CHLOROPLAST MICROSATELLITES AS MARKERS FOR PATERNITY ANALYSIS IN ABIES-ALBA

This study describes the application of previously characterized chlor oplast microsatellites as markers for paternity analysis in a conifer species. The investigations were performed on silver fir (Abies alba M ill.) relic trees in an endangered population of the Ore Mountains (Ge rmany). 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 t he potential usefulness of the markers for paternity analysis.