Chapters authored
Management of Pinus pinaster Aiton for Wood and Resin Production: A Technical-Financial Feasibility Analysis
Maritime Pine sector is an important agent for promoting economy and sustainable development in Portugal. Among the products explored in these forests are wood and resin. The objective of this work was to evaluate the technical and financial viability from the creation of three simulated exploration scenarios: Wood Exploration (W), Resin (R) and Wood + Resin (WR), for this it was defined a loss of 16% of wood volume in resined forest stands and created operational models that defined the costs, investments and revenues that made it possible to prepare cash flow for each scenario and apply the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) feasibility analysis indicators, Net Current Value (VAL), Net Profitability Index (NPI) and Discounted Pay Back (DPB). Scenario R presented the best indicators, however, with absolute values that were not attractive and that the W and WR scenario presented viability but with a DPB at 10 years of age. The loss of wood was not compensated by resin production. The indicators of the WR scenario fell short of those observed in scenario R. Increased market price of resin and scale gain can overcome wood loss and ensure added value in the joint exploration of wood and resin.
Part of the book: Conifers
Useful Molecular and Cytogenetic Approaches in Population Genetics Studies of Pine Species
In the last decade, we characterised Portuguese populations of Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus nigra Arnold and Pinus pinaster Aiton by using different molecular and cytogenetic approaches. DNA markers helped assess intra- and inter-population genetic variability, extrapolation of phylogenies, provenances and/or infraspecific taxonomy. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Classical Cytogenetics techniques and/or Comet assay were valuable to assign origins, infraspecific taxa or populations more tolerant to water stress. Seed germination tests coupled with the cytogenetic analysis of root cell division provided clues about the impact of fire recurrence on the natural regeneration ability and root growth, respectively. Molecular Cytogenetics contributed to detecting chromosomal anomalies commonly detected in individuals from peripheral populations relative to the species’ natural distribution area. The studies briefly described in this chapter integrated multidisciplinary R&D projects whose assembled results allowed inferences about the adaptive potential of the analysed Pinus spp. and relevant information for the definition of strategies concerning germplasm conservation, management, use, and, ultimately, genetic improvement.
Part of the book: Population Genetics