Summary
Published in Molecular Ecology 6: 725-734
Using species-specific random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and morphological characters, natural hybridization between the closely related black spruce Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P. and red spruce P. rubens Sarg. was evaluated in natural populations from north-eastern North America. Sampling included populations from both areas of allopatry and also 14 populations from part of the area of sympatry located in the province of Québec and covering several thousands of square kilometres. Classification results from RAPD species-specific markers and from a discriminant function based on morphology were compared. Molecular analysis of the allopatric populations indicated a small amount of interspecific gene leakage with no asymmetric directionality to introgression. A high occurrence of hybrid/introgressant individuals was observed within sympatric populations, suggesting weak reproductive isolation. As expected, the detection of such individuals was more efficient using molecular markers than with morphological traits. The hybrid zone appeared extensive with variable species structure and, in some stands, the main component composed of hybrid/introgressant trees. Implications for the genecology and genetic management of these species are discussed.
Sector(s):
Forests
Categorie(s):
Scientific Article
Theme(s):
Forest Genetics, Forestry Research, Forests
Author(s)
PERRON, Martin and Jean BOUSQUET
Year of publication :
1997
Format :
Paper
How to get the publication :
Keywords :
conifer, Picea mariana, Picea rubens, black spruce, red spruce, introgressive hybridization, species-specific DNA marker, RAPD, morphological analysis, DNA amplification, fingerprint analysis, forest tree improvement, amélioration génétique des arbres, hybridation introgressive, marqueur d'ADN spécifique à une espèce, analyse morphologique, amplification d'ADN, analyse d'empreintes génétiques, épinette noire, épinette rouge
