Genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of natural Pinus koraiensis population

Genetic diversities and genetic differentiations of the four Pinus koraiensis populations (Gaofeng Forestry Farm at Tangwanghe in Yichun City, Erdaobaihe Town in the Changbai Mountains, Shengshan Forestry Farm in Heihe City, in China, and the suburb of Vladivostok City in Russia) were analyzed by using ISSR-PCR technique. The results of 15 primers amplification showed that the ratio of polymorphic site of P. koraiensis population was 60.7%. Each primer had 3.6 polymorphic sites. The diversity levels of the four P. koraiensis populations were rather higher compared with those of other Pinaceae species. The genetic diversity levels of P. koraiensis populations grown in the center region were higher than those grown in the edge zone. The genetic diversity of P. koraiensis mainly came from the interior of the population, accounting for 73% of total genetic diversity. There were no positive correlation between genetic distances and geographical distances for the four P. koraiensis populations. The gradual decrease of natural distribution region of P. koraiensis was due to anthropic destroy and environmental factors (i.e. fire and wind throw), rather than the lower genetic diversity.