- MATHY, D. , DUFOUR, S. , MUHOVSKI, Y. , SCHOLZEN, E. , SERVAIS, A. & LATEUR, M. (2025). Assessing Genetic Diversity and Structure of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) in Belgium (Wallonia) to Support a new Seed Orchard Design. Poster in: EVOLTREE-FORGENIUS conference, CSIC, Madrid, 18-21 november 2025.
| Year | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Title | Assessing Genetic Diversity and Structure of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) in Belgium (Wallonia) to Support a new Seed Orchard Design |
| Abstract | Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is a native broadleaved noble hardwood species gaining interest due to its putative better drought tolerance and positive impact on biodiversity. Because of its scattered distribution, no seed stands or other sources of Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) have yet been registered for this species in Belgium. To support seed stand selection and establish a high-quality seed orchard, we conducted extensive surveys in publicly owned forests across Wallonia, locating individuals or populations of this species. We identified 218 trees spread across 14 populations in eight of the ten bioclimatic zones in Wallonia. For each tree, we collected cambium samples and measured height, girth, and stem form. All 218 individuals were genotyped using 11 polymorphic SSR markers. We computed genetic diversity metrics and assessed population structure through Bayesian clustering. Sibship relationships were inferred with COLONY to avoid selecting related individuals for both seed stands and orchard composition. Results will be presented and discussed in the context of comparable Austrian and German studies that used the same SSR marker set. Ultimately, we aim to develop a selection method combining genetic and phenotypic data that will maximize seed orchard genetic diversity while ensuring high silvicultural quality. This study provides critical baseline data for developing certified FRM for Acer platanoides in Wallonia and demonstrates how integrating genetic and phenotypic information can enhance forest reproductive material programs under climate change. |
| Event name | EVOLTREE-FORGENIUS conference |
| Event location | CSIC, Madrid |
| Event date | 18-21 november 2025 |
| Type of poster | Conference Poster |
| Project/Service ref | prw108 |
| Author address | d.mathy@cra.wallonie.be |
| Authors | MATHY, D. , DUFOUR, S. , MUHOVSKI, Y. , SCHOLZEN, E. , SERVAIS, A. & LATEUR, M. |