Chloroplast microsatellites as markers for paternity analysis in <i>Abies alba</i>

Abstract

This study describes the application of previously characterized chloroplast microsatellites as markers for paternity analysis in a conifer species. The investigations were performed on silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) relic trees in an endangered population of the Ore Mountains (Germany). Two relatively isolated adult trees about 30 m apart, as well as 24 naturally regenerated young trees in their direct neighborhood, were analyzed at two chloroplast microsatellite loci. Results reveal the potential usefulness of the markers for paternity analysis.