Systematics and genetic structure of Washoe pine: Applications in conservation genetics

Journal Article

Transfer Guideline: Recommendation

Independent studies of seedling populations of Washoe (Pinus washoensis ) and ponderosa (P. ponderosa ) pines grown in common gardens demonstrated that: (1) the systematic relationship between Washoe pine and the North Plateau race of ponderosa pine is close and (2) the allocation of genetic variability among and within populations of the narrow endemic, Washoe pine, is similar to that of the broadly dispersed ponderosa pine. The results from this quantitative analysis of adaptive traits thus support previous works involving morphology, terpene chemistry, allozyme variation, mating systems, DNA biochemistry, and classical taxonomy that lead to a conclusion of synonymity for Washoe pine and ponderosa pine. The results also provide no genetic evidence that small population sizes and isolated distributions have had deleterious genetic consequences. Populations of Washoe pine nevertheless have unique characteristics that may be worthy of conservation. Programs should concentrate on habitat preservation and range expansion.