RAPD molecular markers and phenotypic growth traits were joined using different genotypes of Larix decidua (Mill.) to analyze genetic variation. Individual samples of vegetative clones were analyzed from Baciu orchard (obtained through a breeding program from regional stands from Romania) and pooled samples from places of origin (regional stands). | Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Research Article Turk J Agric For (2017) 41: 82-91 © TÜBİTAK doi: Genetic variation and potential genetic resources of several Romanian larch populations Alina VILCAN (TRUTA), Lucica MIHALTE (CRISAN), Adriana F. SESTRAS*, Liviu HOLONEC, Radu E. SESTRAS Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Received: Accepted/Published Online: Final Version: Abstract: RAPD molecular markers and phenotypic growth traits were joined using different genotypes of Larix decidua (Mill.) to analyze genetic variation. Individual samples of vegetative clones were analyzed from Baciu orchard (obtained through a breeding program from regional stands from Romania) and pooled samples from places of origin (regional stands). Based on coefficients of variation for tree height, diameter, and volume, the greatest genetic variation in the orchard was observed at the Gura Humorului and Anina provenances (, , and for Gura Humorului and , , and for Anina). In addition, the trees whose origins are Gura Humorului and Anina form the thickest branches. In stands from origin areas, the best performances of growth trait in height were scored in the Valea Popii ( m) and Anina ( m) populations. Stands from Valea Cetatii and Sacele recorded the smallest diameters. Both in orchards and in regional stands the trees with the greatest vigor were those from Gura Humorului and Anina and large variability was noted, which allows efficient selection in order to identify superior trees useful for larch breeding. RAPD analysis illustrated the genetic differences among the larch proveniences and some provenances represented distinct genetic entities, recognizable at the molecular level. The dendrogram indicates the diversity of the genotypes divided into seven groups as .
