Article

The authors examined the relationship between the amount of geneti c diversity and some biological and populational characteristics (ploidy level, ratio of allogamy vs. autogamy, population size, existence and distance of other populations of the same species). Some case studies served to demonstrate that genetic diversity cannot be re liably predi cted a-priori, because it depends on the interaction of several factors. The importance of historical factors in determining 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 select germplasm sources for in situ or ex situ conservation.