CONSERVATION OF FOREST GENETIC RESOURCES

Ideally, work in forest genetic resources follows the logical sequence of botanical and genecological exploration; collection for evaluation and evaluation; collection for conservation and conservation ex and in situ; and utilization. However, because of pressures on existing resources from increasing human populations and from domestic animals, stands of potential importance are often under threat of genetic depletion or extinction even before results on their genetic characteristics and variation are at hand.

Results from comprehensive provenance trials are of little value if the proven provenances have disappeared when the results are known. Therefore, it would be important, in all provenance collections, to:

collect as much reproductive material as possible from any stands likely to be lost in the near future;
take steps for safeguarding all stands from which provenance collections are made, at least until such a time when variation patterns and the potential value of the various provenances are known.

As an example of positive action taken in this respect, we publish below an extract from a copy of a letter received by the coordinator in Rome of the FAO Project on Genetic Resources of Arid and Semi-Arid Zone Arboreal Species for the Improvement of Rural Living (see p.32); the letter was sent in September 1983 by Dr. R.S. Mathur, Director of Forestry Research at the Forest Research Institute in Dehra Dun, India and main national coordinator of the above project, to “Nodal Officers” of the project in Forest Services in 8 Indian States and 2 Forestry Research Institutes:

“During recent discussions with an FAO Consultant, it was realized that seed sources collected by India for inclusion in international provenance trials need to be conserved at least for one decade, as agencies to whom seeds have been sent may, in due course, ask for seed supplies of those provenances which- in species and provenance trials presently under way - have proved to be promising in their conditions. Please, therefore, demarcate all these sources on the ground and ensure that this gene source is conserved properly for future use. Proper directives to protect the trees will ensure in situ conservation of our gene pool.”

We hope that other countries would follow the example laid by India in this important question.