|
Third EUFORGEN Picea abies Network meeting Opocno, Czech Republic, 26-29 April 1998
Introduction The meeting was attended by Network members nominated from 12 European countries (see List of Participants). Russian Federation and Slovenia attended for the first time. Denmark, Latvia, France and Switzerland sent apologies for not being able to participate in the meeting. The host and main organizer of the meeting, Dr K. Vancura, Director of the Forestry and Game Mangement Research Institute in Prague welcomed the participants at the Research Station in Opocno and wished them a successful meeting. He introduced Dr A. Jurásek, Head of the Station, who also welcomed the participants. Prof. V. Koski, Chair of the Network mentioned the mandate and tasks of the Network. He also said that collaboration on the conservation of Norway spruce faces many challenges at a time when genetic resources of various broadleaved species become priority for the national activities in many countries. The collaborative activities carried out in the other four EUFORGEN Networks were then summarized by Dr J. Turok EUFORGEN Coordinator. He mentioned that several important meetings associated to a different extent with the developments on forest genetic resources in Europe will take place during the year (Third Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe—Lisbon, Portugal, June 1998; IV Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity—Bratislava, Slovakia, May 1998). The second EUFORGEN Steering Committee of National Coordinators is under preparation and will be held in Vienna, Austria, in November 1998. J. Turok introduced the agenda items proposed for the meeting and V. Koski asked for further suggestions. The agenda was approved with one modification in the sequence of the items discussed (see Programme of the meeting). Progress of national strategies - summary All countries presented the current situation in the conservation of Norway spruce genetic resources and reported on the progress made since the last meeting (Hyytiälä, Finland, September 1996). It was recognized that each country had a national strategy either in preparation, or already in place. Different actors (scientists, foresters, breeders, nature protection agencies) have in most cases been involved in the preparation of the strategies. The main purpose is to outline gene conservation activities as part of the overall national forestry policy. A sound balance should be found between gene conservation, tree breeding, silviculture and nature protection of forests. No serious constraints or difficulties in developing the national strategies were reported. It was stated that further exchange of experience and the support from the Network would be needed for their practical implementation. Some countries are experiencing difficulties to implement the strategies. Sufficient resources should be provided in this respect in each country. Education and raising public awareness are very important for the success of the strategies. It was recognized that gene conservation of Norway spruce in the different regions of Europe has different objectives and subsequently requires different gene conservation methods. As stated during the first Network meeting (Stará Lesná, Slovakia, March 1995) the objectives vary from conserving endangered populations, representative and marginal populations, to conserving characterized genetic diversity for breeding. The overall goal is to promote the maintenance of a broad genetic variation of Norway spruce in order to ensure the necessary evolutionary adaptability to a changing environment over many generations (see Report of the first Network meeting). In light of these different objectives, the main argument for gene conservation in central and eastern Europe is the threat to genetic diversity posed by air pollution often combined with other factors (bark beetle). Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Slovakia reported about the risks associated with the decline of Norway spruce populations in the affected areas. Due to favorable weather conditions during last winter, the health state of the spruce forests improved slightly in comparison with the previous reporting period (see Report of the second Network meeting). In a number of countries the interest for planting broadleaved species has been increasing rapidly, which often means reduced activities for Norway spruce (including gene conservation projects). Gene conservation is very difficult in the newly privatized forest stands in all countries with economies in transition. One of the main constraints is missing legislation. Research and field work are carried out to a limited extent in these countries. The economic importance of Norway spruce and its wide use in afforestations was mentioned as the main argument of gene conservation in Belgium, Lithuania, Finland, Norway, Sweden and other countries. The main task is to ensure sufficient genetic diversity in the managed Norway spruce stands for their dynamic development. Joint gene conservation and breeding are considered very important by some countries, while others put emphasis on the conservation of genetic diversity as primary objective. Networks of in situ gene conservation stands have been adopted in many countries. However, genetic reserves (gene conservation stands) often do not represent a legal entity. Problems related to the transfer of Norway spruce reproductive material for commercial use were stressed in several country reports and were discussed by the participants. The merits of the OECD Scheme were mentioned. It was agreed that the brief progress reports will be published along with the Report of the meeting. Each participant will send the progress report (no more than 2 single-spaced pages including tables) electronically to J. Turok for compilation by 1 June 1998. The Network members will indicate their requirement (number of copies and eventually list of addresses) for mailing the Report in all countries (by 1 June 1998). The country reports of the Russian Federation and Slovenia will be published in full (see Annex). It was agreed that it would not be necessary to produce a printed Report. Priority will be given to prompt distribution of a photocopied version and its uploading on the Internet (before 1 August 1998 by J. Turok/IPGRI). European database The participants stressed that a common infomation source/ database of Norway spruce genetic resources (see Report of the second Network meeting) will serve for several purposes: enable to monitor progress made in each country
