<p>The relation between the performance in adaptive traits and the genetic differentiation and variability patterns was examined in fir populations from Greece. In particular, nine fir populations growing in a provenance-test plantation located in central Greece, within the distribution range of the species, were used. The places of origin of the populations cover the range of the fir species distribution in Greece. Four of them represent places where the distribution is continuous and the other five occur in sites of an island-type distribution. The growth and survival rates were measured, and compared to the results taken by analyzing isoenzyme markers, as well as previously published results of morphological traits and terpene markers. Similar patterns of genetic differentiation were obtained by the analysis of isoenzyme markers, terpenes and morphological traits. The results indicated that the genetic differentiation observed is in concordance with the geographical distribution of the studied populations. Genetic diversity in isoenzyme markers as well as growth and survival rates were lower in isolated populations originating from marginal areas. Implications for conservation and breeding are discussed.</p
