FAIR-CT97-3386 EUROPOP - Genetic Diversity in the River Populations of the European Black Poplar for Evaluation of Biodiversity, Conservation Strategies, Nature Development and Genetic Improvement

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FAIR Area 4.5 - Multifunctional Management of Forests

	Proposal No:	FAIR-CT97-3386
	Date Prepared:	May 2001
	Source:	Background information Proceedings

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Background information

Information

Populus nigra L. is a tree of social and economic importance. It is a unique pioneer species of riparian ecosystems which contributes to the natural control of flooding and water quality, and which is characterised by a high level of diversity of the fauna and flora. Its current rarity is due to the loss of its natural habitat due to drainage of rivers and management of river banks. It is not known if the genetic diversity of the species has been reduced as a consequence. Another threat to the gene pool of P. nigra might come from the possible interspecific hybridisation.

Currently, there is a great interest in Europe to restore the natural borders of rivers. Not only for the natural control of flooding but also because the river borders will serve as corridors through which larger nature areas are connected. Strategies for restoration and conservation of the riparian ecosystem should be based on firm scientific footing. The species is easily monitored using biotechnological techniques and it is an ideal tree species for the study of conservation biology.P. nigra has direct economic values as supplier of raw materials for industries and is also important as a crossing parent in the production of healthy and fast growing Populus x euramericana hybrids which are grown widely in Europe and other parts of the world.

In this project members of the EUFORGEN P. nigra network are working together with specialists in the field of molecular genetics. Traditional methods will be combined with modern techniques and the high level of standardisation will ensure a synthesis of the genetic diversity of P. nigra in Europe. This information is essential for the evaluation of the existing biodiversity in river populations so guidelines and strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation can be made.

Objectives

General aim

The main aim of this project is to advise managers of the riparian ecosystem how to restore and maintain wild populations of European Black Poplar. After restoration of the borders of the rivers, nature can develop and the biodiversity will be restored. These natural borders will have an important corridor function through which other nature conservation areas are connected. To accomplish the main objective the followed detailed objectives must be fulfilled:

a. To develop strategies for the conservation of P. nigra and its restoration to riparian ecosystems based on the measurement of the genetic diversity in wild populations.

b. To describe the genetic diversity within ex situ collections in order to evaluate the current state of conservation in Europe.

c. To study key parameters of stand dynamics for in situ management and re-introduction strategies.

d. To maintain population with a broad genetic diversity to ensure adaptation to changing environmental conditions and breeding programmes are provided with new genotypes.

Within this project the genetic diversity of populations along eight river systems will be studied and the diversity, currently present in eight European gene banks will be evaluated. Key parameters of stand dynamics will be studied for in situ management and re-introduction strategies. Selection of new genotypes for breeding programmes is an important economic issue.The genetic diversity will be studied at different levels; morphological characteristics will be compared with isozyme patterns, polymorphisms on the chloroplast DNA and on the genomic DNA. Methods and techniques will be standardised so that data are comparable and can be used for general conclusions. Adaptation of some of the molecular techniques used in this project is necessary.

Specific objectives

1. Standardisation of methods

Standardisation of methods is necessary to ensure a relevant comparison between the actual situation of the genetic diversity in wild populations in Europe. Protocols for morphological characteristics, isozyme analysis and AFLP will be selected during the first technical workshop.

2. Adaptation of molecular technology

Protocols for chloroplast DNA and microsatellite analysis are available for other species but must be adapted for Black Poplar. The protocols will be selected during the second technical workshop.

3. The diversity within and between natural river populations

The current genetic diversity and the structure of the remaining wild populations will be studied using different techniques so that effective strategies for conservation and re-introduction of the species can be adopted.

4. Verification of existing gene banks

The diversity, conserved in eight European gene banks of Black Poplar will be examined and simultaneously, the gene banks will be verified for origin and hybridisation.

5. Life history traits of Black Poplar stands

Key parameters of stand dynamics for in situ management and introduction strategies will be studied.

6. Evaluation of data

The data will be evaluated every year and the results from one task will be implemented into the others.

