par Vercruysse, Camille 
Promoteur Hardy, Olivier J.
Co-Promoteur Sonke, Bonaventure
Publication Non publié, 2022-08-30
Promoteur Hardy, Olivier J.
Co-Promoteur Sonke, Bonaventure
Publication Non publié, 2022-08-30
Mémoire
| Résumé : | As exploitation of forest products keeps increasing, sustainable forest management becomes crucial for biodiversity conservation in tropical forests. When establishing management plans, natural regeneration of plant species is key. It depends on seed and pollen dispersal patterns that shape the genetic composition and structure of populations. Assessing the genetic diversity and population structure of tree species is therefore essential in the context of exploitation, where limited dispersal can be critical for its sustainability. The seed and pollen dispersal parameters of Terminalia superba, a Central African tropical tree species, were characterized through microsatellites makers using genetic methods: gene flow measures based on parentage analyses as well as analysis of spatial genetic structure. Pollen dispersal (mean distance dp = 392 m) of Terminalia superba was found to be more extensive than seed dispersal (ds = 57 m). The dispersal kernels followed an exponential distribution suggesting no long-distance seed dispersal relative to the mean. The population did not show any signs of inbreeding depression or assortative mating, in addition to a relatively low spatial genetic structure. However, their reproductive success was positively correlated to their diameter. So, if all trees above the minimum legal cutting diameter (60cm, 39% of adults) were exploited, the natural regeneration would be impacted with a loss of regenerative potential of 80%. The diameter of reproductive trees should therefore be assessed, especially for logged species. The results of this study can be implemented in measures for sustainable management of natural forests. |
