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Understanding tree species responses to climate change is crucial for preserving biodiversity especially in Southern Europe hot spots where Abies alba is widely spread. Three Apennine silver fir populations, Pigelleto (PIG), La Verna (LV) and Bocca Trabaria (BT), ensured gene flows in interglacial periods between the two phylogenetically different groups of northern and southern Apennines. These stands were analysed (nuclear and chloroplast SSRs) with the aim to establish a baseline for their future management in view of the expected changes. The three forests were tested for the Centre-Periphery Hypothesis (CPH) compared to forty-five Italian populations. At the same time, permanent areas were surveyed within LV and PIG on dominant (a) and dominated or natural regeneration (r) tree layers, and on age classes. In two consecutive years, spring cambial phenology activity was also weekly monitored on microcores, and critical phenology dates recorded. The stands matched CPH only partially, showing different phylogenetic history and their bridging between northern and southern groups of silver fir populations was confirmed. LV was distinct from PIG and BT. The within-population variance component was significantly high, and no narrow relatedness was observed between dominant and dominated/regeneration spatially closer trees, and genetic parameters were comparable in both layers at LV and PIG. In both stands, older age classes ensured natural regeneration. Cambium phenology was highly variable within populations, consistently to other Mediterranean conifers, and highly sensitive to local and year’s conditions and monitoring will improve population’s adaptive capacity detection. Shelterwood-system silvicultural treatments are suggested on small areas to drive the demographic and panmictic balance towards an uneven-aged more resilient structure, and iterated monitoring will help to adapt the forest management to the isotherm shift.

In the main distribution area the genetic pattern of silver birch is dominated by two haplotypes: haplotype A located in the western and north-western Europe, and haplotype C in eastern and southeastern Europe, characterized by high levels of neutral genetic variability within populations, and low differentiation among populations. Information about the amount and structure of genetic variation in the southern marginal areas, representing rear populations left during the expansion of this species from southern glacial refugia, are lacking. The general aim of the study was to investigate the existence of the climatic characteristics typical of the environmental niche of the species, jointly to genetic organization, variation and gene flow, in marginal populations on the Italian Apennines and Greek Southern Rhodope and compare them with populations of the southern part of the main distribution range on the Alps and Balkans. Genetic analysis was performed using nuclear microsatellites loci on 311 trees sampled from 14 populations. Environmental analysis was performed on the multivariate analysis of derived climatic variables. The allelic pattern was analyzed to assess genetic diversity, population diversity and differentiation, population structure and gene flow. The geographic and environmental peripherality did not always match, with some Apennine sites at higher elevation enveloped in the environmental niche. In the peripheral populations on the Apennines, we observed a lower genetic diversity and higher differentiation, with evident genetic barriers detected around these sites. These characteristics were not shown in the marginal Greek populations. Unexpectedly, the southern Italian marginal populations showed genetic links with the Greek and central area of the distribution range. The Greek populations also showed evident gene flow with the Alpine and Balkan areas. The disparity of results in these two marginal areas show that it is not the geographic peripherality or even the ecological marginality that may shape the genetic diversity and structure of marginal populations, but primarily their position as part of the continuous range or as disjunct populations. This outcome suggests different considerations on how to manage their gene pools and the role that these rear populations can play in maintaining the biodiversity of this species.

