Genetic diversity, reproductive biology and conservation strategies of endangered species

The authors examined the relatio nship between the amount of genetic diversity and some bio-logical and populational characteristics (p loidy level, ratio of allogamy vs. autogamy, popula-tion size, existence and distance of other populations of th e same spec ies). Some case studies served to demo nstrate that genetic divers ity cannot be reliably predicted a-priori, because it depends on the interactio n of several factors. The importance of historical factors in determin-ing infraspecific diversity is stressed. The authors conclude that reliable (i.e. directly measured) estimates of genetic diversity, both within populations and within individuals, are necessary in order to determine if a plant species is in need of conservation, to de fine conservation strategies, and to se lect germplasm sources for in situ or ex situ conservation.