Genetic implications for forest trees of increasing levels of greenhouse gases and UV-B radiation

Abstract

Globally, the environment is changing and deteriorating as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and tropospheric ozone (0₃) continue to increase at a rate of about 1% per year (Keeling et al. 1995, Chameides et al. 1995). The increase in these gases is directly related to anthropogenic activities (Chameides et al. 1995, Mooney et al. 1991) and is likely inducing subtle but substantial changes in the earth's surface temperatures and weather (Cha 1997; Martin 1996). In addition, anthropogenic activities have been linked to decreasing levels of stratospheric O₃ and concomitant increases in ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) passing through to the earth's surface. Thus, man is creating a constantly changing global environment for which tree breeders must attempt to develop genotypes and races suitable for future forests. The purpose of this paper is to examine the genetic implications for forest trees of increasing greenhouse gases and UV-B and to suggest where tree breeders need to be concerned about the changing environment. Since very little is known about the impact of greenhouse gases and/or UV-B on genetic population structure, we will not discuss population structure or the effects of selection on population structure.

Citation

Karnosky, David F.; Percy, Kevin E.; Mankovska, Blanka. 2000. Genetic implications for forest trees of increasing levels of greenhouse gases and UV-B radiation. In: Matyas, C., ed. Forest genetics and sustainability. [Dordrecht], The Netherlands: Kluwer Academis Publishers: 111-124. 2000