CLONES IN FORESTRY AND IN NATURE

Abstract

Summary Clonal propagation or apomixis is common in the plant kingdom. Among trees, agamospermy and vegetative propagation are relatively rare in nature. In this paper the roles of different modes of propagation in the survival strategy of three different plant groups are discussed. Conclusions for tree breeding strategies are drawn: clones have an important role to play. Greatest genetic gain and flexibility are attained when both sexual and clonal propagation occur. Genetic diversity should be maintained in any strategy.