Comparison of genetic variability and growth characteristics of naturally regenerated and planted Scots pine

Autorzy

• Katarzyna Masternak University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Faculty of Agrobioengineering, Institute of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
  ul. Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
  e-mai: katarzyna.masternak@up.lublin.pl
• Piotr Cymerys Rozwadów Forest District, Przemysłowa 1, 37-465 Stalowa Wola, Poland

Abstract

Genetic variability determines the adaptive potential and stability of forest stands. Therefore, when environmentalchanges occur, all breeding activities should consider their genetic impact. Reducing genetic variability, as a result of breeding activities, may lead to reduced stability of forest stands. The aim of the study was to assess the genetic variability and growth characteristics of Scots pine regenerated by natural and planting methods. Height (H) and root collar diameter (D) were measured, and the sturdiness quotient (SQ) was calculated as H/D ratio. Genetic polymorphism was assessed using the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) technique. The following parameters of genetic variability were examined: the mean and effective number of alleles in the locus, the Shannon index and expected heterozygosity. The total genetic diversity and intrapopulation and interpopulation differentiation were determined.
Based on the studies, it was found that the regeneration method does not affect the genetic variability of the young generation, but only affects its growth characteristics. Pines from natural regeneration had almost three Times lower growth characteristics (H = 11.5 cm, D = 3.5 mm) compared to artificially regenerated pines (H = 33.0 cm, D = 9.9 mm). The mean and effective number of alleles at the locus were 1.683 and 1.441, respectively, for naturally regenerated pines and 1.567 and 1.416, respectively, for artificially regenerated pines. The mean Shannon index was 0.378, and the expected heterozygosity was 0.251.
Studies indicate that the genetic variability of the young generation is more a result of the polymorphism of the parent stands than of the regeneration method used. Therefore, especially in the case of ongoing climate changes, it should be taken into account, that regenerated stands should be characterized not only by high phenotypic quality, but also by a rich pool of alleles.This will increase survival and allow adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

Keywords

• genetic polymorphism
• regeneration methods
• climate change
• Pinus sylvestris