Genetische Variation in Altbeständen der Lärche und ihrer natürlichen Verjüngung im Alpenraum | Genetic variation in adult stands of European larch and its natural regeneration in the Alpine habitat

Abstract

Genetic inventories in 26 populations of European larch (Larix europaea DC.) in the mountaineous and sub-alpine range of the Alps reveal little genetic variation of this species as compared to other conifers in these vegetation zones. Based on 13 polymorphic gene loci, adult stands and their natural regenerations are compared. Juvenile populations show a slightly higher genetic richness but lower heterozygosities (Ha: 12.0% vs. 13.1%). The study of fixation coefficients does not support the hypothesis of substantial consequences of inbreeding in order to explain the observed very low heterozygosities. Statistically significant deviations between the allelic structures of adult stands and their corresponding natural regenerations are evident as a consequence of quantitative differences. Finally, the extent to which each of the studied population is representative for the gene pool of the remaining samples is quantified and the necessity of measures against genetic erosion in the light of climate change is discussed. Prospects offered by an increase of genetic variability via additional artificial regeneration should not be excluded.