Genetics and Chemical Traits

Plant conservation is practiced at the MSB by storing seeds of threatened species, to prevent them from extinction. However, if we ever want to contribute to restoration programmes and re-introduce species, we need to assess genetic variation. In general, accessions with wider genetic variation are considered to have better fitness, and should stand a better chance to survive re-introduction in the wild. For example, climate change takes its toll on survival of species; a wider genetic variation may enable survival by the presence in the population of alleles that ensure fitness under the altering climatic conditions.

A wider genetic diversity also increases the chance of developing new crops out of species with crop potential. Allelic variation gives the opportunity to backcross genetic lines, to improve crop aspects like chemical traits. E.g. it can be desirable to enhance oil composition or content of a species. Backcrossing crop lines with individuals of a wild population gives the opportunity to screen the offspring for enhanced traits.

 

 

 

 

(Left) An example of the allelic variation (polymorphism) detected in Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seeds by AFLP using different individual seeds from a single population (vertical lanes). Arrows indicate polymorphisms, which demonstrate a certain level of genetic diversity within the population.

Contact: Dr Tim Marks

See the Science Directory for a full list of projects included in this Theme