Article

Survey or genetic variation in European tree populations

Authors:
Muller-Starck G.
Publication: Bocconea
Pages: 43-49
Article history:
  1. Published online

Abstract

The paper reviews the present state of knowledge of genetic variation in the main native European forest trees species. Isozyrne tests have already shown that as a group these forest trees are extremely variable both in terrns of number of alleles per locus and the level of heterozygosity in populations. The maintenance of high levels of intrapopulation genetic variation in many of these trees is interpreted as a necessary strategy to survive in the heterogeneous environmental conditions that these long-lived plants fac e. Suggestions are offered how to preserve such vital genetic variation in forest tree populations in face of increasing environrnental stresses.