348
(Brown et al. 2006); currently being assessed as “vulnerable” in IUCN Red List
(https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/33928/68080477; Barstow 2018); also it is
found on CITES Appendix III (2017).
13.2 Conservation and Breeding Program of Cedrela
in Argentina: Molecular Genetic Bases
Since 2006, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) of Argentina
develops a national program to address the domestication and conservation of highvalue native species from subtropical forests. Increasing the production of hardwood and recovering degraded areas, as well as preserving forest productive
function and the environmental services that forests provide, are the main goals of
this program. In this context, the genus Cedrela was selected as promising genetic
resource for breeding purposes due to its high productive potential, its value in the
forest products market, and the relatively fast growth rates of their species (Fornes
et al. 2016) not requiring large planting areas to ensure an attractive economic return
(Brown et al. 2006).
The initial purpose was the characterization of the conservation status of Cedrela
in Argentina, with the aim of outlining breeding and conservation strategies.
Molecular genetics is a useful tool to know the extent and distribution of the currently available genetic variability, which is required for genetic resources management (Fornes et al. 2016). Thus, we sampled 398 individuals from 33 populations
that spanned most of Cedrela’s geographical range in the Yungas of NWA and in the
Alto Paraná Rainforest of NEA (Table 13.1; Fig. 13.1). Nuclear molecular systems
were then used in order to (i) identify suitable sets of markers for unambiguous
identification of genetic patterns in C. balansae, C. saltensis, and C. fissilis (Soldati
et al. 2014a); (ii) describe geographic distribution patterns of C. angustifolia genetic
variability and quantify the incidence of anthropic disturbance on genetic diversity
(Inza et al. 2012); (iii) investigate hybrid zones of Cedrela (Zelener et al. 2016); (iv)
assess the effect of fragmentation on gene flow in C. balansae and C. fissilis (Soldati
et al. 2013, 2014b); (v) identify priority Cedrela populations for conservation purposes; and (vi) describe the genetic materials to be used in the breeding programs
(Fornes et al. 2016).
13.2.1 Molecular Genetic Variability of Cedrela angustifolia
in the Yungas
Genetic variability pattern of C. angustifolia (14 populations, 160 individuals;
Table 13.1; Fig. 13.1) was recently addressed to explain the effect of the latitudinal
gradient and the logging history (disturbance) through the assessment of 293
N. Zelener et al.
(Brown et al. 2006); currently being assessed as “vulnerable” in IUCN Red List
(https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/33928/68080477; Barstow 2018); also it is
found on CITES Appendix III (2017).
13.2 Conservation and Breeding Program of Cedrela
in Argentina: Molecular Genetic Bases
Since 2006, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) of Argentina
develops a national program to address the domestication and conservation of highvalue native species from subtropical forests. Increasing the production of hardwood and recovering degraded areas, as well as preserving forest productive
function and the environmental services that forests provide, are the main goals of
this program. In this context, the genus Cedrela was selected as promising genetic
resource for breeding purposes due to its high productive potential, its value in the
forest products market, and the relatively fast growth rates of their species (Fornes
et al. 2016) not requiring large planting areas to ensure an attractive economic return
(Brown et al. 2006).
The initial purpose was the characterization of the conservation status of Cedrela
in Argentina, with the aim of outlining breeding and conservation strategies.
Molecular genetics is a useful tool to know the extent and distribution of the currently available genetic variability, which is required for genetic resources management (Fornes et al. 2016). Thus, we sampled 398 individuals from 33 populations
that spanned most of Cedrela’s geographical range in the Yungas of NWA and in the
Alto Paraná Rainforest of NEA (Table 13.1; Fig. 13.1). Nuclear molecular systems
were then used in order to (i) identify suitable sets of markers for unambiguous
identification of genetic patterns in C. balansae, C. saltensis, and C. fissilis (Soldati
et al. 2014a); (ii) describe geographic distribution patterns of C. angustifolia genetic
variability and quantify the incidence of anthropic disturbance on genetic diversity
(Inza et al. 2012); (iii) investigate hybrid zones of Cedrela (Zelener et al. 2016); (iv)
assess the effect of fragmentation on gene flow in C. balansae and C. fissilis (Soldati
et al. 2013, 2014b); (v) identify priority Cedrela populations for conservation purposes; and (vi) describe the genetic materials to be used in the breeding programs
(Fornes et al. 2016).
13.2.1 Molecular Genetic Variability of Cedrela angustifolia
in the Yungas
Genetic variability pattern of C. angustifolia (14 populations, 160 individuals;
Table 13.1; Fig. 13.1) was recently addressed to explain the effect of the latitudinal
gradient and the logging history (disturbance) through the assessment of 293
N. Zelener et al.