Problems in Marketing Clonally Propagated Reproductive Material : Actual Problems of the Legislation of Forest Reproductive Material and the Need for Harmonization of Rules at an International Level

1992

S. 75-83

11 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200065051

15 items are described of which some contain major requirements to be fulfilled for marketing clones or clonal mixtures in Germany. Problems in the fulfillment of the requirements arise from different circumstances which are either specific to the species or the propagation method employed. Examples are given for some major problems. Different approval procedures and control systems are necessary for identified respective unidentified clonal material. Identified clones are derived vegetatively from an ortet resulting in ramets, while unidentified clonal material is often bulked up. Aging effects which occur in most species after a cerain period of time, are a major reason to stop vegetative propagation when the basic material has reached the critical age. If rejuvenation is not or only partly achieveable, the basic material has to be replaced. In vitro propagated material, especially from organ culture is relatively stable and involves minimal genetic risk. However, material derived from long term callus cultures and especially from genetic engineering may not be stable genetically. Therefore the material should be tested to ensure that it is stable and true-to-type. Above that, genetically engineered plant material has to meet the requirements for the release of genetically modified organisms first, before it is approved according to the applicable rules and regulations for the marketing of forest reproductive material. The question of the numbers of clones to be included in clonal mixtures is discussed controversely. Most important is to clarify how much genetic diversity is necessary in a clonal mixture. Solutions to these problems are proposed.