Study on the reproduction system in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) in pure and mixed stands with different density

Picea abies is one of the most important conifers in Eurasia. The species grows widely in lowlands and mountain ranges in both pure and mixed stands. The study aims at investigating the effects of stand density and species mixture on the reproduction system in three different stands using highly variable microsatellite (simple sequence repeats; SSRs) markers. SSR markers are commonly used in population genetic studies for the analysis of gene flow, parentage analysis and studies on genetic diversity. Ten SSR markers with different repeat numbers and motifs (dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats) have been selected for the analyses. Inheritance, linkage and variation are being studied by segregation analysis in seeds from heterozygous trees. Since the segregation of maternal genes can be observed directly in the haploid female gametophyte (in the endosperm or megagametophyte) of most gymnosperms, we investigate the haploid megagametophyte ("endosperm") and the diploid embryo separately for each seed. On the basis of these results four highly variable SSRs will be selected for the final analysis of the mating system. Our results will give bases for the classification of stands with respect to seed collection as well as for sustainable management of mixed woodlands.

Personen Finkeldey, Reiner (Leiter)
Gailing, Oliver (Mitarbeiter)
Nascimento, Sylvia (Mitarbeiter)

Nascimento de Sousa, S., Reiner Finkeldey, R. & O. Gailing. 2005. Experimental verification of microsatellite null alleles in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.): implications for population genetic studies. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 23: 113-119.

Nascimento de Sousa, S., Gailing, O., Finkeldey, R., Ziehe, M. & H.H. Hattemer. 2010. Reproduction system of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) in pure and mixed stands with different density. Forstarchiv 81: 218-227.