The main aim of our research was to describe the level and distribution of genetic variability of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) in Italy, using eight nuclear microsatellite markers. The sampled plants were grouped in 11 internally homogeneous breeding zones, defined according to their ecological and vegetational conditions. The mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.573, and the expected (He) 0.698. Significant departures from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium at each locus were found for all breeding zones (P , 0.01). The mean fixation index, calculated taking into account the estimated null allele frequencies, was 0.075, showing a slight excess of homozygotes. FST (departure of genotype frequencies within populations from Hardy‐Weinberg expectations, commonly used as an estimator of genetic differentiation among populations) showed a mean value of 0.046, indicating a slight, although significant, differentiation among breeding zones. However, in general, it was not possible to observe a structuring linked to the geographical location of the breeding zones. The results of the study contribute to a better understanding of our knowledge of the wild cherry genetic variation in Italy, thus making for more efficient programmes aimed at the preservation of biodiversity and for more rational planning of the management of reproductive material. Since our results do not show a clear structuring of genetic variability within the Italian diffusion area of wild cherry, it is not possible to draw any indications on regions of provenance delimitation based only on genetic data, and the identification of the latter should be based mainly on ecological and vegetational features.

The fate of peripheral forest tree populations is of particular interest in the context of climate change. These populations may concurrently be those where the most significant evolutionary changes will occur; those most facing increasing extinction risk; the source of migrants for the colonization of new areas at leading edges; or the source of genetic novelty for reinforcing standing genetic variation in various parts of the range. Deciding which strategy to implement for conserving and sustainably using the genetic resources of peripheral forest tree populations is a challenge. Here, we review the genetic and ecological processes acting on different types of peripheral populations and indicate why these processes may be of general interest for adapting forests and forest management to climate change. We particularly focus on peripheral populations at the rear edge of species distributions where environmental challenges are or will become most acute. We argue that peripheral forest tree populations are “natural laboratories” for resolving priority research questions such as how the complex interaction between demographic processes and natural selection shape local adaptation; and whether genetic adaptation will be sufficient to allow the long-term persistence of species within their current distribution. Peripheral populations are key assets for adaptive forestry which need specific measures for their preservation. The traditionally opposing views which may exist between conservation planning and sustainable forestry need to be reconciled and harmonized for managing peripheral populations. Based on existing knowledge, we suggest approaches and principles which may be used for the management and conservation of these distinctive and valuable populations, to maintain active genetic and ecological processes that have sustained them over time.

Twenty-one populations of Scots pine sampled over the entire Italian range of the species were analysed for genetic variation scored at nine nuclear SSR markers. The main aim of the work was to find genetic features useful for conservation management, namely allelic composition, gene diversity and differentiation. High levels of intra-population variability were scored. The only population sampled in the Apennines gave the lowest values, confirming the genetic erosion undergone in the Scots pine remnants in this area. A low level of genetic variability was also scored for populations from the Po valley and hills of Piedmont. Most genetic diversity was found within populations, while only a small amount occurred among them (F ST = 0.058). Both Bayesian clustering and sPCA analysis showed a East–West subdivision, notwithstanding the unclear position of populations from the Po valley. The population from the Apennines was always clearly separated from the others. The results are discussed in terms of post-glacial recolonisation, as well as for defining genetically homogeneous regions for Scots pine in Italy. The management of genetic resources could benefit from the identification of such ‘gene zones’, thereby avoiding the use of non-local reproductive material for plantations, which can represent one of the most important reasons for failure of reforestation. In addition, the assessment of the biogeographic genetic structure by neutral markers is a prerequisite for disentangling the influence of selectively neutral and non-neutral processes on the distribution of adaptive genetic variability.

Wild service tree [Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz] is a forest tree widespread in Europe, characterized by a scattered distribution. Its hermaphroditic flowers are pollinated by insects, and outcrossing is the prominent mating system, also due to the presence of gametophytic self-incompatibility. Genetic diversity and differentiation of 22 populations from northwestern Italy were investigated by means of variation scored at 53 polymorphic RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) loci. Populations differed in genetic variation, with Shannon diversity index ranging from 0.166 to 0.469. According to Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA), most of the genetic variation was found within populations (61.78%) with a significant proportion of variance attributable to genetic differences between regions (23.60%) and between populations (14.62%). Evidence for isolation by distance was found in the set of populations sampled. The effect of habitat fragmentation on genetic variation was also evaluated. The efficacy of RAPD markers in analysing genetic variation, and the contribution of the results in terms of the preservation of biodiversity are discussed.

