Genetic and Ecotype Characterization of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Poland

Sułkowska, Małgorzata (2010) Genetic and Ecotype Characterization of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Poland. ACTA SILVATICA ET LIGNARIA HUNGARICA: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL IN FOREST, WOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, 6 (1). pp. 115-121. ISSN 1786-691X

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Abstract

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most important forest tree species in Poland and it covers 5.2% of forest area. Present genetic structure of beech populations has been formed within the last few thousand years and influenced by many different factors, not only of environmental (postglacial) and genetic origin, but also by anthropogenic ones. In Poland, beech attains its north-eastern limit of natural range, and is limited by continental climate, winter temperatures, air humidity and soil conditions. The growth of beech stands outside the natural beech limit indicates that the species possesses a potentially wider range. Based on their phytosociological characteristics, nine beech experimental plots of one hectare area were established in selected seed stands, representing the typical plant associations and the most important beech provenance (seed) regions. The genetic analyses were performed using isoenzyme electrophoresis for seven loci (GOT, LAP, MDH, MNR, PGM, PGI, SKDH) and DNA markers using RAPD primers. The following genetic parameters were calculated: average number of alleles per locus, percentage of polymorphic loci and heterozygosity (on the basis of isoenzyme analysis). Dendrograms based on genetic distances were constructed. There is a slight decrease of genetic variation of beech populations towards the north of Poland, which can be explained by migration paths and selection after the glacial period. The genetic differentiation of beech in Poland does not allow distinguishing provenance regions. The data show a mosaic character of species differentiation and an ecotypic variation.

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