Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Middle Siberia

Abstract

Scot pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one the main forest-forming tree species in Russia, and is of great ecological, economic and social value. In order to manage the genetic resources of this important forest tree species efficiently, knowledge of its genetic diversity and structure is needed. Here, we assessed the genetic variation of 17 populations representing different parts of Scots pine range in Russia by using nuclear microsatellite markers (nSSR). Specifically, 14 populations were chosen within the natural distribution range of the species in Middle Siberia and three distant populations were sampled from the European part of Russia, the West Siberia and the Russian Far East. All populations showed high values of genetic diversity (HE = 0.514) and AR = 4.150. However, the easternmost population has shown the lowest level of genetic diversity (HE = 0.433) and allelic richness (AR = 3.505). Five genetic groups could be detected that correspond to: the European part of Russia, the south of Middle Siberia, the northwest of Middle Siberia, West and Middle Siberia, and the Russian Far East. However, the European population was the most genetically distinct one. The variation among Scots pine populations accounted for only 5% of the total variance. The highest level of genetic differentiation was found only between westernmost and easternmost populations (FST = 0.097). Our genetic data may contribute to a better understanding of the pattern of genetic diversity of Scots pine populations in Middle Siberia and help the conservation efforts of these genetic resources.