Spatial genetic structure in Swiss stone pine suggests a region-specific population history of the species along the Carpathian range

Abstract

Recently reported evidence supports the existence of ancient populations of cold-tolerant boreal forest species in the upper ranges of the Carpathians. Studies on allele length polymorphism designated several glacial refugia for Norway spruce (Picea abies) in the South Carpathians. Former molecular studies performed on live remnant populations of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) suggest that the Carpathians are important in terms of accumulation of genetic diversity