Genetic aspects of the Species Recovery Programme for the Plymouth pear Pyrus cordata Desv.
Jackson, A., Erry, B. and Culham, A.
It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing. Official URL: https://hub.jncc.gov.uk/assets/36c21e16-c81f-46b4-... Abstract/SummaryGenetic factors have been pivotal to the Species Recovery Programme for Pyrus cordata. The primary target was to safeguard the two existing populations by ensuring long-term viability. Using the molecular technique of Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) only two clones have been identified, one from each of the two reproductively isolated populations in south-west Britain. This low level of genetic diversity was illustrated by the results of controlled pollinations within and between these populations. Self- and cross-incompatibility was exhibited within each of the populations, where individuals were separated by up to 1.9 km. However, when crossed, the two reproductively isolated populations were compatible. With only two clones, minimum allele frequencies at any locus in the British populations are 0.25. This means that a maximum of four or a minimum of three S alleles are controlling self-incompatibility. The loss of a single S allele could have a significant effect upon future reproductive performance and therefore the medium-term conservation of the British representatives of P. cordata. To conserve the remaining genetic diversity and thereby ensure long-term viability, an experimental population was designed to bring together the two genetically distinct and currently reproductively isolated clones. The first phase of planting commenced in 1995. In the longer-term, it is intended to review this strategy following a study of the genetic diversity of P. cordata throughout its distribution in Europe.
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