Evaluation of the nuclear DNA content and GC percent in four varieties of Fagus sylvatica L.

The nuclear DNA content of Fagus sylvatica has been assessed for the first time by now cytometry and propidium iodide staining. Three beech varieties were compared to the common beech: the tortuosa, the purpurea and the pendu la varieties. Values were 2C = 1.11 +/- 0.02, 1.11 +/- 0.01, 1.12 +/- 0.01 and 1.13 +/- 0.01 pg, respectively. These are the first estimates of nuclea r DNA content made in the Fagus genus. GC percent was estimated in the comm on beech and in the tortuosa variety with mithramycin. It was 40.0 +/- 0.2 and 39.8 +/- 0.2 %, respectively, Values typical of higher plants. (C) 1999 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.