Selective Logging by Diameter from a Genetic Point of View

2002

12 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

4733

200106740

Selective logging by diameter and natural regeneration are commonly practised in ecologically oriented forest management systems. It is well known from the experiences of classical forest tree breeding that phenotypic selection commonly results in genetic selection and that therefore selective logging may coincide with a genetic selection against possibly favourable genes. Recommendations are given to avoid possible negative effects on the genetic structure of the population by final diameter cutting in combination with natural regeneration: Already the first cuttings by final diameter in a stand should be combined with natural regeneration to avoid a frequency decrease of the respective genes in the population. In the following phases of harvest the once established naturally regenerated plants should be kept alive to ensure their participation and thus the participation of their specific genes in the next generation stand.