Collaborative Research: Genetic Structure of a Longleaf Pine Population

哈姆里克和普拉特建议将对一种古老的长叶松林(沼泽松)的详细生态分析与对其遗传结构的同样详细的描述结合在一起。淀粉凝胶电泳法将被用来鉴定几个酶基因，这些基因可作为遗传标记用于该群体的研究。一旦描述了遗传变异的排列，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的种群参数，以产生观察到的遗传模式。通过应用通常被称为亲子排除分析的分析技术，他们将测量六个局部区域内的花粉和种子移动。他们还将使用遗传标记来帮助识别苗木和样本的父母。这些信息将被用来确定死亡率和存活率是否有遗传因素。在他们的研究成功完成后，哈姆里克和普拉特将对影响种群遗传和生态构成的相互作用的因素进行详细描述。本研究具有多方面的应用价值。对花粉和种子的基因运动的研究将为有效繁殖单位的规模提供洞察力。这些信息对建立生态保护区将是有价值的。其次，从这种天然老林分获得的数据可以与从以不同方式管理的次生林分获得的类似数据进行比较。这将使林农了解他们的管理做法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.