Pirko N. Population-and-genetic variation of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) in the Ukrainian Carpathians

The thesis is devoted to population-and-genetic investigations of Abies alba Mill. in Ukrainian Carpathians with the use of isoenzymes as molecular-genetic markers. Genetic control of 11 isoenzymes has been studied, coherence (cohesion) of 12 allozyme loci has been investigated. The basic indices of genetic polymorphism for silver fir were as follows: P99=66,7%, HO=0,159, HE=0,167, Pg=4,46, A=3,13. Mean value of Nei's genetic distance (DN) for 8 A. alba populations was 0,006 varying within the limits of 0,002 to 0,009. Clustering of the populations based on DN values showed that one group joins populations which belong to the integral belt of fir and beech forests of Ukrainian Carpathians. It has been determined that 98% of genetic variation of silver fir fit intrapopulational one. One- and multilocus estimations of outcrossing are indicative of sufficiently high inbreeding level of A. alba in Ukrainian Carpathians. Analysis of genetic variation of seed embryos of maternal plants enabled to determineconsiderable heterozygotes deficiency among them. Calculated morphometric index of seed scale form (ISSF) turned out to be the most appropriate for assessment of phenotypic variation and differentiation of the A. alba populations. It has been determined that trees with alternative coloration of seed wings (light - dark) have certain genetic differences. Key words: polymorphism, heterozygosity, isoenzymes, genetic variation, subdivision, differentiation, Ukrainian Carpathians, Nei's genetic distance, sexual reproduction, crossing system, seed productivity.