Genetic diversity and differentiation of Chilean plantations of Pinus radiata D. Don using microsatellite DNA markers

Radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) is the most important tree species in Chilean forest economy that was introduced to the country in 1892. Despite its economical end ecological relevance, no information about its genetic diversity is today available. Forty individuals of P. radiata, representing all populations in the Chilean radiata pine breeding program were genotyped with five microsatellite loci in order to determine genetic diversity and structure of Chilean plantations. The results of genetic diversity indicated that, after its introduction and mass planting, Chilean plantations of P. radiata has retained levels of genetic diversity similar to those of the natural populations of the species (H_E=0.87, A=11.4). Genetic differentiation among populations (F_ST=0.04) was low, which means that the genetic variation present in radiata pine in Chile is partitioned among populations, indicating they are poorly differentiated. The structure analysis indicated the genetic base of the present plantations in Chile comes only from one provenance of the native populations. The genetic information provided important implications for the future breeding programs of P. radiata in Chile.