Population genetics analysis in a relic population of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) in southern Italy: A comparison with microsatellites and reference data

Abstract

We investigated the genetic diversity of the last natural population of Abies alba Mill. in Campania region (southern Italy) using nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers. We found high genetic diversity despite small population size and geographic isolation, especially when comparing our microsatellite data with information from the literature.

Keywords:

• Abies alba
• relic populations
• conservation
• nSSR markers
• cpSSR markers
• southern Italy

Acknowledgements

We thank the anonymous reviewer for the helpful suggestions, which greatly improved the quality of the manuscript; we also acknowledge Mr. Luca Paino for his contribution in the sampling activity.