AbstractVariation of sequences of six EST-derived markers was investigated in three Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) provenances originating from different altitudes growing at two contrasting trial plots in Slovakia (Veľký Lom 450 m a.s.l., Mútne-Zákamenné 1,250 m a.s.l.) within a spin-off experiment of the IUFRO 1964/68 Inventory Provenance Experiment with Norway spruce. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified and differences in allele frequencies at polymorphic sites were tested against altitude or associated with physiological and growth traits (chlorophyll a fluorescence, frost resistance, height, diameter, budburst phenology).Overall, 5.1% of sites (190 in total) were polymorphic in the studied material. Although there were no differences in nucleotide diversity among provenances, the differentiation was highly significant (the overall between-population variance component assessed by the AMOVA based on both extreme populations P1 and P49 was 6.53%). Only 4 polymorphic sites differed significantly between populations after Bonferroni correction. Four sites showed significant association with phenotypic traits (breast-height diameter, stem volume, chlorophyll fluorescence). In contrast to earlier analyses of growth and physiological traits based on the same material, significant associations with polymorphic sites indicate the effect of local adaptation.
