BACKGROUNDForests are the single most important repositories of terrestrial genetic diversity. Forest tree species are typically long-lived, highly heterozygous organisms, which have evolved natural mechanisms to maintain high levels of intraspecific variation, such as high rates of outcrossing, and dispersal of pollen and seeds over wide areas. These mechanisms combined with native environments that are often variable, in both time and space, have constituted to evolution of forest tree species into some of the most genetically variable organisms in existence. Intraspecific genetic variation is needed to ensure the future adaptability of the species, as well as allowing for artificial selection and breeding programmes. Accordingly, benefits from forests and trees will only be sustained if forest genetic resources remain available.
The high levels of genetic variation that are present within many tree species can be beneficially developed and used by foresters and tree growers. Species and provenances may be identified to provide some important goods and services required even without intensive selection and improvement or major modification of external environment. Genetic variability in forest trees serves as building blocks for future evolution, selection and human use in breeding for a wide range of sites and utilities. Therefore, forest genetic resources constitute an intergenerational recourse of vast social, economic and environmental importance. However, the threats to forest genetic resources are potent, immediate and continual including deforestation and changes in land use and management practices, pollution and climate change, as well as undocumented and uncontrolled movement of germplasm. Conservation of forest genetic diversity is essential for sustaining the productive value of the forests, and for maintaining the health and vitality of forest ecosystems and thereby maintaining their protective, environmental and cultural roles. Prudent and timely conservation measures and programmes based on best available information and basic conservation practices can make a vital contribution to conservation of forest genetic resources.
Advances in biotechnology, especially in the area of in vitro culture techniques and molecular biology provide some important tools for improved conservation and management of forest genetic resources. Rapid advances in DNA technology have stimulated the development of novel molecular technologies which allow the screening of germplasm for functional diversity and identify variation at an early developmental stage without the need for performing the time-consuming evaluation tests, such as pathogen resistance screening. Despite the progress made in recent years, there remain many unresolved questions especially in tropical broad-leaved species, which need immediate attention of the researchers. Hence, the Institute of Forest Productivity, Ranchi is organizing “National Symposium on Assessment & Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources through Biotechnological Interventions” on 19-20 December 2011 to commemorate International Year of Forests 2011.
THEMES
Priorities , approaches and Strategies for assessment and conservation of Forest Genetic Resources
Characterization of genetic diversity among and within populations/species using modern tools and techniques
Conservation of FGRs in their natural environment /habitats : Scientific and participatory management
Ex situ conservation and sustainable utilization of FGRs
CALL FOR PAPERS
Papers are invited on the themes identified for the Symposium. Abstracts not exceeding 300 words including a concise title, names and affiliations of the author(s) and 4-5 key words; neatly typed on A-4 size paper (MS Word, 1.5 spacing and Times New Roman font throughout) must reach to Organizing Secretary (sanjaysingh@lycos.com; sanjaysingh@icfre.org) or Director, IFP Ranchi (dir-ifp@icfre.org) preferably through e-mail on or before 20th November 2011. Intimation about the accepted submissions will be provided before 25th November 2011. Full papers must be submitted before 5th December 2011.
Registration Fee:
A. Scientists/Officials/Professionals: Rs. 1000
B. Research scholars/Students: Rs. 800
C. Accompanying Person: Rs. 500
On Spot registration fee will be Rs. 1500 and Rs. 1000 for category A and B, respectively.
Contact the organizing Secretary for the mode of fee payment.
