Project 97-01

Assessment of levels and dynamics of intra-specific genetic diversity of tropical trees for conservation and sustainable management

	Describe and compare the level and distribution of genetic diversity in a range of tropical tree species from different types of forest
	Describe the dynamics of this diversity
	Identify the effects of specific human impacts on the diversity
	Derive suitable conservation strategies for selected tree species

	Cedrela odorata, Vochysia ferruginea, Hyeronima alchorneoides, Lonchocarpus costaricensis (Central America)
	Astrocaryum sp., Qualea rosea, Symphonia globulifera, Ocotea rubra, Monorobium coccinea (French Guiana)
	Tabebuia heterophylla (Caribbean Islands)
	Eugenia uniflora, Anacardium occidentale, Swietenia macrophylla, Pseudobombax munguba, Ceiba pentandra (Brazil)

	The development of universal molecular markers to enable comparisons of levels and distribution of diversity to be made between different species. Studies will focus on AFLP techniques and the development of a data base of AFLP fingerprints, RFLP markers of cpDNA, and codominant DNA markers (SSRs)
	Examination of diversity of a range of species at the regional level, using AFLPS and cpDNA RFLPs
	Examination of the spatial distribution of diversity at the local level (a few hectares), using AFLPs and cpDNA RFLPs
	Estimation of the outcrossing rates for species
	Estimation of the extent of gene flow through seed dispersal studies utilizing maternally inherited cpDNA and studies of pollen movement by relating the distribution of rare alleles in seedlings to their occurrence in mature trees, using SSR data
	Examination of the effects of domestication on species genetic diversity through comparison of wild and cultivated individuals
	Evaluation of the effects of forest fragmentation on genetic diversity, comparing different sizes of fragments, neighbour distances and time since fragmentation occurred
	Evaluation of the effects of logging, comparing plots that have been logged at different intensities with control plots and exploited and unexploited species to enable direct and indirect effects of logging to be assessed.