Investigations on the genetic variation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L) in Bavaria

Using isozyme analysis the microgeographic genetic variation of beech in Bavaria is evaluated. Justification, goals and methods of this study are presented. For 20 populations (old beech stands) allele frequencies, genetic multiplicity and diversity values and genetic differentiation values are presented. The mean number of alleles per locus was 2.51, the gene pool diversity, v, varied from 1.27 to 1.35. The genetic variation within the stands is quite large and the variation between populations low. Less than 2% of the total diversity can be attributed to genetic differences among populations of beech. The vast majority of allelic variation (98%) resides within individual stands.