Genetics and Conservation of Rare Plants

by Donald A. Falk (Editor), Kent E. Holsinger (Editor)

Overview

Nearly 700 species of plants may become extinct by the year 2000. Faced with this overwhelming prospect, plant conservationists must take advantage of every technique available. This unique work summarizes our current knowledge of the genetics and population biology of rare plants, and integrates it with practical conservation recommendations. It features discussions on the distribution and significance of genetic variation, management and evaluation of rare plant germplasm, and conservation strategies for genetic diversity. Case studies focusing on specific problems offer important insights for today's challenges in rare plant conservation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195362428
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/14/1991
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Center for Plant Conservation, Boston

University of Connecticut

Table of Contents

PART I: Population Biology and Genetics of Rare Species1. Genetic and Evolutionary Consequences of Small Population Size in Plants: Implications for Conservation, Spencer C.H. Barrett and Joshua R. Kohn2. Ecological Implications of Genetic Variation in Plant Populations, Laura Huenneke3. The Application of Minimum Viable Population Theory to Plants, Eric S. Menges4. Conservation of Rare Trees in Tropical Rain Forests: A Genetic Perspective, Kamaljit S. Bawa and Peter S. AshtonPART II: Distribution and Sampling of Genetic Variation5. Relationships Between Species Characteristics and the Distribution of Allozyme Variation, J.L. Hamrick, M.J. Godt, D.A. Murawski, and M.D. Loveless6. Patterns of Genetic Variation and Breeding Systems in Rare Plant Species,Jeffrey R. Karron7. Sampling Strategies for Genetic Variation in Ex-Situ Collections of Endangered Plant Species, A.H.D. Brown and J.D. BriggsPART III: Management and Assessment of Off-Site Collections8. Methods of Assessing Genetic Variation, Barbara A. Schaal and Steven H. Rogstad9. Strategies for Long-Term Management of Germplasm Collections, S.A. Eberhart, E.E. Roos and L.E. TowillPART IV: Conservation Strategies for Genetic Diversity10. Strategies for Conserving Clinical, Ecotypic, and Disjunct Population Diversity in Widespread Species, Constance I. Millar and William J. Libby11. Hybridization in Rare Plants: Insights from Case Studies in Helianthus and Cercocarpus, Loren H. Rieseberg12. Offsite Breeding of Animals and Implications for Plant Conservation Strategies, Alan R. Templeton13. Recommendations for the Preservation of Genetic Diversity, Kent E. Holsinger and Leslie D. Gottlieb14. Integrated Conservation Strategies for Plant Genetic Diversity, Donald A. Falk

Editorial Reviews

"The list of contributing authors is impressive and includes most of the important researchers in plant population biology and genetics. Theoretical and practical issues are well balanced. . . .This book also gives an appreciation of how much research on rare plants remains to be done. It contains a well-organized and concise presentation of why research, conservation, and management are important. . .as well as practical strategies to apply existing knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the genetics and conservation of plant populations." —Prairie Nat.

"The chapters are of consistently high quality and will interest plant conservation biologists and those seeking genetic sophistication in their reintroduction or restoration efforts. . . .Many chapters stand alone as summaries of great value to population biologists interested in the causes and consequences of rarity. . . .This volume has greatly advanced the field by crystallizing the genetic issues and providing a convenient and authoritative source for those practicing in the emergency wards of conservation biology." —Science

"This book could form a core around which to develop a curriculum in genetics or botany. . . .For research scientists, [the book] should serve as inspiration to expand efforts to make politicians and the public understand why more ecological research. . .really is needed." —Wild Earth

"Very well organized, the chapters dealing with a range of relevant but not too greatly overlapping topics, and the connection between them is very well outlined in the excellent preface by the editors. . . .Very interesting. . .its largely successful attempt to define the state of our knowledge about the importance of genetic diversity for plant conservation is a very valuable contribution." —Plant Genetics Newsletter

"There is much information on rare plant populations and on conservation not previously available. . ." —Choice

"This text includes the most extensive bibliography yet compiled of relevance to plant conservation. This volume draws together wide-ranging contributions from many prominent plant geneticists and conservation biologists. It explores key biological imperitives crucial to saving plant species faced with extinction." —Plant Science Bulletin

"A milestone publication that will go a long way to introducing to plant comnservation biology the scientific rigor that it has sometimes lacked in the past. The Editors . . . have done an excellent job in guiding their authors, such that the overall quality is very high and coverage very good indeed. . . . does not merely deal with theoretical matters, but extends theory into the practical business of conserving real plants. The appendix and bibliography alone are worth the L35 that this book costs. It is a must for all interested in plant conservation." —Genetical Research

"Conceived as a status report on areas of genetics and population biology that are critical for effective management and conservation of endangered plant species . . . an essential comlement to widely-known collections of papers. I recommend this book because it is a good start in filling a major gap." —Diversity

"Provides the conservation manager with an accessible and practical view of the role of genetics in plant conservation. The editors . . . have brought together a series of authoritative essays providing a comprehensive view of plant conservation issues. . . . should be on the shelf of everyone with an interest in plant conservation, whether a botanic garden curator or protected area manager. It has already proved its worth as a student reference work, and a useful resource as conservation courses appear to be proliferating at an ever increasing rate." —Kew Bulletin

"A resource for the conservation community. In combining theory and practice, a wide range of topics are explored. . . . the text is clearly written, and most subjects are treated fully. I commend the editors on a job well done." —Ecology

From the Publisher