An estimate of genetic diversity and its distribution in tree species is essential for implementing effective genetic resource conservation strategies and supporting the sustainability of forests. The presence of genetic diversity within natural populations and plantations of forest tree species ensures the stability of forest ecosystems by allowing the species to gradually adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as climatic changes and outbreaks of forest insect pests and pathogens.
In Quebec, various aspects of genetic diversity have been studied in forest tree species. For example, genetic diversity research focussing on growth characters revealed that white spruce has a high level of genetic diversity which can be exploited to develop superior varieties. More recently, molecular techniques have been employed in order to generate complementary information about the structure of this diversity within and among natural populations.