Genetic resources preservation in wild pear and apple. Wild pear and apple are scattered species with an high ecological importance, being part of natural threatened ecosystems. The present distribution of the species is strongly influenced by human activities, and also intercross with cultivated forms represents a threaten for the integrity of wild gene pools. The study involved 359 plants of wild pear and 213 of wild apples, sampled within the distribution areas in Piedmont, north-western Italy. By analysis of ecological features and genetic variation shown by genetic markers, it was possible to define 5 and 4 Regions of Provenance, respectively for wild pear and apple. Molecular analysis was also used to verify if the sampled individuals could be considered really “wild” or if genetic introgression from cultivated forms has occurred. In order to preserve the genetic resources of the species as well as to provide reproductive material of high genetic value, several actions are suggested, namely the establishment of seed orchards or the institution of bio-genetic reserves, according to the local presence of wild individuals, the risk of intercross with cultivated forms and the security of population maintenance.
Salvaguardia delle risorse genetiche di pero e melo selvatico
FERRAZZINI, DIANA;BELLETTI, Piero
2013-01-01
Abstract
Genetic resources preservation in wild pear and apple. Wild pear and apple are scattered species with an high ecological importance, being part of natural threatened ecosystems. The present distribution of the species is strongly influenced by human activities, and also intercross with cultivated forms represents a threaten for the integrity of wild gene pools. The study involved 359 plants of wild pear and 213 of wild apples, sampled within the distribution areas in Piedmont, north-western Italy. By analysis of ecological features and genetic variation shown by genetic markers, it was possible to define 5 and 4 Regions of Provenance, respectively for wild pear and apple. Molecular analysis was also used to verify if the sampled individuals could be considered really “wild” or if genetic introgression from cultivated forms has occurred. In order to preserve the genetic resources of the species as well as to provide reproductive material of high genetic value, several actions are suggested, namely the establishment of seed orchards or the institution of bio-genetic reserves, according to the local presence of wild individuals, the risk of intercross with cultivated forms and the security of population maintenance.
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