Genetic aspects of risk - species diversification, genetic management and genetic engineering.

Authors: R. D. Burdon
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2000, Issue N.Z.J.For. 45(4) 2001, pp 20-25, Jan 2001
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The topic is addressed in terms of (1) risk profiles (2) the types of risk management measure taken: risk avoidance, risk spread, and response preparation (3) types of risk to be addressed: biological and market (4) the levels in a genetic hierarchy at which measures are taken: species, provenances, breeds, individual genotypes, and individual genes. Within this framework, and the context of available or potential propagation technology, the New Zealand situation is reviewed, with emphasis on what types of measures are being applied at what level in the hierarchy and how they are integrated. The present approach centres mainly around risk management within the context of the Pinus radiata species monoculture, and is addressed with special reference to biological risks such as the arrival of a new and serious disease. Several lines of defence exist, with short-term defences involving a combination of risk avoidance and risk spread, and longer-term measures involving mainly response preparation. Recourse to other species, as 'contingency' species, fits mainly as response preparation. An integrated system is mostly in place, based on the combination of genetic material and propagation technology. Concerns exist, however, over: response preparations on contingency species; devising and implementing risk-spread codes for deployment practice; and the commercial stands being effectively excluded from the genetic material for response preparation. New biotechnology, involving specific genes, at once provides a risk management tool and yet poses its own risk management issues.

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