Design of seed transfer zones and assessment of germplasm collections of Neltuma alba for reforestation and afforestation purposes in Argentina

Abstract

The multipurpose tree Neltuma alba is widely distributed in forests of north-central Argentina but overexploitation and deforestation have led to forest transformation and endangered genetic diversity of this species. Thus, developing germplasm management strategies for the conservation and use of the species is crucial. In this context, the availabilityof georeferenced ecogeographic information along with multivariate analysis techniquesfacilitates the characterisation, classifcation and prediction of adaptive patterns, providing a framework for decision-making. In the present study, an Ecogeographic Land Characterisation (ELC) map was generated to assess the ecogeographic representativeness ofN. alba germplasm collections and design seed transfer zones (STZs). Adaptive trait datarecorded for diferent plant materials from several provenances across the species’ range inArgentina were used to validate the methodology. The germplasm collections were ecogeographically representative of the occurrence observed; however, some ecogeographic gapswere identifed. Of the 45 ecogeographical categories generated in the ELC map, 12 provisional STZs were established. The STZs showed consensus with the morphological groupsgenerated using adaptive traits. This study demonstrates the usefulness of ecogeographicanalyses as a preliminary tool to develop strategies for the collection and use of nativeplant genetic resources. Furthermore, the validation of models with genetic data ensurestheir efectiveness for restoration and/or aforestation activities.