Genetic Variability of Wild Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Seed Stands in Slovenia as Revealed by Nuclear Microsatellite Loci

Microsatellite markers were used to describe the genetic variability of four seed stands of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.). One hundred and thirty one individuals were genotyped at ten nuclear microsatellite loci. Total genetic diversity was high (H_E = 0.704), while differences between stands were small but significant (F_ST = 0.053, G′_ST = 0.234). There was a significant amount of clonal reproduction in one stand, with only 11 genotypes identified among 36 trees. One stand showed a significant excess (F_IS = −0.044) of heterozygosity, and one showed a deficit (F_IS = 0.044). Our results demonstrate the importance of taking into account the biological and genetic characteristics of species in forest management, especially when determining a new seed stand. The small genetic differences found between seed stands indicate that a large number of stands are not required. However, they should be carefully selected and should possess adequate genetic variability to ensure low relatedness between seed trees.