Factors determining fine‑scale spatial genetic structure within coexisting populations of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), and sessile oak (Q. petraea (Matt.) Liebl.)

London

BioMedCentral

2024

15 S.

Sonderdruck

13260S

40004660

Results In adults, the strongest spatial genetic structure was found for Q. petraea (Sp = 0.0187), followed by F. sylvatica (Sp = 0.0133), and the weakest in Q. robur (Sp = 0.0080). It was uniform across different age classes in pedunculate oak but decreased with age in sessile oak. No apparent relationship between age and spatial genetic structure was found in beech. Offspring exhibited significant spatial genetic structure (ranging from 0.0122 in beech to 0.0188 in sessile oak). The cohorts of seedlings having both parents present within the study site had stronger spatial genetic structures than cohorts of seedlings with only one local parent. Conclusion Spatial genetic structure is strong in naturally regenerating populations of heavy-seeded forest trees. Pollen immigration from outside of a local forest stand can significantly decrease the extent of spatial genetic structure in offspring generations.Keywords: Fagus sylvatica, Microsatellites, Nature reserve, Offspring and adult cohorts, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Seed and pollen dispersal, Spatial genetic structure