Collaborative Research: Genetic Structure of a Longleaf Pine Population

Hamrick和Platt建议对长叶松（Pinus palustris）的老生长林分进行详细的生态分析，并对其遗传结构进行同样详细的描述。淀粉凝胶电泳将用于鉴定几种酶基因，这些酶基因可作为该群体研究的遗传标记。一旦遗传变异的排列被描述，哈姆里克和普拉特将使用这些遗传标记来研究那些相互作用产生观察到的遗传模式的群体参数。通过应用一种通常被称为父系排除分析的分析技术，他们将在六个局部区域内测量花粉和种子的运动。他们还将使用遗传标记来协助鉴定幼苗和样品的亲本。这些信息将用于确定死亡率和存活率是否与遗传因素有关。在成功完成他们的研究后，哈姆里克和普拉特将对相互作用形成种群遗传和生态组成的因素进行详细描述。本研究有几个应用方面。对花粉和种子基因运动的研究将有助于了解有效育种单位的大小。这些信息将对建立生态保护区有价值。其次，从这种自然老林分获得的数据可以与从以不同方式管理的次生林获得的类似数据进行比较。这将使林农了解他们的管理措施如何影响长叶松林的遗传组成。

Hamrick and Platt propose to integrate a detailed ecological analysis of an old growth stand of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) with an equally detailed description of its genetic structure. Starch gel electrophoresis will be used to identify several enzyme genes which can be used as genetic markers in the study of this population. Once the arrangement of genetic variation has been described, Hamrick and Platt will use these genetic markers to study those population parameters that interact to produce the genetic patterns observed. By applying an analytical technique commonly referred to as paternity exclusion analysis, they will measure pollen and seed movement within six localized areas. They will also use genetic markers to assist in the identification of the parents of seedlings and samplings. This information will be used to determine whether there is a genetic component to mortality and survival. Upon the successful completion of their research, Hamrick and Platt will produce a detailed description of the factors which interact to shape the genetic and ecological composition of the population. This research has several applied aspects. Studies of gene movement by pollen and seeds will provide insights into the size of an effective breeding unit. This information will be valuable for the establishment of ecological preserves. Second, data obtained from this natural old-growth stand can be compared to similar data taken from second growth stands which have been managed in different ways. This will allow foresters to understand how their management practices impact the genetic composition of longleaf pine stands.