Genetic structure of populations of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. from Ukrainian Carpathians

The genetic diversity, subdivision, and differentiation of nine populations of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in Ukrainian Carpathians were studied using electrophoretic analysis of variability of enzyme systems in 346 trees aged from 80 to 150 years. Based on electrophoretic fractionation of enzymes extracted from seed endosperms in vertical slabs of 7.5% polyacrylamide gel, 20 loci of nine enzyme systems (ADH, ACP, DIA, GDH, GOT, MDH, LAP, FDH, SOD) were identified, and 71 allele variant were revealed. Each tree was heterozygous on average in 15.8% of its genes. The populations were characterized by low subdivision (F sub(ST) = 0.017) and differentiation (D sub(N) = 0.005). The main contribution to heterogeneity of population genetic structure was made by loci Dia-3, Lap-1, and Sod-3. Clustering and multivariate analysis revealed no observed trends in geographical or altitudinal position of the populations.