Forest management must be sustainable not only in ecological, economic and social, but also genetic terms. Many forest managers are advocating and developing management strategies that give priority to conserving genetic diversity within production systems, or that recognise the importance of genetic considerations in achieving sustainable management. Forest Conservation Genetics draws together much previously uncollected information relevant to managing and conserving forests. The content emphasises the importance of conserving genetic diversity in achieving sustainable management. Each chapter is written by a leading expert and has been peer reviewed. Readers without a background in genetics will find the logical sequence of topics allows easy understanding of the principles involved and how those principles may impact on day-to-day forest planning and management decisions. The book is primarily aimed at undergraduate students of biology, ecology, forestry, and graduate students of forest genetics, resource management policy and/or conservation biology. It will prove useful for those teaching courses in these fields and as such help to increase the awareness of genetic factors in conservation and sustainable management, in both temperate and tropical regions.

Forest tree improvement has mainly been implemented to enhance the productivity of artificial forests. However, given the drastically changing global environment, improvement of various traits related to environmental adaptability is more essential than ever. This book focuses on genetic information, including trait heritability and the physiological mechanisms thereof, which facilitate tree improvement. Nineteen papers are included, reporting genetic approaches to improving various species, including conifers, broad-leaf trees, and bamboo. All of the papers in this book provide cutting-edge genetic information on tree genetics and suggest research directions for future tree improvement.

This book provides a solid scientific basis for researchers, practitioners and students interested in the application of genetic principles to tropical forest ecology and management. It presents a concise overview of genetic variation, evolutionary processes and the human impact on forest genetic resources in the tropics. In addition, modern tools to assess genetic diversity patterns and the dynamics of genetic structures are introduced to the non-specialist reader.

Throughout the world natural forest ecosystems have been, and are being massively disrupted or destroyed. The boreal forests of Canada are no more immune to man's intervention than the tropical rain forests of Africa, and the day is rapidly approaching when natural forest ecosystems, undisturbed by man, will be found only as remnants in national parks and other protected areas. Yet where they continue to exist these ecosystems are an extraordinarily rich, though relatively neglected source of data that illuminate many aspects of the classic theory of evolution. The subject matter of this book is not, however, confined to natural forest ecosystems. Forest ecosystems under varying degrees of management, and man made forests are also a rich source of information on ecological genetics. In general, however, it can be said that the published evidence of this fact has not yet significantly penetrated the botanical literature. All too frequently it is confined to what might be termed forestry journals. It is hoped that this book will to some extent redress the balance, and draw attention to a body of published work which not only provides a basis for the rational management and conservation of forest ecosystems, but also complements the literature of ecological genetics and evolution. The first draft of Chapters I to V was written in German by the senior author and translated by E. K. MORGENSTERN of the Canadian Forestry Service.

The publication was prepared based on information provided by 86 countries, outcomes from regional and subregional consultations and commissioned thematic studies. It includes: •an overview of definitions and concepts related to Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) and a review of their value; •a description of the main drivers of changes; •the presentation of key emerging technologies; •an analysis of the current status of FGR conservation, use and related developments; •recommendations addressing the challenges and needs. By the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

Issues concerning forest genetic diversity; Cases studies from IPGRI's research project; Lessons learned and applicability of reserch outcomes.