Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in Norway spruce (Picea abies) clonal seed orchards and seed stands

Elena Ciocîrlan,Neculae Șofletea,Alexandru L Curtu,Maria Teodosiu,Georgeta Mihai

doi:10.15835/nbha49412575

Abstract

Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst. is the most important conifer species in Romania and the most planted tree species in the Carpathian Mountains. Here we compare the genetic diversity of four Norway spruce clonal seed orchards and two seed stands located in the Eastern Carpathians. A set of highly polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers was used. The analysis of genotypic identity of ramets for each Norway spruce clone in all seed orchards indicated that nearly all sampled ramets (97%) were genetically identical. The genetic diversity in seed orchards (He=0.700) was slightly smaller compared to the seed stands (He=0.718). Allelic richness was higher in seed stands (10.874), compared to clonal seed orchards (8.941). The Bayesian analysis indicated a genetic structure with two clusters, one corresponding to the clonal seed orchards and a second one consisting of the two seed stands. Our results provide valuable information for the management of Norway spruce seed orchards in Romania.

Highlights

Seed orchards are the most used method for obtaining forest reproductive materials with superior genetic properties (Funda et al, 2009; Funda and El-Kassaby, 2012)
We compare the genetic diversity of four Norway spruce clonal seed orchards and two seed stands located in the Eastern Carpathians
The Bayesian analysis indicated a genetic structure with two clusters, one corresponding to the clonal seed orchards and a second one consisting of the two seed stands

Summary

Introduction

Seed orchards are the most used method for obtaining forest reproductive materials with superior genetic properties (Funda et al, 2009; Funda and El-Kassaby, 2012). Seed orchards are an important and efficient type of transmission of superior genetic traits to offspring, by creating synthetic varieties (Chaloupková et al, 2019). High genetic diversity in seed orchards may increase resilience and capacity to adapt to changing environments and productivity and quality of forest plantations. Of great importance is the number of parents involved in cloning the material for the installation of the seed orchard (Kang et al, 2001; Lindgren and Prescher, 2005; Hansen, 2008; Sønstebø et al, 2018)

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