Abstract:

The project aims at estimating the amount of intra- and interspecific (hybridisation) gene flow in European oaks (Q. petraea and Q. robur mainly, but also other Mediterranean white oaks) by using genetic fingerprints and applying parentage analysis. Natural gene flow due to pollen and seed dispersal, and artificial flow due to manmade seed transfer will be investigated. The consequences of gene flow at the genetic but also ecological level will be addressed. Genomic regions affected by hybridisation will be identified and fitness-related traits will be compared between hybrids and the parental species. These comparisons will be conducted on juvenile and adult material, and natural flow on management rules will be addressed by considering different real cases in strong cooperation with end-users associated to the project.

Objectives:

1. Trace and quantify gene flow (pollen arid seed dispersal) and hybridisation in oaks. Effective natural pollen and seed movements will be detected in 12 mixed oak stands distributed throughout Europe, based on parentage analysis.
2. Evaluate genetic and ecological consequences of gene flow and hybridisation. The balance between 'beneficial' and 'detrimental' effects of natural and artificial gene flow will be investigated and the fitness of hybrids compared with the parental species.
3. Provide guidelines and recommendations for the management of oak stands for various purposes. Impacts of gene flow in silviculture and forest management will be evaluated in different cases (seed and conservation stands, natural regeneration, even and uneven ages stands).

Contacts

Coordinator

• Antoine KREMER / INRA - UMR BIOGECO FRANCE

EC Scientific Officer

• Ignacio SEOANE / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant

• Hans-J MUHS / Bundesforschungsanstalt fuer Forst- und Holzwitschaft GERMANY
• CNR - Porano ITALY
• Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute DENMARK
• Otto WILDI / Eidgenoessische Forsch fuer Wald, Schnee und Landschaft Federal Institute for Forest, Snow & Landscape Research / SWITZERLAND
• INRA - Champenoux FRANCE
• Rob GAST / Institute for Forestry and Nature Research NETHERLANDS
• Robina DOYLE / NERC - Natural Environment Reseach Council UNITED KINGDOM
• Karoly NESZMELYI / National Institute for Agricultural Quality Control HUNGARY
• Pedro GUERRERO / Nekazal Ikerketa eta Garapenerako Euskal Erakundea Instituto Vasco de Investigacion y Dessarollo Agrario / SPAIN
• Osterreichisches Forschungszentrum Seibersdorf GmbH AUSTRIA
• Andreas DUESTERHOEFT / QIAGEN GmbH GERMANY
• Pekka PAMILO / Uppsala Universiteit SWEDEN