Current range characteristics of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembraL.) along the Carpathians revealed by chloroplast SSR markers

Abstract Current distributions of Swiss stone pine mostly cover the mountain regions of Europe (Alps and Carpathians). Easternmost distribution of this species is located in western Ukraine. Due to environmental fragmentation in Eastern Carpathians and competition with Norway spruce and other species, marginal populations of Swiss stone pine create isolated island, where other species are not able to cope with harsh conditions. Still, Pinus cembra L. play an important role for soil-formation and soil-protection in high elevations. The evidence of recent reduction in the area of Swiss stone pine raises the question whether the introduction of this species at lower altitudes can be successful? According to the studies conducted on reciprocal transplant experiments, Swiss stone pine population from higher elevation are able to profit in low elevation sites. Thus, parallelly with gene conservation activity, the possibilities of assisted migration should be recognized for this species.

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Zur Rückkehr der Arve (Pinus cembra L.) in die Südalpen der Schweiz | The return of the Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) in the southern Alps of Switzerland

Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen ◽

10.3188/szf.2004.0006 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 155 (1) ◽

pp. 6-12

Author(s):

Walter Keller

Keyword(s):

Forest Management ◽

Tree Species ◽

Recent Literature ◽

Southern Alps ◽

Forest History ◽

Pinus Cembra ◽

Stone Pine ◽

Subalpine Zone ◽

Swiss Stone Pine

The ecology and spread of the stone pine in the subalpine zone of southern Switzerland are discussed with reference to both vegetation relevés with Pinus cembra L. from Vergeletto valley(Canton Ticino) and forest history and botany publications. The ecograms and lists of tree species given in the recent literature are often contradictory, so that it is difficult to use them with confidence. This means that only verifiable and published relevés and analyses based on them may serve as a basis to evaluate the implementation and check the results of forest management in Switzerland.

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Swiss Stone Pine Provenance Experiment in Romania: II Variation in Growth and Branching Traits to Age 14

Silvae Genetica ◽

10.1515/sg-2007-0023 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 56 (1-6) ◽

pp. 148-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

I. Blada ◽

F. Popescu

Keyword(s):

High Elevation ◽

Height Growth ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Stone Pine ◽

Mountain Ranges ◽

Seed Transfer ◽

Breeding Programmes ◽

Swiss Stone Pine ◽

The Alps ◽

Collar Diameter

Summary After the nursery testing, twelve Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) provenances from the Alps and Carpathian Mountains were planted out at two sites located at high elevation in the Southern and Northern Carpathians. Total height growth (H), annual height growth (h), root collar diameter (RCD), branches per whorl (BW) and survival (SV) were measured and analyzed. Analysis of variance showed highly significant (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) differences between provenances for all traits, except survival, suggesting that selection at the provenance level could be possible. Also, over locations analysis revealed significant genotype x environment interaction, demonstrating that some provenances react differently to environmental conditions and, selection should take this into account. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was moderate for growth and high for number of branches per whorl suggesting that selection within provenance can also be applied. Finding of significant and highly significant age-age and trait-trait phenotypic correlations indicated that early and indirect selection in Swiss stone pine species is possible. According to DUNCAN’s multiple range test the best performing provenances of the two mountain ranges were selected for operational planting and breeding programmes. The results of this study validate that a very slow growing species, such as Swiss stone pine may still possess very high genetic variation in growth rate; consequently, this trait can be improved. Finally, an attempt has been made to develop a seed transfer guidelines for the species by using the pattern of geographic variation as a basis.

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