Selection of species, varieties and genetic diversity

Selection of species, varieties and genetic diversity

Scientific principles for the formation of sustainable ecosystems DREVO

Introduction

One of the most common mistakes in landscaping is the desire to plant as many identical plants as possible.

This approach may be convenient for production, but in nature, sustainability is ensured not by the number of identical organisms, but by diversity.

Every ecosystem consists of thousands of interconnected species, varieties, populations, and microorganisms. It is their diversity that allows a forest, steppe, or garden to survive droughts, diseases, pests, frosts, and climate change.

Therefore, DREVO's main goal is not the mass planting of one "best" variety, but the creation of a sustainable living system.

1. The principle of biological diversity

The higher the diversity of an ecosystem, the higher its resilience.

The variety includes:

species diversity;

genetic diversity;

age diversity;

spatial diversity;

functional diversity;

microbiological diversity.

Each level reduces the risk of complete destruction of the system.

2. Five levels of DREVO diversity

3. Why monoculture is dangerous

Monoculture means growing one species, variety, or even one genetic line.

Problems of monocultures:

mass spread of pests;

rapid development of diseases;

equal sensitivity to frost;

the same response to drought;

decrease in soil stability;

reduction of biodiversity;

degradation of ecosystem connections.

Even high-yielding varieties can cause catastrophic losses.

4. Genetic diversity

Genetic diversity is the differences between individual organisms of the same species.

For example, two pine trees may belong to the same species, but differ in:

growth rate;

frost resistance;

depth of the root system;

resistance to fungi;

crown shape;

need for moisture.

It is these differences that allow a species to adapt to a changing environment.

5. Local ecotypes

Local plant populations are of particular value.

They were formed over tens, hundreds or thousands of years in specific climatic conditions.

Such plants are usually better adapted to:

local soils;

duration of winter;

wind regime;

amount of precipitation;

local pests;

seasonal changes.

Therefore, when restoring natural areas, preference is given to local ecotypes.

6. Introduction of new species

The use of non-native species is possible but requires evaluation.

It is necessary to take into account:

probability of invasiveness;

compatibility with local flora;

impact on pollinators;

impact on soil organisms;

ability to reproduce naturally;

potential spread.

Each introduction should be accompanied by long-term monitoring.

7. Plant categories in DREVO

All plants can be divided into several groups.

8. Balancing productivity and sustainability

Maximum yield does not always mean maximum sustainability.

Sometimes a more moderate yield is provided by:

lower losses;

longer plant life;

less use of chemicals;

more stable harvest;

better recovery from stress.

9. Genetic reserve

Each DREVO organization must gradually form its own genetic reserve.

It includes:

seed bank;

collection of cuttings;

mother plants;

fabric collection;

digital passports of origin;

herbariums;

DNA archive (if possible).

10. Seed bank

For each batch the following are recorded:

origin;

coordinates;

collection date;

mother plants;

storage conditions;

germination test results;

photographs;

genetic line (if known).

11. Mother plants

Mother plants are a source of:

cuttings;

grafting material;

seeds;

genetic conservation of the variety.

They require special protection and a separate passport.

12. Mixed plantings

When creating new areas, it is recommended to use mixed compositions.

For example:

main tree species;

secondary trees;

shrubs;

herbaceous layer;

nitrogen-fixing plants;

honey plants;

ground cover plants.

This structure is closer to natural ecosystems.

13. Age diversity

A sustainable forest contains plants of different ages:

young;

middle-aged;

mature;

old-age;

natural undergrowth.

This ensures continuous updating of the community.

14. Functional diversity

It is important to consider not only the species, but also their ecological functions.

Examples:

nitrogen fixation;

deep loosening of the soil;

accumulation of organic matter;

attracting pollinators;

erosion protection;

shadow creation;

animal feed base;

mycorrhizal relationships.

15. DREVO Genetic Strategy

When creating projects, it is recommended to adhere to the following principles:

do not use a single variety;

save multiple independent lines;

regularly update seed material;

avoid excessive inbreeding;

support the exchange of materials between regions while observing phytosanitary requirements;

document the origin of each batch.

16. Digital genetic passport

Each batch of seeds or plants can have a digital passport, including:

unique identifier;

view;

variety;

ecotype;

origin;

gathering place;

date;

photographs;

breeding history;

laboratory tests (if conducted);

growing results;

resistance to stress factors.

17. Monitoring genetic diversity

The following are assessed periodically:

proportion of native species;

proportion of local ecotypes;

number of varieties;

number of uterine lines;

mixing coefficient;

age structure;

success of natural regeneration.

18. Long-term climate adaptation

Climate change requires the gradual formation of more resilient populations.

In this case, it is recommended:

maintain local lines;

gradually test more southern ecotypes;

avoid abrupt replacement of the entire population;

maintain comparative plots;

analyze the results for decades.

19. Genetic Ethics

DREVO adheres to the following principles:

conservation of natural diversity;

respect for local ecosystems;

open documentation of origin;

careful use of selection;

long-term monitoring;

preventing the loss of rare genetic lines;

preservation of cultural and biological heritage.

20. The main principle of DREVO

There is no ideal plant for all conditions.

There is a properly selected combination of species, varieties, genetic lines and ecological functions that forms a stable living system.

It is diversity, not uniformity, that is the key to the long-term sustainability of forests, gardens and restored natural areas.

DREVO's mission is to preserve not only individual plants but also the evolutionary potential of nature. The greater the genetic and species diversity, the greater the ability of ecosystems to adapt to future changes and serve future generations.