Jill Hamilton (Pennsylvania State University) gives the second presentation on Day 8 of the Hawaiʻi Rare Plant Genetics Workshop. It is important to preserve existing genetic variation in rare species. If a population of a rare species is genetically depauperate, when should existing genetic variation be supplemented? What data are needed for genetic rescue (the facilitated introduction of unrelated individuals with the goal of increasing population fitness)? The Torrey pine is presented as a case study of genetic rescue through multiple studies including genomic data, which was used to evaluate the distribution of neutral and adaptive genetic variation. Genomic information, alongside common garden experiments and a thorough understanding of phenotypic differences and the evolution of adaptive differences can help conservation practitioners proceed in making decisions about genetic rescue of rare species.

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