A decision support system inferring the genotypes of seed trees from open pollinated progenies

Abstract

The knowledge of the genetic background of seed lots used in forestry operations (i.e., afforestations, reforestations) is important for the evaluation of the future potential of forests to survive under changing environments. An approach to infer the genotype of seed trees from their open pollinated progenies is presented. Sampling difficulties of adult tree tissue make the genetic analysis of seed trees often impossible. The present decision support system (TGDSS - Tree Genotype Decision Support System) allows the reconstruction of the genotypes of the parent population (adult trees) through the analysis of only the genotypes of the progeny generation (seeds). The method consists of three steps, each one representing a specific logical test. The system was tested with data obtained from the genetic analysis of tree populations. The genotypes inferred through the TGDSS and the ones observed in the laboratory were identical. The factors defining the effectiveness of the system are discussed.