GENOMIC SURVEILLANCE OF DISEASE-RESISTANT TREES: IMPLICATIONS FOR WILDLIFE HABITATS

Abstract

Not only is there disease control to take note of the manner in which genetic resistance works on the forest trees but also maintaining the diverse wildlife habitats.  The research carried out an experimental approach that was mixed, involving genetic identification, territorial practices, and analysis of biodiversity in order to investigate the impacts of tree genotypes resistant to disease on the habitat quality and the existence of the ecosystem.  Using Illumina technology we sequenced leaf tissue of resistant and non-resistant trees. We also estimated population genomic measure such as nucleotide diversity and inbreeding coefficients.  On the basis of spatial mapping generated with the NDVI and LIDAR imagery, it could be observed that genetically resistant trees had a more stable capacities in terms of canopy cover and diversity of understory vegetation.  It was demonstrated in field surveys that such areas had more nests, more species and more instances that animals were searching food.  Structural equation modelling revealed the presence of a positive impact on biodiversity as a result of certain features of habitat that were directly related to the genetic resilience of trees.  The qualitative roles of the interviews with the stakeholders were providing an illustration of the resilience of the habitats over time.  The findings indicate that the monitoring of the genetics of the forest trees can be an effective measure to preserve them. They tell us more than the degree of resistance to pathogens and how to deal with the entire ecosystem.  The combined paradigm allows establishing superior, evidence-based forest measures that place much emphasis on diversity in genetics and soundness in the ecosystem.