Genetic Diversity of Five Broadleaved Tree Species and Its Spatial Distribution in Self-Regenerating Stands

Abstract

European forest ecosystems are currently subject to various disturbances and shifts in land-use legacies. To be able to forecast the trends and consequences of the changes in genetic diversity following these disturbances, it is of crucial importance to understand the genetic dynamics of natural tree populations. The present study aimed at determining the extent and spatial distribution of genetic diversity in five common broadleaved tree species in Lithuania in both mature (putatively maternal) stands and in natural regeneration (juveniles) of the respective species. The genetic diversity of Quercus robur, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Alnus glutinosa, and Fraxinus excelsior was assessed using eight nuclear microsatellite loci for each species; 417 samples of regenerating juveniles and 141 samples of putatively maternal trees were analyzed in total. The investigated populations of self-regenerating Q. robur, B. pendula, A. glutinosa, and F. excelsior juveniles showed spatially random genetic structures, while P. tremula regenerated mostly via root suckers and formed clonal groups. The genetic diversity in regenerating juveniles of all species was as high as in putatively maternal stands. The detection of adequate (substantial) genetic diversity in the studied regenerating populations of these five broadleaved tree species suggests that in Lithuania these species have a good potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions.