Highly informative SSR genotyping reveals large genetic diversity and limited differentiation in European larch (Larix decidua) populations from Romania

[EN] European larch (Larix decidua) is naturally distributed at high elevations in Central Europe. Romanian populations of L. decidua are scattered in different areas of the country. In this study, we used 12 highly informative genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for genotyping seven populations from different areas of Romania. The SSR markers were highly variable, with up to 11 alleles per SSR locus and an average polymorphic information content of 0.713. High values of observed (Ho = 0.542) and expected (He = 0.738) heterozygosities were observed. Cluster analysis of populations did not group them according to geographical distance, but some clusters contained populations from a similar altitudinal range. The partition of genetic variation revealed that two-thirds of the genetic variation was found within individuals (due to high Ho levels), while only one-sixth of the total genetic variation corresponded to variation among populations. A population structure analysis identified four genetic clusters, and in most cases individuals from a single population were assigned to several genetic clusters. Multivariate principal coordinates analysis confirmed the population structure analysis. SSR markers are a powerful tool for evaluating diversity, relationships, and the genetic structure of Romanian L. decidua populations, which have high levels of diversity and low genetic structurationPietro Gramazio is grateful to Universitat Politecnica de Valencia for a predoctoral contract (Programa FPI de la UPV-Subprograma 1/2013 call). Ioana M Plesa is grateful to the Doctoral School of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca and ICHAT - Institute of Advanced Horticulture Research of Transylvania, and Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, for their support. Mariola Plazas is grateful to Spanish Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad for a post doctoral grant within the Juan de la Cierva programme (FCJI-2015-24835).Gramazio, P.; Plesa, IM.; Truta, AM.; Sestras, AF.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Plazas Ávila, MDLO.; Vicente, O.... (2018). Highly informative SSR genotyping reveals large genetic diversity and limited differentiation in European larch (Larix decidua) populations from Romania. Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry. 42(3):165-175. https://doi.org/10.3906/tar-1801-41S16517542

Evaluation of Different Geographic Provenances of Silver Fir (<i>Abies alba</i>) as Seed Sources, Based on Seed Traits and Germination

The evaluation of the diversity of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations and the reproductive traits of the trees are of great importance for the conservation of genetic resources and forest management. Therefore, important reproductive characteristics of A. alba from seven Romanian provenances, considered as different geographical populations, were evaluated. Significant differences between the provenances were observed for the female cones, seed morphology, and germination. Due to the relatively low germination of silver fir seeds, germination tests were conducted to identify treatments that can stimulate the germination capacity. Thus, the seed germination capacity was determined using four different stimulation treatments and the data were compared with those of untreated seeds, designed as the control. Considerable differences were recorded not only depending on the seed provenances, but also regarding the treatments applied to stimulate germination (Atonik biostimulator, scarification, acetone, H2SO4). The biostimulator seed treatment gave the highest germination percentage, while sulfuric acid caused the lowest germination. The research also revealed that not all the forest seed sources provide high-quality reproductive material. Furthermore, for some of the seed resources, even the germination stimulation treatments did not result in adequate germination. The findings are pertinent and valuable for identifying suitable forest populations as seed sources, as well as for their use in silver fir reforestation programs

Seed Germination within Genus <i>Rosa</i>: The Complexity of the Process and Influencing Factors

Seed germination is a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants, and understanding the factors influencing germination is essential for successful cultivation, plant breeding, and conservation efforts. The genus Rosa, commonly known as roses, encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants renowned for their beauty and fragrance. Rosa germination is influenced by a variety of factors, including seed dormancy, environmental conditions, and seed treatments. Many Rosa species exhibit different types of seed dormancy, such as physical dormancy caused by hard seed coats and physiological dormancy due to internal mechanisms. Overcoming seed dormancy often requires specific treatments, including cold stratification, scarification, or chemical treatments, to promote germination. Environmental factors, including temperature, moisture, light, and substrate, play vital roles in Rosa germination. Temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C, moisture, and exposure to light or darkness, depending on the species, constitute suitable conditions for seed germination. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the germination requirements of different Rosa species, thereby expanding our understanding of their propagation and conservation. Additionally, advancements in techniques such as in vitro germination and molecular approaches have further enhanced our understanding of Rosa germination biology