Genetic Diversity and Structure of Latvian Tilia cordata Populations

Changing climatic conditions are transforming the ecological and silvicultural roles of broadleaf tree species in northern Europe. Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) is distributed throughout most of Europe, and is a common broadleaf species in Latvia. This species can tolerate a broad range of environmental and ecological conditions, including temperature, water availability, and soil types. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and differentiation of Latvian T. cordata populations using nuclear microsatellite markers developed for Tilia platyphyllos. After testing of 15 microsatellite markers, Latvian T. cordata samples were genotyped at 14 micro-satellite loci. Latvian T. cordata populations had high genetic diversity, and were not overly isolated from each other, with moderate gene flow between populations. No highly differentiated populations were identified. Vegetative reproduction was identified in most analysed populations, and almost one-third of analysed individuals are of clonal origin. T. cordata has high timber production potential under the current climatic and growth conditions in Latvia, and therefore this species has potential for use in forestry, as well as playing a significant role in maintaining biodiversity and other ecosystem services.