Vegetative propagation: Linear barriers and somatic mutation affect the genetic structure of a Prunus avium L. Stand

Abstract

Microsatellite markers were used to describe the genetic structure of a natural wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) stand in Slovenia. Based on eight analyzed loci, only 67 different multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were identified among 217 trees, indicating a significant amount of clonal reproduction in the stand. Low spatial genetic structure (SGS) was observed in the stand when only sexually derived genets were considered (Sp = 0.011), and the kinship coefficient was only significant in the first distance class (<40 m). When both the generative and vegetative origin of trees were included, the intensity of the SGS in the stand increased (Sp = 0.149). Forest paths, streams and ditches, which represent obstacles to root growth and consequently obstruct vegetative propagation via root suckers, also affected the spatial grouping of clones in the stand. A relatively high number of somatic mutations within clonal groups were observed, which further increased the complexity of the genetic structure in the stand.