Use of RAPD patterns for clone verification and in studying provenance relationships in Norway spruce (Picea abies)

Abstract

 We have used the RAPD technique to analyse samples of Picea abies obtained from an improvement forestry station. Two types of plant material were harvested, the first being clones and the second provenances from various regions. We first checked the clonal identity of elite tree cuttings and clones; some differences in the RAPD patterns resulting from mis-planting or mis-labelling of cuttings were found. We also established a reference library of RAPD fingerprints for 96 clones, which will serve as a reference source in cases of litigation concerning clone identity. The RAPD technique was also used to study the genetic relationship between nine European provenances of Norway spruce. A dendogram was obtained by individual pairwise comparison of 42 RAPD bands, which separated the nine provenances into two major groups, one containing the Nordic provenances (Sweden and Bielorussia) and another the Alpine provenances (France, Austria, Germany and Belgium). The Belgian provenance, which is not indigenous, is most closely related to the German provenance. We conclude that the RAPD technique is a useful tool for forestry stations in managing propagation operations.