetic Resources (FGR)
• Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources (FGR): in situ and ex situ, conservation, approaches based on target species
• Genetic monitoring of Forest Genetic Resources (FRG): relevant databases for the genetic monitoring, indicators and verifiers, approaches for the identification of potential monitoring regions, identification of genetic monitoring plots
Suggested readings and notes are provided by the teacher.
Learning Objectives
Understanding the bases for forest genetic resources monitoring.
Knowledge of the main molecular analysis techniques and data processing for the monitoring of the resources.
Acquisition of modern techniques for the conservation ex-situ and in-situ and forest biodiversity enhancement and preservation.
Ability to plan programs for the forest genetic resources monitoring.
Prerequisites
Knowledge in Plant Biology, Biochemistry and Silviculture
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course: 150 (=6 x 25)
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: 102
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 32
Contact hours for: Laboratory-field/practice (hours): 12
Seminars (hours): 4
Further information
Attendance to lectures and other activities, although not compulsory, is strongly recommended.
Lectures and seminars in the classroom. Practices in laboratory/field.
Type of Assessment
Oral examination with discussion of the written report prepared on case study assigned
Course program
• Evolution - factors influencing evolution: natural selection, random genetic drift, mutations, gene flow. Genetic variation and provenance research. Variation within populations. Forest tree breeding
• Forest Genetic Resources (FGR)
• Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources (FGR): threats of the Forest Genetic Resources, strategies for genetic diversity conservation, gene conservation objectives and approaches, management systems in the field (in situ and circa situm conservation), ex situ conservation, approaches based on target species
• Genetic monitoring of Forest Genetic Resources (FRG): genetic monitoring introduction, relevant databases for the genetic monitoring, indicators and verifiers, approaches for the identification of potential monitoring regions, principles and processes for the selection of monitoring units within monitoring regions, identification of genetic monitoring plots, criteria for the selection of the monitoring regions and the number of units for each region