Our understanding of the genetic variation of forest trees and its dynamics is rapidly increasing. The glacial eras, postglacial migration and human transfer of reproductive material had deep impacts on genetic variation patterns of European forest trees. The genetic basis of variation at adaptive traits and traits of economic importance is currently investigated by molecular genetic approaches eventually leading to a better understanding of the functional importance of intraspecific variation for forest ecosystems. Important applications of forest genetic research including breeding, conservation and adaptation to changing environments are briefly described based on current fields of research. The establishment and observation of field trials, complemented by a molecular investigation of variation patterns in genes coding for adaptive traits, continues to be a main field of research. The potential for the use of transgenic trees is regarded as low in central Europe. The origin of forest reproductive material is routinely tested based on genetic markers in Germany. Forest genetics contributes to the protection of natural resources by the development and implementation of methods to conserve forest genetic resources. In addition, molecular genetic tools are developed to test the origin of wood and wood products and to identify illegally traded wood; first encouraging results have been obtained. Evolutionary processes must not be neglected within the context of adaptation to global change. The development of strategies to mitigate climate change effects on forests in central Europe should consider the genetic variation of tree species by the promotion of adaptive potentials. The current knowledge does not allow to propose long-distance seed transfer from south to north as a universal approach to promote adaptation to climate warming in Europe.
Pedigree-based genome re-sequencing reveals genetic variation patterns of elite backbone varieties during modern rice improvement