The level of genetic variation throughout the Italian range of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) was estimated using six microsatellite markers. High levels of allelic diversity was detected. The levels of expected heterozygosity for each of the populations ranged from 0.726 to 0.871, with an average of 0.798, and indicated that populations have a high level of genetic variation. A general and significant homozygote excess was found at most loci in all populations, with an overall mean F IS of 0.284. Possible explanations for such situations are discussed. Only 4.9% of the total diversity was attributable to differentiation among populations. Although divergence among pedo-climatic regions explained only a small part of the variance it was possible to observe some partial clustering of populations belonging to the same regions. The contribution of the results in relation to the definition of the most appropriate strategies to collect forest reproductive material is discussed.

Application of Biotechnologies for tree improvement devoted to forest tree farming in Italian landscape.

Fritillaria tubiformis subsp. moggridgei Rix. is a rare alpine geophyte with shiny yellow flowers. This plant is sporadically distributed across the southwestern Alps where it is biogeographically close to F. tubiformis var. burnatii Planch. The latter has dark purple flowers and ranges in the majority of the Western and Central Alps. In order to develop appropriate strategies of conservation, a RAPD based analysis was conducted to study the genetic status of these taxa and the distribution of genetic variability of the subspecies by sampling seven populations distributed across the subspecies' range. Four populations of var. burnatii were chosen within this range and included in the genetic analysis. Some 264 individuals were analysed and 201 polymorphic loci were scored. Genetic diversity scored in the subspecies was in line with expectations for endemic species (He = 0.194). F. tubiformis var. burnatii showed lower intraspecific diversity (He = 0.173), notwithstanding a wider range than the subspecies. Most of the total phenotypic variation (about 83%) was allocated within populations, and significant lower proportions between taxa (6.45%) and between populations of the same taxon (10.64%). Moreover, PCoA analysis and Bayesian clustering separated populations into two genetically differentiated groups corresponding with the subspecific taxa. However, three populations ascribed to the subsp. moggridgei repeatedly showed genetic admixture with var. burnatii populations. Our findings suggest that: i) although the different flower colour, the two taxa are genetically very similar and share a consistent part of their gene pool, ii) the majority of genetic variability is allocated within populations rather than among them, iii) a representative amount of genetic diversity can be preserved by sampling from a restricted number of populations. The efficacy of RAPD markers in analysing genetic variation, and the contribution of the results to the preservation of biodiversity of the species, are discussed.

The viability of Iceland poppy ( Papaver nudicaule L.) seeds kept at 16 combinations of temperature and moisture content was checked by germination tests over a period of 48 months. Under the majority of storage treatments, the periods of viability of individual seeds were normally distributed around the mean value. The relationship between storage environment and seed survival was evaluated by a viability equation, whose constants were determined by a means probit analysis. This allows us to predict the percentage viability of Iceland poppy seeds after any time when stored at various temperatures and moisture contents, as well as to estimate the time taken for viability to decrease below any given level.

Background and Purpose: Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a species with a widespread distribution in Europe. It mostly grows on mesophyll sites, mainly in karst valleys and by forest creeks, and in Herzegovina at northern expositions and higher altitudes with somewhat better types of soil. Materials and Methods: We studied 10 natural populations. We collected dormant buds with branches from 24 trees, randomly selected, but equally distributed in the population. We used six pairs of highly polymorphous microsatellite loci for identification and verification of genetic differentiation (FEMSATL 04, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 19). We additionally analyzed integration between genetic and ecological data for the area where material was selected, and also defined genetically homogenous areas of common ash. Results and Conclusions: The research of intra-population genetic structure pointed at the presence of a high level of polymorphism. Confirmation for such high polymorphism is in populations with approximately 10.2 alleles per locus (N) of the observed heterozygosis (Ho), while in the expected heterozygosis the values were considerably higher. Analysis of the inbreeding coefficient showed the value of 0.312, which demonstrates the presence of inbreeding in investigated populations. In this study we obtained a very low value of differentiation between populations, with the FST value as low as 0.023; this value measures the proportion of the total genetic diversity due to differences among populations. By correlation of the obtained microsatellite data and basic ecological parameters, climate for instance, common ash was grouped into two groups. The remaining five studied populations could not be grouped to either of these two, or a separate one, and they represent autonomous genetic units.

