Spatial genetic structures and natural hybridisation in a species-rich oak (Quercus spp.) forest

Based on spatially explicit data we aim to assess the role of intra- and interspecific gene flow in a very species-rich oak community situated in the central part of Romania. The community includes four white oaks species (section Robur): pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Mattus.) Liebl.), pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) and Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto Ten.) - and one species from section Cerris: Turkey oak (Q. cerris L.). Both maternally (chloroplast DNA) and biparentally (nuclear microsatellites and isozymes) inherited genetic markers are used to examine the genetic composition of this oak species complex. The role of hybridisation in the evolution of European oaks will be addressed.

Key words: natural hybridisation, Quercus, oaks, chloroplast DNA, microsatellites (SSRs), isozymes

Personen Curtu, Alexandru Lucian (Mitarbeiter)
Finkeldey, Reiner (Leiter)
Gailing, Oliver (Mitarbeiter)