2
generation of genomic resources, the identification of candidate genes, and the
analysis of full transcriptomes have been added to study selection processes also
with molecular markers (see Chap. 17).
Based on the knowledge gained about the genetic resources of native forest trees
but focusing on their use, INTA (with the collaboration of research groups from
other institutions) formally initiated domestication programs for the most relevant
species in 2006, which finally led to the development of low-intensity breeding
programs. Given its national projection, INTA implements these programs throughout the country, covering all forest ecosystems in Argentina. For the selection of
species, in addition to practical aspects such as the region of concern of each
research group, the ecological and/or productive value (current or potential) of the
species considered was weighted.
1.2 Main Forest Ecoregions of Argentina
Following Cabrera and Willink (1973) and subsequent works, seven forest regions
in Argentina with physiognomic and floristic identity are schematically recognized
(Fig. 1.1). Below we present the basic characteristics of each of them.
1.2.1 Alto Paraná Rainforest
Known in Argentina as “Selva Misionera”, it is a subtropical rainforest that corresponds to the southern and interior extension of the Atlantic Forest (i.e., the tropical
rainforest developed on the coast of Brazil). This formation covers the southern
extreme of Brazil (west of the Serra do Mar), the northeast corner of Argentina, and
eastern Paraguay. In Argentina, this sector is crossed by the Sierra de Misiones,
which forms the watershed between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, with a maximum altitude of 843 m asl toward the border with Brazil. Precipitation exceeds
1500 mm annually, with a dry season during winter. The average temperatures range
from 16 °C to 22 °C, with the occurrence of frost (sometimes it even snows at the
highest points).
Two forest districts are recognized within this ecoregion in Argentina:
1. Jungles, formed by trees 20 to 30 m high with vines and epiphytes and with
strata of smaller trees and a dense undergrowth composed of bamboo and tree
ferns. There are also some species of palm trees. The botanical families
Leguminosae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, and Meliaceae are preponderant, but no
species predominate, since more than 40 tree species are counted per ha.
However, Nectandra lanceolata, Balfourodendron riedelianum, Cedrela fissilis,
and Aspidosperma polyneuron stand out.
M. J. Pastorino
generation of genomic resources, the identification of candidate genes, and the
analysis of full transcriptomes have been added to study selection processes also
with molecular markers (see Chap. 17).
Based on the knowledge gained about the genetic resources of native forest trees
but focusing on their use, INTA (with the collaboration of research groups from
other institutions) formally initiated domestication programs for the most relevant
species in 2006, which finally led to the development of low-intensity breeding
programs. Given its national projection, INTA implements these programs throughout the country, covering all forest ecosystems in Argentina. For the selection of
species, in addition to practical aspects such as the region of concern of each
research group, the ecological and/or productive value (current or potential) of the
species considered was weighted.
1.2 Main Forest Ecoregions of Argentina
Following Cabrera and Willink (1973) and subsequent works, seven forest regions
in Argentina with physiognomic and floristic identity are schematically recognized
(Fig. 1.1). Below we present the basic characteristics of each of them.
1.2.1 Alto Paraná Rainforest
Known in Argentina as “Selva Misionera”, it is a subtropical rainforest that corresponds to the southern and interior extension of the Atlantic Forest (i.e., the tropical
rainforest developed on the coast of Brazil). This formation covers the southern
extreme of Brazil (west of the Serra do Mar), the northeast corner of Argentina, and
eastern Paraguay. In Argentina, this sector is crossed by the Sierra de Misiones,
which forms the watershed between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, with a maximum altitude of 843 m asl toward the border with Brazil. Precipitation exceeds
1500 mm annually, with a dry season during winter. The average temperatures range
from 16 °C to 22 °C, with the occurrence of frost (sometimes it even snows at the
highest points).
Two forest districts are recognized within this ecoregion in Argentina:
1. Jungles, formed by trees 20 to 30 m high with vines and epiphytes and with
strata of smaller trees and a dense undergrowth composed of bamboo and tree
ferns. There are also some species of palm trees. The botanical families
Leguminosae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, and Meliaceae are preponderant, but no
species predominate, since more than 40 tree species are counted per ha.
However, Nectandra lanceolata, Balfourodendron riedelianum, Cedrela fissilis,
and Aspidosperma polyneuron stand out.
M. J. Pastorino