We have examined the pattern of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) variation among six populations of Crataegus monogyna from northern Italy, extending over an area of about 20,000 km2. The aim was to evaluate local differentiation in relation to geographical distance. Of the 73 loci analysed, 65 were polymorphic, and there were no bands at complete fixation at the population level. The mean genetic diversity was 0.291, with the values for individual populations ranging between 0.252 and 0.333. According to the analysis of molecular variance most of the genetic variation was found within populations (about 80%), with a significant proportion being attributable to genetic differences between populations. No evidence for isolation by distance was found in the set of populations sampled. The efficacy of RAPD markers in analysing genetic variation, and the contribution of the results in terms of the preservation of biodiversity and defining the most appropriate strategies for collecting forest reproductive material, are discussed.

Genetic diversity and differentiation of 12 native populations of sycamore ( Acer pseudoplatanus L.) from northwestern Italy were investigated by means of variation detected in 10 polymorphic isozyme systems encoded by 16 loci. The trees showed relatively large genetic variability (mean number of alleles per locus = 2.78, effective number of alleles per locus = 1.47, percentage of polymorphic loci = 96.9, expected heterozygosity = 0.280) but small interpopulational variation (FST= 0.019), suggesting the presence of a single gene pool. A slight excess of heterozygotes was found, and the overall inbreeding coefficient (FIS) was –0.038. There was a positive correlation between the age of the individuals sampled and heterozygosity, suggesting the occurrence of natural selection against homozygotes. No significant correlation was detected between genetic and geographic distances of populations, confirming the lack of any barriers to gene flow. Estimate of the mean effective number of migrants exchanged between populations was 4.399, based on the private alleles method. The contribution of the results in relation to terms of the most appropriate strategies to preserve genetic variability of sycamore and to collect forest reproductive material is discussed.

Fifteen populations of Pinus mugo subsp. mugo (shrub) and Pinus mugo subsp. uncinata (erect), located in the Alps, were investigated through genetic variation scored at 64 polymorphic RAPD loci. In addition, morphological traits of the female cones were analysed. According to AMOVA most of the genetic variation was found within populations (83.39%), and only 1.25% of it between subspecies. Populations differed in terms of their internal genetic variation, with Nei’s gene diversity ranging from 0.227 to 0.397. Morphological data showed differences between subspecies, although none of the populations showed full accordance with expectations. Significant correlation was found between matrices for geographical and morphological distances, while genetic distances were not correlated with any other aspect. The efficacy of morphological and RAPD markers in discriminating between subspecies, and the contribution of the results in relation to the preservation of biodiversity, are discussed.

Allozyme variation was studied by electrophoresis at 11 loci in 14 populations of Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Q. cerris and Q. pubescens from Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The aim of the work was to characterize the genetic resources and to suggest effective measures for in situ preservation of biodiversity. As expected, most of the genetic variability was found at the within population level, and genetic differentiation accounted for about 14% of it. The study confirmed the low level of genetic variability among the species studied: only Q. cerris populations could be clearly distinguished. Q. pubescens could be separated from Q. petraea and Q. robur using Principal Coordinate Analysys. The latter was also found to be useful for separating Q. petraea and Q. robur populations. However, in mixed populations, the differentiation between the latter species was similar to that scored among populations belonging to the same species. A significant deviation from random mating was observed, although it was variable among species: Q. pubescens had the highest value for the inbreeding coefficient FIS(0.159).