Reforestation seed sourced from depleted land may not be the best source

The findings are based on a review the results of which have been
published in an article entitled; ‘Seed supply for broadscale
restoration: maximising evolutionary potential’ which appears in the
latest edition of the journal, Evolutionary Applications.

The review –
undertaken by Dr Broadhurst and her collaborators part of the ARC-NZ
Research Network for Vegetation Function – covers the appropriateness
of using ‘local’ seed, how much seed and the types of populations that
should be sampled, and the impact that over-harvesting might have on
remnant populations. “The current emphasis on using local seed sources
for revegetation will, in many cases, lead to poor restoration
outcomes,” Dr Broadhurst says.

“Our findings show that seed sourcing
should concentrate less on collecting from local environments and more
on capturing high quality and genetically diverse seed. “This will
ensure that restored populations across Australia have ample genetic
diversity to respond to changing environments over the coming
decades.” Land and water degradation resulting from land clearing is a
global problem. Effective restoration techniques are essential in
reducing the damage and improving the environment.
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Local_Seed_Not_The_Best_For_Revegetation_999.html

— Posted to http://forestpolicyresearch.com via gmail to posterous and
also to forestpolicyresearch@yahoogroups.com

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