Abstract
Two delimited populations of Picea abies, each comprising about 50 individuals have been analysed with regard to three different enzyme systems, esterase (EST), leucine-amino-peptidase (LAP) and acid phosphatase (PHOS). Female gametophytic endosperm tissue dissected from mature seed has been used for all three isozyme analyses. As this tissue is haploid, a novel method for distinguishing heterozygotes and homozygotes has been used. The spatial mapping of genotypes in their habitat indicates complete randomness of gene distribution within stands. In two cases (LAP and PHOS), enzyme analyses also indicate strict conformity of allozymes to expected Hardy-Weinberg frequencies. Allele frequencies in the range of 0.3–0.7 for two or more allozymes suggest heavy gene flow, frequency-dependent selection or, possibly, founder effects. In the third enzyme system analysed (EST), there is indication of balanced heterozygosity. There appears to be plenty of genetic variability of allozymes even at the species margin. The adaptive significance of different enzyme systems is briefly discussed.
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