Forest Trees Genetic, Selection

Sustainability of forest ecosystems strongly depends on the genetic properties of the species within the ecosystem. Every forest professional should understand the genetic background for trait variation in forest trees, the evolution of population genetic diversity, adaptability, and their significance for sustainable development of forest ecosystems. The genetic background becomes particularly relevant under increased of environmental stress induced by the climate change. In this course you will learn how genetic differences among individuals arise, how tree populations evolve, what traits are important for tree adaptation, how to genetically improve trees, how to conserve genetic diversity and how to save forests from the decline, where to collect seeds of high genetic diversity and adaptive value, how to maintain seed collection areas.

To provide the basics of genetics of forest trees by focusing on the main patterns of evolution and variation of genetic diversity, the main environmental and genetic factors affecting adaptability of forest trees and main tree breeding methods in forestry

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Genetic makeup of a forest tree; Evolution of forest tree populations; Genetic structure and diversity of forest tree populations; How to identify genetic differences between the trees, the adaptive traits; Importance of genetic diversity for species survival and gene conservation methods; Tree breeding improves adaptedness and wood yield of forest trees; Tree breeding methods and the main trats to be improved; Introduction of exotic species: benefits and risks; Establishment maintenance and use of seed collection areas and seed orchards; Seed collection, subsequent management, and quality assessment; The institutions and legal acts for forest tree breeding and control of origin of forest reproductive material in Lithuania; Genetic structure and diversity of forest tree populations; How to identify genetic differences between the trees, the adaptive traits; Importance of genetic diversity for species survival and gene conservation methods; Tree breeding improves adaptedness and wood yield of forest trees;

1. Midsemester colloquium 2. Laboratory/practical exercise 3. Written test