Genetic diversity of brown trout in central Italy

Genetic diversity was analysed in brown trout Salmo trutta populations living in an area of central Italy using RFLP analysis of two mtDNA segments and of the nuclear locus LDH‐C1*. The data indicated a genetic structure profoundly altered by repeated stockings with allochthonous material of Atlantic origin. In fact, four and 11 of the haplotypes detected were, respectively, identical or genetically very close to haplotypes found in Danish populations, the putative source of stocked brown trout. Furthermore, the LDH‐C1*90 allele, typical of north‐western Europe, was widespread among the samples studied. Nonetheless, four populations are characterized by a high frequency of both putative autochthonous haplotypes and the LDH‐C1*100 allele, common in the Mediterranean basin. These populations, sampled in areas where S. trutta is documented historically, might represent a remnant of the species’ indigenous biodiversity, showing the scope for improving the management of brown trout in central Italy.