Roble pellín (Nothofagus obliqua), a southern beech with a restricted distribution area but a wide environmental range in Argentina

Abstract

Nothofagus obliqua forests in Argentina extends over a wide latitudinal gradient, but highly fragmented and locally restricted. The relevance of this species relies in its high wood quality and tolerance to warmer niches, as those predicted under climate change. In this chapter, we describe the species characteristics and natural distribution range as well as the natural hybridisation process that occurs frequently with other Nothofagus species. Genetic variation patterns based on neutral genetic markers (isozymes, cpDNA and microsatellites) allowed inferring past demographic changes during the Pleistocene glaciations. In addition, the level of genetic diversity was used as an indicator for conservation and for the definition of genetic zones as seed sources for breeding and restoration. Quantitative genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity measured at seeds, seedling and juvenile states on nursery and field trials gave insights about adaptation. The first steps towards breeding of roble pellín in Argentina are fully described: provenance and progeny tests and seed producing areas, both natural and cultivated ones. Intra- and inter-specific controlled crossings of N. obliqua represent a fundamental step towards the breeding of this species and the first achievements are described.