Genetic areas of Lenga and Ñire in Argentina and their application in the conservation and management of forest resources.
Abstract
The Lenga and the Ñire are the native species of the Patagonian Andean forests that 'paint red' the otonal slopes, forming that typical landscape that characterizes the region. They inhabit the full extent of these forests, from the Neuquén north to Tierra del Fuego, from the high peaks to the sea level. Knowing the genetic resources of these two emblematic species is to value and protect them. This book presents the first classification of genetic zones of Lenga and Ñire that provides basic information for the management of genetic resources. It intends to contribute in the afforestation, assistance to the regeneration and ecosystem restoration activities promoted by the Forest Law and the Investment Law for Cultivated Forests. Considering the genetic criterion when selecting the basic material to be used is of fundamental importance to favour the adaptation of the trees to the plantation site. This acquires even more relevance before the current climate change that the planet is experiencing. The zoning published here was done by conjugating genetic information obtained in the laboratory, distribution maps of species elaborated from the collection of geographic information and field knowledge of the technicians involved, representing a clearly multidisciplinary effort. Future distribution maps for both species are also included, based on the predictions of climate change for the region, which provide elements to be taken into account in the possible future scenarios for afforestation. It is hoped that this book constitutes a consultation tool for decision making and contributes to promote the conservation and sustainable use of the genetic resources of these two Patagonian native species.