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AIR2-CT92-0803
Conservation. Protection and Restoration of Low Elevation Mediterranean Coniferous Forests Threatened by Wildfires (firegene)
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Contacts
To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
AIR Cluster IX - Forestry
:
Biotechnology
:
Forestry
:
Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control
:
Plant Genetics
:
Wood (Lignocellulose)
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Contract No |
AIR2-CT92-0803 |
| Total Cost |
690 000 |
| EC Contribution |
690 000 |
| Start Date |
01/08/1993 |
| Duration |
48 months |
OBJECTIVE:
Fire is a very common disturbance phenomenon in Mediterranean
type eco-systems. Low elevation coniferous forests in the Mediterranean
region are heavily impacted by repeated fires. Although often
implied, the role of fire as a source of genetic variation among
Mediterranean species has never been thoroughly investigated.
At the same time, there is a keen need to protect the invaluable
genetic resources for maintenance and restoration of coniferous
forests damaged by wildfires and to develop criteria for afforestation
of burned areas.
This study will :
- a) Survey and inventory low elevation Mediterranean coniferous
forests in burned and unburned areas by studying stand structure
and dynamics and by conducting spatial and temporal analysis in
order to investigate the evolutionary significance fo fire in
the Mediterranean forests. Phenotypic traits favouring fire adaptation
will also be examined.
- b) Use morphological and biochemical markers in order to identify
hybrids as well as mutants and their geographical distribution
as related to wildland fire occurrence. The frequencies of the
markers would finally yield information on the impacts fo selection
& drift caused by fires on the genetic structures of the pure
species and the hybrids.
- c) Conduct genetic inventory of Mediterranean pine forests using
genetic and morphological markers.
- d) Investigate the genetic drift in natural stands of Mediterranean,
pines by iso-enzyme and DNA techniques.
- e) Develop approaches for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of invaluable
genetic resources of low elevation Mediterranean pines.
- f) Develop criteria for afforestation of burned areas.
Contacts
Coordinator
Participant
