Spatial genetic structure of allozyme polymorphisms within populations of Pinus Strobus (Pinaceae)

The population structure of genetic variation for four allozyme loci was investigated for two populations (one old growth, OG, and the other logged, SS) of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Both seedlings and reproductive adults were studied for both study populations. Spatial autocorrelation statistics were used to examine the distribution of allozyme polymorphisms. The spatial genetic structure in adults of population OG indicated that individual genotypes were distributed in a structured, isolation-by-distance manner, consistent with observed levels of pollen and seed dispersal. In contrast, adult genotypes in population SS were nearly randomly distributed, probably as a result of logging. Nonetheless, spatial structuring of genotypes of seedlings occurred at both sites, indicating the power of limited seed flow, as well as temporal Wahlund effects, to create structure. None of four loci in both seedling populations showed a significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg proportions, whereas one and two significant deviations were found for loci in the two respective adult populations. These departures may be attributed to episodic reproductive events.