Genetic diversity of Italian populationsof Abies alba

Abstract

Silver fir (Abies alba) is a common tree species in the mountainous areas in Europe. A number of natural stands in the hilly regions of northern Europe represent relic populations. The aim of the research was to evaluate the diversity present in Italian populations of the species. Genetic diversity was assessed in 45 silver fir populations covering the species' distribution range in Italy, based on the allelic variation present at seven microsatellite loci (SSRs). A consistent level of intra-population variability was present. Several of the populations displayed signs of ongoing genetic erosion, and evidence for a recent bottleneck in some was identified. Populations from the eastern Alps and the Apennines were more variable than those sampled from the western Alps. About 8% of the overall genetic variance was found between populations, with the remainder representing variation present within the populations. The data suggested that the southern Apennines acted as a refugium during the most recent Ice Age, and that many of the populations from this area have remained isolated over a prolonged period. Smaller and more isolated populations have experienced genetic drift, whereas the larger ones have preserved a high level of diversity. Identification of genetically homogeneous regions could be informative for the management of genetic resources.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) at Its Southern Lineage in Europe. Implications for Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources

“…Nuclear microsatellites have been extensively employed in studying genetic variation of coniferous tree species [12,[43][44][45][46]. In the present study, genetic variation within and between populations and their genetic structure were analyzed in five natural populations of Norway spruce from Serbia, using eight EST-SSR markers.…”

“…The characterization of genetic diversity pattern at intra-and inter-population levels is a fundamental requirement for the establishment of programs aimed at conservation of forest genetic resources [12]. Population genetic diversity has a substantial effect on both individual fitness and population adaptive capacity [13], thereby playing a vital role in ensuring species capability to withstand various biotic and abiotic stressors and evolve under altered environmental conditions [14].…”

Genetic Analysis by nuSSR Markers of Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth) Populations in Their Southern European Distribution Range

“…Pieces of evidence of common haplotypes, which grouped Italian and Balkan populations, were also found in Turkey oak (Quercus cerris; Bagnoli et al, 2016). Similarly, studies on silver fir (Abies alba) in the Apennines and Balkans found genetic similarity between the southern Apennines and eastern European populations (Belletti et al, 2016;Piotti et al, 2017). These studies are in agreement with ours and point toward the existence of historical gene flow between southern Italy and the Balkan peninsula (Carabeo et al, 2016), when the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas were connected during Pleistocene at glaciation periods and concomitant sea-level drops (Nieto Feliner, 2014).…”

Affordable Production of Antioxidant Aqueous Solutions by Hydrodynamic Cavitation Processing of Silver Fir (<em>Abies Alba</em> Mill.) Needles

“…The genus Abies of the Pinaceae family consists approximately of 50 species, which are largely distributed in temperate and boreal regions of North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, eight of which are endemic to the Mediterranean region [13]. The silver fir (Abies Alba Mill.)…”

“…In Italy, silver fir covers an area of about 68,000 ha, being relatively common in the central and eastern parts of the Alps, while its populations in the Apennines are fragmented, although large stands are found [13]. Evidence has been shown that the present northern Apennines silver fir populations are relicts of past large populations, as well as that these populations are characterized by a genetics distinct from relatively nearby alpine populations, leading to specific recommendations for their conservation and enrichment [14].…”