Genetic diversity, genetic structure, and germplasm source of Chinese pine in North China

Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) is an important ecological and timber coniferous species endemic to China. In northern China, there are vast areas of plantations and natural forests of Chinese pine, but it is unclear the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and germplasm sources of artificial populations, as well as the genetic relationship between them. Here, using nine nuclear simple sequence repeats markers, we analyzed 1310 individuals representing 38 populations of main natural and artificial populations in northern China (Shanxi, Hebei, and Liaoning provinces). The results suggested that the population from “Taiyueshan” was the core of the natural populations of Shanxi Province. We found that there were geographical effects among Chinese pine populations, and there was a relatively stronger gene flow among Chinese pine populations with close distances (between natural and artificial populations). We confirmed that most of the germplasm of the plantation populations of Hebei and Liaoning probably came from the Shanxi natural populations, and the new adaptive variations and the strong gene flow “driving force” from local natural populations had brought the opportunity for Shanxi germplasm to invade Hebei and Liaoning provinces successfully. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the scientific allocation, management, and utilization of Chinese pine germplasm resources and promote the efficient cultivation of artificial populations.