Patagonian Cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis): the cedarwood of the emblematic architecture of North Patagonia

Abstract

The Patagonian cypress is the native conifer with the largest distribution area in Argentina: its binational distribution and ecological range are presented. Its wood is quite appreciated and used in house building of North Andean-Patagonia. Isozyme and microsatellite markers were used to investigate the geographic patterns of neutral genetic variation, advancing towards structure analyses and the definition of genetic zones. The study of variation in key quantitative juvenile traits, through nursery and field common garden trials, allowed gaining knowledge on adaptive variation: seedling growth and seasonal rhythms, architecture, physiology, drought stress tolerance and survival traits were considered. Starting on a regional scale analysis, first results led to compare humid and xeric populations, and finally to concentrate on marginal populations from the steppe. Based on results from markers and quantitative traits, provenance regions were delineated. The low intensity breeding proposal for the species lies on the identification of seed production areas and the installation of progeny seed orchards for each of the provenance regions separately. A provenance and progeny tests network was installed.