Genetic Linkage Mapping of Genomic Regions Conferring Tolerance to High Aluminum in Slash Pine

Abstract

Reports of reduced growth and vigor of forest trees in Europe and North America have been accumulating in recent years. In eastern North America, increased mortality and reduced radial growth rates have been noted for red spruce, frasier fir, and sugar maple. USDA Forest Service inventory data from permanent survey plots has revealed an unexpected reduction of radial growth (-50%) in natural pine forests over the past 30 years (Sheffield and Cost, 1987). Aluminum (Al) ions have been implicated as one of the main factors contributing to this decline on mineral soils at a pH below 5.5 (Johnson and Siccama, 1983). Elevated Al in the soil solution has been suggested as a possible result of acid rain that acts either directly at toxic levels to limit root development, or through selective inhibition of nutrient uptake at sub-toxic levels that results in nutrient imbalances and reduced growth (Taylor, 1991). Ameliorating extremely troublesome areas with lime or nutrient treatments is possible but difficult and expensive. A more promising solution is to breed Al-tolerant trees.

Citation

Kubisiak, Thomas L.; Nelson, C. Dana; Nowak, J.; Friend, A.L. 2000. Genetic Linkage Mapping of Genomic Regions Conferring Tolerance to High Aluminum in Slash Pine. Journal of Sustainable Forestry: 10(1-2): 69-78. https://doi.org/10.1300/j091v10n01_08.