419
rootstocks of the same species (Fig. 15.14), propagating 64 genotypes (male and
female), achieving the production of 462 ramets. These grafts were established in
the field in 2015 and 2016 (Fig. 15.14). Wendling (2011), using the same methodology, achieved male and female strobili flowering in 4 and 6.5 years respectively. The
same trend was observed in Manuel Belgrano Forest Station.
15.7 Concerns and Actions for Conservation
Araucaria angustifolia natural stands are preserved in few and frequently small
areas in Argentina (SAyDS 2007) and Brazil (Stefenon et al. 2009). These areas are
not enough for conserving in situ the complete genetic pool of the species. Since the
Argentinean A. angustifolia populations are at the edges of the species distribution,
they likely harbor a great adaptive value, which is relevant to ensure the persistence
of the species. From all remaining natural stands, conservation efforts should focus
on the preservation of the natural populations with the highest variability, i.e.,
Manuel Belgrano Forest Station and Gramado, being the latter a private property.
We propose to increase the extension of the current Provincial Reserves, reorganizing the maintenance of their exclusive gene pools. These enlargements should
enhance the connectivity of the fragments, and, in addition, restoration of degraded
areas with the appropriate genetic materials should be considered. The old plantation of Manuel Belgrano Forest Station has been demonstrated to be highly valuable
from a conservation genetics point of view and as a seed source for breeding programs. To improve its regeneration and future development, an enrichment with
new material from natural populations from different genetic groups might be done.
Fig. 15.14 Apical grafting of selected A. angustifolia genotypes (photo: Cristian Rotundo) and
clonal seed orchard at the age of 4 years installed in Manuel Belgrano Forest Station. (Photo:
María Elena Gauchat)
15 Paraná Pine (Araucaria angustifolia): The Most Planted Native Forest Tree…
rootstocks of the same species (Fig. 15.14), propagating 64 genotypes (male and
female), achieving the production of 462 ramets. These grafts were established in
the field in 2015 and 2016 (Fig. 15.14). Wendling (2011), using the same methodology, achieved male and female strobili flowering in 4 and 6.5 years respectively. The
same trend was observed in Manuel Belgrano Forest Station.
15.7 Concerns and Actions for Conservation
Araucaria angustifolia natural stands are preserved in few and frequently small
areas in Argentina (SAyDS 2007) and Brazil (Stefenon et al. 2009). These areas are
not enough for conserving in situ the complete genetic pool of the species. Since the
Argentinean A. angustifolia populations are at the edges of the species distribution,
they likely harbor a great adaptive value, which is relevant to ensure the persistence
of the species. From all remaining natural stands, conservation efforts should focus
on the preservation of the natural populations with the highest variability, i.e.,
Manuel Belgrano Forest Station and Gramado, being the latter a private property.
We propose to increase the extension of the current Provincial Reserves, reorganizing the maintenance of their exclusive gene pools. These enlargements should
enhance the connectivity of the fragments, and, in addition, restoration of degraded
areas with the appropriate genetic materials should be considered. The old plantation of Manuel Belgrano Forest Station has been demonstrated to be highly valuable
from a conservation genetics point of view and as a seed source for breeding programs. To improve its regeneration and future development, an enrichment with
new material from natural populations from different genetic groups might be done.
Fig. 15.14 Apical grafting of selected A. angustifolia genotypes (photo: Cristian Rotundo) and
clonal seed orchard at the age of 4 years installed in Manuel Belgrano Forest Station. (Photo:
María Elena Gauchat)
15 Paraná Pine (Araucaria angustifolia): The Most Planted Native Forest Tree…