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How well do revegetation plantings capture genetic diversity?

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Version 2 2024-06-05, 08:22
Version 1 2019-11-11, 12:10
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-05, 08:22 authored by R Jordan, MF Breed, SM Prober, AD Miller, AA Hoffmann
Revegetation plantings are a key management tool for ecological restoration. Revegetation success is usually measured using ecological traits, however, genetic diversity should also be considered as it can influence fitness, adaptive capacity and long-term viability of revegetation plantings and ecosystem functioning. Here we review the global literature comparing genetic diversity in revegetation plantings to natural stands. Findings from 48 studies suggest variable genetic outcomes of revegetation, with 46% demonstrating higher genetic diversity in revegetation than natural stands and 52% demonstrating lower diversity. Levels of genetic diversity were most strongly associated with the number of source sites used—where information was available, 69% of studies showing higher genetic diversity in revegetation reported using multiple provenances, compared with only 33% for those with lower diversity. However, with a few exceptions, it was unclear whether differences in genetic diversity between revegetation and natural stands were statistically significant. This reflected insufficient reporting of statistical error and metadata within the published studies, which limited conclusions about factors contributing to patterns. Nonetheless, our findings indicate that mixed seed sourcing can contribute to higher genetic diversity in revegetation. Finally, we emphasize the type of metadata needed to determine factors influencing genetic diversity in revegetation and inform restoration efforts.

History

Journal

Biology Letters

Volume

15

Article number

ARTN 20190460

Pagination

1 - 10

Location

England

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

1744-9561

eISSN

1744-957X

Language

English

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Issue

10

Publisher

ROYAL SOC