Genetic Diversity and Conservation of Tropical Forest

Abstract

Developing sustainable forestry regimes that retain genetic diversity is one of the major goals in tropical forestry today. Tropical tree species have predominantly allogamous mating systems, mediated by many kinds of pollinators, so the gene flow through pollen and seeds is one of the most important factors influencing genetic diversity in tropical forests. Recently, molecular markers have been used to determine the genetic diversity and differentiation of forest tree populations. In particular, microsatellite DNA markers, which are highly polymorphic, have been used to evaluate the gene flow through pollen and seeds within forests. Microsatellite DNA markers have been used to analyze mating systems, genetic structures and gene flow in several dipterocarp species. I discuss, here, characteristics of the pollination and breeding systems in dipterocarps that have been revealed by allozyme and microsatellite analysis, and the factors that influence them. Finally, the potential value and limitations of using molecular approaches to develop genetic criteria for gene conservation in sustainable forestry are discussed.