Forest genetic resources of marginal populations of forest trees at high elevation edge
Pieve Tesino, Italy
From: 31.08.2015 to: 04.09.2015
This Training School will focus on forest genetic resources of marginal and peripheral populations of forest trees at high elevation edge and how they are evolving and adapting to the effects of current isotherm shift. The Training School is co-organized by the Alpine Study Centre (University of Tuscia, Italy) andMaP FGR COST Action, aiming to bring together experts in forest genetic resources (FGR) to collect knowledge on FGR in Marginal and Peripheral (MaP) populations throughout Europe. The effects of climate change are likely to be stronger and more rapid in MaP populations than elsewhere.
MaP forest populations are at the edges of species ranges where conditions are less suitable for survival. Studying adaptive processes in these populations is crucial and of mutual interest for European and neighbouring countries for understanding the evolution of species, developing gene pool (FGR) conservation and management strategies and networks to cope with global changes. These populations are not only threatened by modern climate changes but also by other disturbances arising from human pressures and they may prove invaluable for adapting the European forestry sector. For more information on the COST Action FP1202 MaP-FGR, see the website http://map-fgr.entecra.it/
Training School lectures will focus on case studies on forest species at high elevation edge, presenting methodology and results obtained by researchers working in research institutions participating in the Cost Action FP1202 MaP-FGR and invited experts.
The training school aims to provide intensive training on the adaptation and evolution of MaP populations of forest trees at high elevation edge of species distribution, at widening the knowledge of the Action activities and sharing expertise between trainers and trainees.
The main topics of the 2015 Training School will be:
- Marginality concepts from climatic, genetic and adaptation point of view
- Dynamics of Alpine forest communities in the context of climate change
- Silviculture and anthropogenic impacts on the Alpine stands
- Adaptation mechanisms:
- Genomics of adaptive traits;
- Stable isotopes: theoretical bases and applications (plant adaptation in contrasting environments)
- Forest reproductive materials in the context of shifting climatic zones and use of field tests;
- Presentation of the trainees own researches on MaP populations and forest genetic resources.
A field trip will be organized during the week.
The training school is mainly intended for master students, PhD students and Early Stage Researchers.
Deadline for applications: July 22, 2015
Read more
Photo: Flickr/querin.rene
|
