Comparison of DNA polymorphism in seedlings of Pinus sylvestris L. from different populations by RAPD markers

Abstract

We used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to examine genetic differences among three populations of Pinus sylvestris L. (Labanoras, Druskininkai (Veisiejai) and Telšiai) situated in ecologically different environments. The influence of original habitats was excluded by growing seedlings in experimental plots at the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University. There were identified 63 RAPD loci in 90 plants. All individuals had specific RAPD phenotypes. Allele frequency data were used to calculate within-population (HS = 0.203 ± 0.03) and within-species (HT = 0.249 ± 0.04) genetic diversity. The level of average heterozygosity was highest in Labanoras population (0.23 ± 0.03) and the lowest in Telšiai population (0.18 ± 0.02). The UPGMA dendrogram based on the genetic distance and PCO analysis gave similar results and showed that Druskininkai and Telšiai populations were most genetically distant. A possible relationship between the level of genetic diversity and the properties of the populations studied is discussed. Keywords: Pinus sylvestris L., comparison of populations, RAPD, genetic diversity, mean heterozygosity