Genetic diversity of Scots pine trees of different selection categories in plus stands of Karelia

Abstract

Background: Genetic control is necessary at all stages of forest selection for the effective use of objects of unified genetic-selection complex (UGSC). This is particularly important for performing a breeding inventory. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic variability of trees of different selection categories in several plus stands of Scots pine. Materials and methods: 116 trees of Scots pine of various selection categories have been selected from four plus stands within the middle taiga subzone of Karelia. The analysis of the pine samples had been performed using four nuclear SSR loci tests. DNA fragments were separated on a sequencer CEQ 8000. The main criteria of the genetic diversity and F-statistics were calculated. The genetic structure of the selection groups was evaluated using the coefficient of genetic originality (CGO). Results: All the selection groups evaluated with CGO were characterized by a low content of alleles, which are rare for this part of the Scots pine areal. The plus trees were characterized by a reduced level of genetic diversity (Ho = 0.480.59; He = 0.470.59) as compared to minus (Ho = 0.460.64; He = 0.490.65) and normal trees (Ho = 0.500.69; He = 0.490.65). However, the observed differences between the breeding groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The absence of significant differences between the selection groups indicates the need of a separate assessment of the genetic and economic value of plus trees according to their phenotype. The obtained data is necessary for the organization of objects of UGSC, testing of clonal and seed offspring of plus trees, certification of clones, etc.