Genetic diversity of Lithuanian populations of Juniperus communis L. in relation to abiotic and biotic factors

Abstract

Principal coordinate analysis of weighted averages of Ellenberg’s indicator values (EIV) for herbaceous species, separated populations according to habitat type, while the same type analysis of ISSR data allowed distinguishing E habitat populations from populations of all other habitat type but G. Our study shows that on the local (Lithuanian) scale, molecular variance between populations of J. communis at ISSR loci might be related to habitat type. For evaluation and preservation of diversity of J. communis, different assessment methods should be included and management strategies should be directed in the way to retain variety of habitats encompassing both widely spread and less common ones.