Genetic variation in populations of Populus davidiana Dode based on microsatellite marker analysis

Populus davidiana Dode, the only aspen in Korea, is useful for restoration because of its fast growth and vigorous reproduction. This study was conducted to estimate the genetic diversity and subdivision in populations of P. davidiana in South Korea using microsatellite markers. DNA from 113 individuals from five populations was amplified using five microsatellite primers. Fifty-three alleles were detected, and the expected heterozygosity was 0.603. The populations of P. davidiana in Korea have high genetic variation despite their peripheral distribution. R-ST (0.213) indicated a significant level of genetic subdivision among populations compared to the differentiation among other aspen populations. The high conservation value of the populations is attributed to its ecological and commercial importance.