CONSERVAÇÃO DE RECURSOS GENÉTICOS FLORESTAIS

Abstract

The main aspects of the conservation of forest genetic resources are reviewed. For in situ conservation, a model with the pertinent steps for the adequate dimensioning of a conservation areas, minimum aceptable population sizes and the definition of management strategies is presented. Short description of some of the more important activities, such as prospection, survey and selection of target areas, as well as research into population bioloqy, including reproductive biology, gene flow and biochemical characterization are given. The differences between biodiversity and geneticvariability as well as the importance of reproductive systems in terms of management schemes is discussed. The main methods of in situ conservation: by seed, in vivo (gene banks), in vitro,and through criopreservation are discussed in terms of their relative merits.