Assessment of Variability: Chloroplast Microsatellite DNA, Defoliation, and Regeneration Potential of Old Pine Stands of Different Origins in the Context of Assisted Genotype Migration

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The development of transportation in the 19th century allowed for the transfer of large quantities of pine seeds between significant areas in Europe. This artificial migration usually had negative breeding consequences, so regulations were introduced to protect local gene pools. The current dynamically changing climate contributes to a reconsideration of the assisted migration of genotypes as a factor in the mitigation of breeding risks. However, the assisted migration of genotypes requires extensive research into safe geographic and genetic distances over which we can move gene pools. The analyses presented here demonstrate the differences in chloroplast microsatellite DNA variation (cpSSR) and the implications for the health and regeneration potential of old stands from introduced seeds and local seeds. Analyses of the genetic variation in chloroplast DNA, crown defoliation, and regeneration potential (number of cones and number of seedlings) were performed. The stand grown from introduced seeds (from France) had higher genetic variability than the local populations and differed genetically from the local genotypes (Fst from 4% to 12%). The high genetic variability in the studied period did not affect the lower defoliation of the stand. On the other hand, the stand grown from introduced seeds had a significantly lower yield, and there was no natural regeneration (seedlings) to ensure the transfer of genetic information to the progeny generation. The obtained results confirmed the mechanisms of natural selection acting on pine genotypes that are alien to local ecological conditions.