Genetic structure of Sessil oak (Quercus petraea (matt.) liebl) from the area of outstanding natural beauty “Avala“

The paper presents the results of the genetic diversity analysis of Sessile oak populations from the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) "Avala" which were obtained using SSR markers. Genomic DNA was isolated from leaf tissue of 50 test trees from two populations. Genotyping was performed using microsatellite markers QpZAG110, QpZAG15, QpZAG1/2, QpZAG3/64, QpZAG36, QpZAG1/5, and QrZAG108. All loci were polymorphic with the high mean value of PIC (0.934). The total number of alleles determined in the studied population was 127. The range of alleles varies from 15 (QpZAG1/5, QpZAG1/2) to 23 (QpZAG110) with an average of 18.14 alleles per locus. The number of effective alleles ranges from 8.273 (QpZAG1/5) to 13.830 (QrZAG108). The mean value of the gene flow (Nm) was 8.522 with a range from 5.548 to 14.876. Overall genetic diversity was high (He = 0.909) and ranged from 0.879 to 0.928. Due to the excess of homozygotes observed at most loci, a significant inbreeding coefficient was detected (Fis = 0.796). The Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) confirmed that genetic diversity was more pronounced within populations (77.5%) than between them (1.6%). The average allele frequency (Q) of the studied populations shows that the individuals originate from two or more populations. The obtained results can be used for the adoption of appropriate plans for the management of protected natural resources and the management of this ecologically and economically important tree species. Also, the obtained results enable the adoption of the necessary measures for the conservation of sessile oak genetic resources by in-situ and ex-situ methods. Based on the research results, the use of this important species can be recommended for its reintroduction in optimal microclimatic conditions, as well as in the selection of the best individuals for the reintroduction.