Microsatellite markers were used to describe the genetic structure of four seed stands of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.). 312 individuals were genotyped at nine microsatellite loci. Total genetic diversity was high (HT = 0,749), while differences between stands were small but significant (FST = 0,040; G'ST= 0,137). There was a significant amount of clonal reproduction in the Vipavska brda stand, with only 69 genotypes identified among 217 trees. In Vipavska brda a high overall spatial-genetic structure (SGS) (Sp = 0,031) was observed when only sexually derived genets were considered and the kinship coefficient was only significant in the first distance class (< 40 m). When both the generative and vegetative origin of trees were included, the intensity of the SGS in Vipavska brda increased (Sp = 0,149), while the kinship coefficient was significantly different from a random distribution of genotypes up to the 200-240 m distance class. We determined that the spatial grouping of clones in Vipavska brda was also affected by forest paths, streamsand ditches, which represent obstacles to root growth and consequently obstruct vegetative propagation via root suckers. In Vipavska brda evidence ofsomatic mutations within clonal groups were observed that further increased the complexity of the genetic structure in the stand. Our results demonstrate the importance of taking into account the biological and genetic characteristics of species in forest management, especially when determing newseed stands. They should be carefully selected and should possess adequate genetic variability to ensure low relatedness among seed trees.
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