Genetic diversity of the endemic species Q. trojana Webb. in Southern Italy : case study of the National Biodiversity Future Center

Studying the genetic diversity and structure of the current forest populations is essential for evaluating the ability to survive future biotic and abiotic changes and planning conservation strategies. This is also in line with the objective of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), whose vision is to promote the sustainable management of Italian biodiversity at all its levels. Quercus trojana Webb is an eastern Mediterranean tree species with a fragmented distribution range, and its westernmost outposts are located in southern Italy. The demand for timber and cropland over the centuries has severely reduced its occurrence in this part of the range. In a previous preliminary work, we assessed, the genetic diversity and structure of 17 populations of Q. trojana by means of six polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers. In the present study, within the NBFC project, we expanded the sampling to other 12 sites to cover the whole distribution area in Italy. We also increased the number of markers for the genotyping to 12 microsatellites. The aims of this research are: 1) to estimate the main genetic parameters for evaluating population genetic diversity and divergence 2) to detect fragmented areas 3) to identify valuable areas and reservoirs of genetic diversity, and 3) to provide guidelines for adequate measures to reestablish gene flow and reduce fragmentation. The ongoing results will be a useful tool for proposing suitable conservation and management programs for the species