Genetic Variation in Natural Populations of Prince Rupprecht´s Larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) with Elevation in the Guandi Mountain, China

Prince Rupprecht´s larch (Larix principisrupprechtii Mayr) is one of the dominant tree species of cold-temperate coniferous forests in North China. The genetic variation in three natural populations of the species with elevation in the Guandi Mountain, Shanxi Province, China was examined using AFLP (Aplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) markers. The populations (i.e. P_HA, P_MA and P_LA) are located at high (2500-2700m), middle (2100-2300m) and low (1700-1900m) altitudinal zones, respectively. Results showed that the genetic diversity for these populations had the following order: P_MA (0.2006)>;P_LA (0.2000)>;P_HA (0.1986). The genetic variation was mainly maintained within populations, but there was still obvious differentiation among populations. AMOVA analysis revealed that the genetic diversity of PMA was significantly higher than that for P_HA (P<;0.01), and the genetic diversity of P_MA (P_LA) was nearly significantly higher than that for P_LA (P_HA) (P<;0.10). In comparison with Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.), the much lower genetic diversity for Prince Rupprecht´s larch was likely related to its shorter evolutionary history.