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Biodiversity audit, propagation and sustainable exploitation of ced ars - cedrus spp - in the Mediterranean region

Objective

The main objectives are as follows :
* To establish methodologies for identifying cedar genotypes and multiplying commercially elite material within a framework of an environmentally sensitive production system and with due regard to safeguarding and enriching the natural biodiversity.
* To establish an integrated system across a circum-Mediterranean network of expertise which will allow cedars to be profitably utilized in a sustainable way.
* To develop protocols to preserve the genetic diversity but also to identify and encourage sustainable exploitation of the most suitable genotypes in different circumstances and environmental conditions.
* To define effective and efficient propagation systems which will allow planned plantings and sensitive development to proceed.
* To combine modern biotechnological approaches with conventional methods for propagation and screening for drought tolerance, in order to cultivate productive genotypes in arid and semi-arid areas.
Expected Outcome

We expect to develop methodologies for identifying and multiplying cedar genotypes within a framework of an environmentally sensitive production system and with due regard to safeguarding and enriching the natural biodiversity. In other words to establish an integrated system which will allow cedars to be profitably utilized but in a truly sustainable way. We aim to be pro-active in furthering the planting of material to help conserve the biodiversity in Cedrus to ensure its conservation. The programme should lead to the furthering of our scientific knowledge of cedars and the dissemination of this knowledge. In particular, we aim to form an information Network by which the findings will be shared and wider interactions encouraged.
The key activities envisaged are :
* Assess and analyse, using molecular markers, the genetic variability in cedar provenances across the Mediterranean region.
* Formulate appropriate strategies for the management and environmentally sensitive exploitation of cedar germplasm in each of the study areas.
* Evaluate genotypes suitable for use as landscape trees and as timber trees.
* Identify and multiply genotypes suitable for use in arid and semi-arid areas.
* Develop regeneration and multiplication protocols.
* Establish nurseries for cedar production and plan, where necessary, a forest enrichment strategy for each region.
* Establish a network for the free exchange of results and expertise.

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

University of Reading
EU contribution
No data
Address

RG6 6AS Reading
United Kingdom

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Total cost
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Participants (4)