Chloroplast DNA variation in planted and natural regenerated stands of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), native in mountainous regions in USA, is increasing in importance for forestry in many countries as a „multi-purpose tree“ associated with breeding efforts at the family and clonal levels. A few population genetic studies exist with nuclear, codominantly inherited markers. Here we present an additional marker type, the maternally inherited chloroplast haplotypes. The studied material included samples from the natural range and from artificial stands from three European countries as well as samples from a clone collection. Eleven haplotypes belonging to two clearly separated groups of related haplotypes were found using the PCR-RFLP method. The variation pattern of chloroplast haplotypes in artificial stands is strongly influenced by the local silvicultural management.