7. Synthesis

The evaluation of data will lead to a synthesis of the genetic diversity of P. nigra in Europe. Criteria, guidelines and strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation and management will be formulated and widely disseminated.

Expected Benefits

Technical

The results of this project will enable general conclusions to be drawn regarding the genetic diversity of river populations of black poplar in a large part of Europe. It will enable a comparison to be made of the existing levels of diversity in each of the countries and this knowledge will help nature managers to make informed management decisions. For example, they will know whether they can use existing (in situ and ex situ) germplasm to establish new stands with indigenous provenances, how they can contribute to natural regeneration, what are the limiting factors and whether it is necessary to introduce a greater range of genotypes so as to guarantee sufficient diversity to ensure biological success.The combination of morphologic and molecular genetic analysis will enable an evaluation of the validity of the species determination. The passport data of national ex situ collections will be stored in the European database of the EUFORGEN network. The characterisation of divers ity of existing gene banks will be immediately useful for breeders and gene bank managers. Information for further exchange of material among countries will be given.

Scientific

Techniques for the measurement of the genetic diversity in wild populations of other tree species have been used successfully, but this is the first project in which aims to study diversity in an strongly endangered, pioneer species at a European level. In addition to being an endangered species black poplar is a pioneer species which can reproduce both vegetatively and sexually. Because of the standardisation of methods and techniques, this study on genetic diversity in P. nigra will enable a comparison between the participating countries and provide firm scientific information for future conservation strategies, criteria for re-introduction and guidelines for the restoration of the riparian ecosystem. Since river systems in Europe go beyond political boundaries it is essential to determine the relation between (sub)populations along one river as well as the relation between populations from different rivers throughout Europe for conservation strategies to operate on a firm scientific basis.

Economic

P. nigra has direct economic values as supplier of raw material for industries (wood pulp). It is also important as a crossing parent in the production of healthy and fast-growing Populus x euramericana hybrids which are grown widely in Europe and other parts of the world. In Europe a surface of one million hectares is estimated with an annual production of poplar wood which is in excess of ten million cubic metres which goes for a variety of uses, e.g. plywood. It is particularly favoured for the manufacture of fruit boxes because the wood has no fragrance. The annual value of wood produced from P. euramericana alone exceeds half a million US $. A number of pests and diseases threaten the present clones and the creation of healthy, fast growing clones is a constant process which dependends on P. nigra as one of the crossing parents.It specifically contributes resistance to bacterial canker (Xanthomonas populi) to the P. x euramericana hybrids.

Socio-economic

World wide, P. nigra is an important species; 63% of the cultivars registered descend from it, either as a pure species or from interspecific hybrids. In (Eastern) European countries, P. nigra is a native, timber producing species. In some cases up to 50% of the production of poplar wood comes from P. nigra. Results from this research directly benefit (e.g. through EUFORGEN) conservation and gene-reintroduction strategies in non EU-member states like Asian and Eastern-European countries. Most likely strategies developed on the basis of this research for P. nigra could be applied in almost the same way for other pioneer- and Populus species like P. alba, P. euphratica and many willow species.

Environment

Throughout history river systems have been developed by man to create more efficient waterways for transport and for a quicker release of surplus water. Recent experiences of frequent and uncontrolled flooding suggest that the restoration of the original riparian ecosystems along the river systems could give an environmental and more natural control of flooding and water quality.

With the results of this project a scientifically sound approach for restoration of the riparian ecosystems with an environmental friendly method can be guaranteed.

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Proceedings

Introduction

Genetic diversity in river populations of European Black Poplar -implications for riparian ecosystem management. Proceedings of an international symposium held in Szekszdrd, Hungary May, 2001, Edited by Barbara C. van Dam and Sindor Bordics.

This book is the proceeding of a symposium carried out with financial support from the European Commission through FAIR project 3386 and from the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hungary. The following information about the book is taken from the preface.

