Raulí (Nothofagus alpina = N. nervosa): the best quality hardwood in Patagonia

Abstract

Raulí is an iconic species of the Temperate Subantarctic forests due to its hardwood quality of pinkish tones. Because of its ecological and economic relevance, it is under conservation within National Parks and being domesticated for plantation purposes. In this chapter, we present the state of the art of the species in Argentina. General features as distribution, biology and uses are firstly presented. Patterns of genetic variation at neutral markers allowed studying the legacy of the glacial ages as well as recent processes shaping the genetic structure. In addition, variation among populations at quantitative traits (phenological, physiological, morphological, architectural and growth rhythm traits) reflect the action of natural selection. Mycorrhizas and other soil fungi have strong relevance for conservation and domestication programs and their diversity is described. The domestication program is dependent on seed productivity restrictions in natural stands and the regulation of germination was studied through threshold models. The breeding strategy of raulí includes provenance and progeny tests, definition of genetic zones and seed collection areas based on genetic markers and installation of progeny seed orchards. Conservation and management of N. alpina forests in Argentina is finally discussed in the context of its over-exploitation in past decades, conservation actions and management guidelines.