Use of megagametophyte storage proteins as markers of the genetic diversity in stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) in Andalucia, Spain

Stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) is a Mediterranean species of interest for the traditional use of his edible kernel. Its area of distribution includes all the Mediterranean area, including the Iberian Peninsula where this tree presents the most extensive natural stands. Since land reforestation has become a high-priority of European policy, there is an increased interest in the characterisation of the germplasm of this species. In this study, the globulins from the megagametophyte were used for analysis of the variability and genetic diversity in 20 populations from Andalucia. Because of the complex profile, these proteins were analysed as blocks, corresponding each to a different range of molecular weight. Polymorphisms were observed in each of the five blocks. The diversity data showed that these populations present a high degree of variation, which suggest that this technic could be useful to analyse of the genetic diversity in this species.