provide up-to-date information about the coverage of the genetic variation in the species’ distribution area by gene conservation measures
provide link and/or access to national databases/ registers where available
facilitate the set up of such national databases/ registers wherever they do not yet exist. The objectives and format of the global information system on forest genetic resources developed by FAO (Reforgen) were introduced. The participants agreed that the information available on Norway spruce in that database should be complemented, and not duplicated, by the Network. The summary information sheet (i.e. at the country level; see attached printout) corresponds largely to the information required by the Network’s descriptors (see Report of the second Network meeting). It was, therefore, suggested that an individual printout with the existing data from each country be sent to the respective Network member (by 1 July 1998; J. Turok in consultation with FAO). Each Network member will check the data and send reply to J. Turok before 15 September 1998. J. Turok will forward the information to FAO and make the summary information sheet available also through the EUFORGEN/Picea abies Network Internet home page (by 15 November 1998). It is intended that the home page may contain electronic links to the national databases/ registers of genetic resources. It was stressed that the establishment and maintenance of national databases are under the responsibility of each country. A. Nanson informed that a standard database format for forest genetic resources is under development within a EU-DIRECT project on Douglas fir. It is essential that common minimum descriptors of the Network be fully considered in each national database. Additional, voluntary descriptors are commonly used by many countries. Bibliography A bibliography on genetics, breeding and genetic resources of Norway spruce will be established as a joint effort of the EUFORGEN Network and the IUFRO Working Party 2.02.11. As a first step, search runs according to the key words: genetics, breeding and genetic resources of Picea abies will be made in existing literature databases. They will be further combined with files from research groups that have already established such reference lists. It is suggested that the Institute of Dendrology in Kornik, Poland and the Faculty of Forestry in Zvolen, Slovakia be asked to supply the lists that are readily available in electronic version. The combined first list will be made available with the technical assistance of IPGRI and established on their server by 1 June 1998. This list should be searchable. During the same time, one contact person will be identified in each country and asked to provide relevant references from the respective country, in particular references to literature that is not widely known or distributed. This request will be made during the month of May. Only references to literature which is available from institutions or libraries in the country should be included. The format of the submitted references should be as follows:
It was discussed whether abstracts (in English) should be included in the Bibliography. Easily available abstracts should be included but a missing abstract should not prevent a reference from being submitted. A letter will be sent to the contact person in each country with details about the format of the contribution and the address of the Internet site. This letter will be distributed by 15 July 1998. The national contact persons will submit the lists in electronic version as specified in the technical instructions to IPGRI before 1 December 1998. The Bibliography will then be published electronically as on-line searchable database during the first months of 1999. It will be accessible from the Internet home pages of both the IUFRO Working Party and the EUFORGEN Network. Updating of Technical Guidelines A discussion was held in order to review the need for updating the Technical Guidelines (distributed in mid-1997). It was observed that rather little feedback had so far been received from the actual target group (forest officers responsible for gene conservation). Thus, the meeting mainly dealt with items raised by the Network members, in particular: Small stands. These can be either indigenous or of non-local origin. If the stand in question is considered valuable as a gene conservation unit, then it should be maintained: (1) If it is possible to enlarge the stand by planting material from the very same stand, the in situ method is recommended. (2) As in situ conservation is seldom feasible for these stands, reproductive material for rooted cuttings or grafts should be collected and ex situ conservation unit established. In case of heavily polluted regions the ex situ plantations from evacuated material are to be established in a less risky environment.
Concern was expressed as to whether landraces and non-indigenous stands had been mentioned adequately in the Guidelines. The relevant Chapter 2 will be reviewed and feedback provided to Network members, if necessary.
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of gene reserves in general, and Norway spruce in particular, were considered a basis for selecting gene reserves. This applies mainly to regions where the origin of stands is either mixed or in many cases unknown. A combination of morphological, phenological traits and genetic markers should be applied, wherever possible.
It was previously suggested by a reviewer of the Guidelines that a chapter describing basic population genetic concepts and their practical application in gene conservation should be part of the document. Network members recommended that this type of information should be developed with the input from and as reference to all EUFORGEN Networks. This will be proposed to the Steering Committee.
Silviculture and management of gene conservation units. The importance of early thinnings was emphasized during the discussion. The measures undertaken should follow the sound local practice in each country. If relevant according to site conditions, the admixture of broadleaved species in Norway spruce gene reserves is recommended. It was agreed that regeneration of gene reserves is the crucial aspect. It needs to be stressed in the gene conservation practice in each country. Old-aged in situ reserves should be receiving particular attention in this regard.
The Guidelines seem to overemphasize the age-classes distribution in large reserves. Also even-aged structure of stands is mentioned repeatedly. Central European countries require that the need for differentiated age structure of the gene reserves with smaller area be given more specific attention.
