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The distribution of genetic variation in Norway spruce ( Picea abies Karst.) populations in the western Alps
Author(s) -
Meloni Marilena,
Perini Davide,
Binelli Giorgio
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of biogeography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 158
eISSN - 1365-2699
pISSN - 0305-0270
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2006.01668.x
Subject(s) - picea abies , mantel test , karst , genetic diversity , analysis of molecular variance , genetic variation , isolation by distance , biology , population , genetic variability , ecology , genetic distance , geography , genetic structure , population genetics , demography , genetics , genotype , paleontology , sociology , gene
Aim In order to look for a possible centre of survival for the Norway spruce ( Picea abies Karst.) in the south‐western Alps, six natural populations of this area were investigated by means of genetic markers in order to assess the degree and the distribution of genetic diversity within the species. Location Western and South‐western Alps. Methods Populations were genotyped using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Basic population genetics parameters were estimated and the amount of genetic differentiation calculated. Results A large amount of variability was found (0.59 < H e < 0.67); genetic differentiation as measured by F ST was 0.05, close to other similar studies; no isolation by distance was detected by a Mantel test. Analysis of molecular variance confirmed a high degree of variability within populations and a low degree of variability among populations. Finally, the number of populations from which those observed could have arisen was estimated by Bayesian analysis. Main conclusions The results presented here suggest that the present populations derive their genetic make‐up from three inferred clusters. The possible existence in this area of a relict/refuge population during the last glaciation is discussed.