In this proceedings an attempt is made to give an overview of recent advances in the study of the genetic diversity in Black Poplar (Populus nigra L.) that were presented at an International Symposium that was held in Hungary. The symposium was organised by an International Research Project (Europop) that was funded by the National Governments of the participating countries and the European Commission in Brussels. During the symposium presentations were given by Europop partners and by other experts in the field. The aim was to translate the data collected in this project into implications for riparian ecosystem managers. The project itself had only just finished and hence the analysis of the data was preliminary. However, once the data has been finalised it will be published in relevant scientific journals.

In some parts of Europe, the riparian ecosystem has been altered by human management of river flows. Because of this, Black Poplar has become a rare species in these areas and is in risk of extinction. Genetics plays an important role in the survival of populations of endangered species. Because of the reduction of the population size. in Europop several molecular tools have been used to study the genetic diversity within the species in order to develop new conservation strategies and to study key parameters of stand dynamics for in situ management and re-introduction strategies. Although molecular tools are very helpful. in studying the amount and structure of the genetic diversity, a full understanding of the biological principles in the species is needed to develop an integrated plan. Europop results provide the first insights in the genetic resources of the species in Westem Europe and will help towards new management strategies that are based on a firm scientific footing on the long term.

Within the framework of the project, over 1,500 individual trees were characterised in detail (genotypic and phenotypic). In some countries (such as the UK and the Netherlands) all remaining trees were studied, but for other countries those selected were just representatives of two populations; along one river-system and within the national gene bank. Europop data provide the first steps towards a better understanding of the principles of the components of survival and adaptation for a riparian, pioneer species.

During the discussion session on the last day of the symposium, it became clear that it is difficult (or maybe to soon) to translate the molecular data of the project into practical guidelines for ecosystem management in Europe. In each country, the situation is different and the topics that engaged managers are different too.

Europop Partners acknowledge the EUFORGEN Populus nigra network. They express their gratitude towards the coordinator of other EU-projects (FAIROAK, CYTOFOR and FLOBAR) for their co-operation and to the colleagues of OMMI, Budapest for their excellent Organisation of the symposium.

Contents

List of contributors

Preface EUROPOP: "Genetic Diversity in River Populations of European Black Poplar for evaluation of biodiversity, conservation strategies, nature development and genetic improvements. A chloroplast marker system for studying genetic variation in Populus nigra

Clonal propagation in Black Poplar (Populus nigra).

Mating system of Populus nigra. in a mixed poplar stand composed of P nigra, P delta and P x euramericana

Ex-situ conservation of Black Poplar in Belgium, the margin of the geographical distribution

Distribution'of variation in British Black Poplar: the role of human management.

Distribution og Populus nigra genetic diversity within France and its consequences for ex situ conservation strategies.

Genetic diversity of natural populations and gene bank of Black Poplar in Hungary.

Molecular analysis of natural populations of Populus nigra L. growing along the river Ticino in northern Italy.

Conserving genetic variation of Black Poplar along the river Rhine.

Advances in the preservation of genetic resources in Populus nigra L. in Spain.

Artificial yet natural colonisation of an artificial island in the river Danube in Vienna

Genetic inventory of Black Poplar populations in the Upper Rhine floodplains: conclusions for conservation of an endangered plant species.

Reccomendations for riparian ecosystem management based on the general frame defined in EUFORGEN and results from EUROPOP.

EUFORGEN Populus nigra Network: towards in situ and ex situ implementing conservation strategies.

Rare, but steady, introgression in Austrian Black Poplar as a long- term risk?

Conservation and restoration strategies for native riparian Poplars in Western North America. Can we manage rivers to benefit alluvial woodlands?

Black Poplar (Populus nigra subsp. Betufolia) in Aylesbury Vale -a case study of involving local people in the conservation of a rare species.

Economic aspects of Black Poplar - hybrids, yield and utilisation of wood.

Selection of stress-resistant clones of Populus nigra and possible applications.

Morphological leaf variability in the European Black Poplar (Populus nigra L) in natural populations in the Drava river basin in Croatia.

Genetic diversity in Black Poplar and the implication for riparian eco-system management - summary of the panel discussion.