The value of old experimental plantations such as provenance trials for gene conservation was mentioned. Relevant old trials should be maintained and tended properly. They are of crucial importance for studying the adaptation to environmental changes. It was concluded that the Technical Guidelines developed by the Network correspond well to the objectives stated. The Network members will encourage their use in the practice of gene conservation in their countries. The items raised above will be further developed and formulated by individual Network members: K. Vancura (item 1), A. Nanson (2), H. Wolf (3), V. Koski (5), T. Geburek/F. Müller from Austria (6) and T. Skrøppa (7). Their input (one or two paragraphs) will be sent to J. Turok for compilation by 1 July 1998. J. Turok will then send a standard text/amendment to all the Network members (by 1 August 1998). In order to stress certain aspects as relevant for the respective country, they will further distribute the Guidelines to target readers, using this amendment along with their cover letter. It was acknowledged that the Guidelines were translated into Russian and distributed by the National Coordinator A. Prokazin in the Russian Federation. Genetic adaptability in view of the global changes of the environment; genetic resources of Norway spruce in areas affected by air pollution Introductory presentation was given by H. Wolf who reported on the situation of highly affected Norway spruce populations in Germany (see Annex). Two distinct situations need to be considered: damage caused by nearby industries (emitting mainly sulphur dioxide) and by other pollutants which are transported over larger distances. Several investigations comparing the genetic structures of sensitive and non-sensitive populations/ individuals were reviewed. The results indicate that exposure to air pollution causes genetic impoverishment of populations. Well-adapted, indigenous stands show a higher level of tolerance. Special reference was made to the situation in the Ore Mountains. Although the original aim was to initiate a ‘resistance breeding’ programme, multiplication of clones proved to also serve the purpose of gene conservation. Several populations were saved exclusively by the clone propagation. Reforestation plots were established with material of exotic species. Additionally, ‘field-resistant clones’ were tested in various experiments. The extraordinary weather conditions during the winter 1995/96 combined with high level of emissions caused very serious damage to stands. The same situation occurred in the Czech Republic. A. Nanson presented a paper on the effects of air pollution at three levels of genetic variation: species, populations (provenances) and individuals. Variation in tolerance to pollution was mainly at the level of species and individuals. Besides the likely reduction of genetic variation caused by air pollution, another serious effect might be mutations. It was concluded that problems related to air pollution could be solved much more effectively by a reduction in the levels of pollution through coordinated political decisions, rather than by the ‘resistance breeding’ and gene conservation measures. Several important aspects of genetic adaptability of Norway spruce in view of the global changes of the environment should be looked at on the basis of the existing research work. A possible contribution of the Network in this regard was discussed. It was recommended that genetic aspects of the global changes of the environment be taken into account when formulating gene conservation strategies. The discussion was continued during the excursion to some of the affected Norway spruce stands in Orlické Hory (see Annex). A short video was shown describing the situation and the activities undertaken in the Czech Republic. Future scope of the Network Several countries requested that the possible broadening of the scope of the Network be discussed. In addition to Norway spruce, also Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was suggested to serve as a model species with continuous distribution, since the gene conservation measures for both species are often very similar. It was agreed that the scope (and name) of the Network should be changed to Spruce and Pine Network. This proposal will be made for adoption at the EUFORGEN Steering Committee meeting. It has also been proposed to submit for discussion at the Steering Committee meeting arguments for a new Network dealing with European conifers with non-continuous occurrence. It was felt that silver fir (Abies alba) should serve as a model tree species for one separate Network. Silver fir, distributed throughout Europe, occurs in significant proportions in many central and eastern European countries and is considered to be ecologically stabilizing component in mixed mountainous forests. The problems related to genetic resources of this species are currently not covered by any international collaborative mechanism or project. For other coniferous tree species with minor or scattered distribution (Abies and Pinus species of the Mediterranean zone) there are some ongoing collaborative activities which could also cover the gene conservation issues. It was, however, requested that J. Turok circulate a letter informing all European countries about the change in the scope of the Picea abies Network (through National Coordinators or national focal points), asking for comments and assessing the interest to participate in a Network dealing with Spruce and Pine species in Europe. He will inform the Network members about this consultation by 1 October 1998, and the results will be reported at the Steering Committee meeting in November. Other Network issues Poster. In order to improve awareness about the need for gene conservation of Norway spruce, a poster will be developed by IPGRI with input from the Picea abies Network. The discussion on the possible content of the poster suggested that: it should reflect the different situation and objectives existing in Europe (see above)
a schematic map of the entire distribution of Norway spruce in Europe should form the background, and three or four photographs should illustrate the different situations (threatened by air pollution; commercially used; ecologically important; and as exotic species)
high quality pictures (preferably slides) should be sent to J. Turok by 20 May 1998
proposed key words for the poster: Picea abies, economic importance, wide range, high genetic diversity, adaptability The poster will be produced and printed before the Steering Committee meeting in November 1998. Leaflet. The usefulness of a public awareness leaflet on gene conservation of Norway spruce was recognized. It was decided to postpone a more detailed discussion to the next meeting. Conclusion The draft report of the meeting was discussed and adopted with amendments. Considering the broadened scope of the Network, and the magnitude of tasks agreed, it was suggested that the next Network meeting be held no later than June 1999. Slovenia offered to find the possibilites for organizing the fourth Network meeting during the third week of June 1999. Belgium and Norway also mentioned their interest in hosting the meeting. The dates and venue will be announced as soon as possible. The Chair V. Koski thanked the organizers and the participants for their contribution to the fruitful Network meeting.
Contact EUFORGEN Secretariat about this page |
Copyright © International Plant Genetic Resources Institute 2000-
. All rights reserved. Legal notices