GENETIC-VARIATION OF SILVER FIR (ABIES-ALBA MILL) IN BAVARIA

The genetic variation within and between 14 Abies alba stands was investigated on 9 polymorphic gene loci using isozyme analysis. The results were compared to selected tree collectives (290 clones) from the northern and southern part of the provenance region 82708 (''Mountain Region of Eastern Bavaria''). In the investigated area small scale genetic differentiation was found. Geo-clinal variation in allele frequencies was observed for the gene loci IDH-B and LAP-A. The genetic distance between the stands varied between 0.02 and 0.159. A cluster analysis based on the genetic distance differentiated the stands into 3 groups: 1. Stands of Abies alba from the northern provenance region 82708 (Frankonian Forest and Fichtel Mountains); 2. Stands from southeastern Bavaria (Bavarian Forest, eastern Bavarian Alps); 3. Southwestern Bavaria (Ottobeuren). The genetic variation (population differentiation and diversity) in the Ottobeuren stand is significantly higher than in the other stands. In contrast the stands in group 1 are characterized by less differentiation and diversity. The 2 (in 1980) selected tree collectives (north and south collective) for seed orchards differ significantly in their genetic structure. The selected sample trees are, however, genetically similar to the corresponding stands in the respective region. The presented results contribute further information on the genetic variation of Abies alba in its native range and can be used in provenance identification and in delineating provenance regions.