Introduction to Forest Genetics

Jonathan Wright

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9780127652504
• eBook ISBN: 9780323148887
• Topic: Tecnologia e ingegneria
• Subtopic: Orticoltura

Introduction to Forest Genetics examines some of the basic genetic concepts typically used in forestry and tree improvement studies, including Mendelian and population genetics. It also describes techniques that are generally useful in tree improvement work, including individual tree selection and breeding, provenance testing, species and racial hybridization, and introduction of exotics. Organized into 19 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of forest genetics and problems associated with forest genetics. It then discusses concepts from basic genetics, including chromosome structure and function; DNA and RNA; nongenetic inheritance; and genotype versus phenotype. Other chapters focus on inbreeding: complete elimination of homozygous recessive trees; mutation and migration; and controlled pollination and vegetative propagation. The book also covers the establishment and measurement of test plantations; general principles and methods of selective breeding; choice of breeding method and type of seed orchard; heritability and genetic gain; geographic variation in Scotch pine and American trees; species and racial hybridization; chromosome studies; and polyploidy and haploidy breeding. This book is a valuable resource for foresters, professional tree breeders, and those with or without previous training in genetics or forestry.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Introduction to Forest Genetics
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter 1. Introduction
• Chapter 2. Concepts from Basic Genetics
• Chapter 3. Additional Basic Genetic Concepts
• Chapter 4. Population Genetics—Selection
• Chapter 5. Population Genetics—Mutation, Migration, Isolation
• Chapter 6. Useful Techniques—Controlled Pollination
• Chapter 7. Useful Techniques—Vegetative Propagation
• Chapter 8. Useful Techniques—Establishment and Measurement of Test Plantations
• Chapter 9. Selective Breeding—General Principles and Methods
• Chapter 10. Choice of Breeding Method and Type of Seed Orchard
• Chapter 11. Examples of Progress through Selective Breeding and Seed Orchard Management
• Chapter 12. Estimation of Heritability and Genetic Gain
• Chapter 13. Provenance Testing
• Chapter 14. Geographic Variation in Scotch Pine
• Chapter 15. Geographic Variation in American Trees
• Chapter 16. Species and Racial Hybridization
• Chapter 17. Species and Racial Hybridization—Practical Application
• Chapter 18. Introduction of Exotic Species
• Chapter 19. Polyploidy, Aneuploidy, and Haploidy
• Appendix: Common and Scientific Names of Trees
• Bibliography
• Glossary
• Index