Genetic variation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Rodopi (N.E. Greece)

Abstract

The recent taxonomic classification of beech in Europe considers existence of one species (Fagus sylvatica L.) with two subspecies: F. sylvatica ssp. sylvatica and F. sylvatica ssp. orientalis. Four beech populations growing on the Greek part of the Rodopi Mountains were studied using morphological traits as well as DNA molecular markers (AFLPs and chloroplast DNA SSR). The aim of the study was to describe the variation patterns of beech in the Rodopi Mountains and to test the hypothesis of possible introgression between the beech subspecies' sylvatica and orientalis in this area. Both morphological traits and gene markers revealed a possible influence of F. orientalis on the east side of Rodopi and at the low elevations, while characters resembling F. sylvatica were observed mainly on the western part of the mountains and in higher altitudes. There was a clinal increase of genetic diversity from the west to the east, reaching a level firstly reported for beech populations. These results can be explained either by the existence of a main refugial area for beech during the last glaciation or by the occurrence of a recent hybridization among the subspecies, which were spatially isolated during the last glaciation and came into reproductive contact during their postglacial remigration. These two scenarios are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Genetic variation of chloroplast and nuclear markers in natural populations of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) in Germany

“…This result reflects the potential of AFLPs to differentiate hazel populations. Earlier investigations based on AFLPs have shown similar results for other tree species (Papageorgiou et al 2008;Stefenon et al 2007;Cao et al 2006).…”

“…AFLP data are difficult to compare because previous investigations used AFLPs as genetic fingerprints for the characterization of C. avellana accessions only (Ferrari et al 2005;Chen et al 2005;Kafkas et al 2009). AFLP investigations at the population level in other long-lived woody plant species showed higher values of within-species variation for Fagus sylvatica (PPL 76-97 %, He 0.21-0.27) and similar levels in some tropical tree species (Shorea parviflora and S. leprosula) with PPL values of 52 and 53 % and He values at the population level of 0.14 and 0.16 (Papageorgiou et al 2008;Cao et al 2006). Very little genetic variation within populations was exhibited by analysing cpDNASSRs.…”

Classification and phytogeographical differentiation of oriental beech forests in Turkey and Bulgaria

“…Fagus orientalis dominated forests can be found also in Europe: in the most southeastern part of Bulgaria (Tzonev et al , 2009 and northwestern part of Turkey, in Thrace (Kavgacı et al 2010b). Its appearance in Greece is difficult to define, since the distribution limit between Fagus sylvatica and Fagus orientalis is rather unclear in NE Greece (Tsiripidis et al 2007, Papageorgiou et al 2008. Fagus sylvatica (including subsp.…”

The relationship between vegetation and modern pollen assemblages on Mount Paggeo (NE Greece)

“…In any case, both morphological traits and gene markers revealed the uniquenessofbeechpopulationsonthesouth-eastern side of Rhodope Mountains (Mt. Paggeo, eastern Macedonia, and NE Greece) at low elevations (Hatziskakis&al.,2009).Infact, private haplotypes in this area are usually found at high frequencies in beech forests locatedinornearravines,havingahighspatial overlap with a relict vegetation type occurring in ecological conditions mainly found in ravines (Papageorgiou & al., 2008(Papageorgiou & al., , 2014. Furthermore, haplotypes originating from two more widespread beech lineages in GreecearealsofoundonMt.Paggeo,indicating apossiblemixtureofpopulationsoriginating fromalocalrefugiumwithpopulationsfrom remoterefugiathatpossiblymigratedintothe areaafterthelastglaciations.…”