What might be useful measures of genetic variability for adaptive traits within populations of Scots pine?

Abstract

There is large genetic variation in Scots pine, both within populations for both neutral and selective markers and between populations particularly for adaptive performance. The pattern of genetic evolution of Scots pine over time and space is of major concern when sustainability of European forests is discussed. The genetic diversity available within populations of Scots pine has been intensively studied by biochemical markers. Unfortunately, genetic diversity measured by isozymes or molecular markers is a poor indicator of genetic variability for adaptive traits. Potential measures of general and specific adaptation of Scots pine populations are discussed for different genetic tests (provenance, progeny). Only a few precise estimates of genetic variability for adaptive traits are available today. Simulations of Scots pine population dynamics under natural or artificial selective pressures require new evaluation of genetic variability, especially for populations at the limits of the range which are sometimes endangered.