Characterising the Genetic Provenance and Diversity of Native Alder
Collections
Irish populations of Alder (Alnus glutinosa) were studied to determine their genetic
provenance and the level of genetic diversity. A population being used in the Alder tree
improvement programme lead by Teagasc was utilised and additional samples were taken
from wild populations to get a broad geographic range. To determine provenance, samples
were compared with another European study, which studied chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). The
genetic provenance was shown to be similar to that found in specimens from Scotland.
However, novel variation was also uncovered in other cpDNA regions and this can be used in
further characterising the genetic provenance of Irish alder populations and also has potential
for expansion of the existing European study. The novel variation shows 2 different cpDNA
types in Ireland and one cpDNA type was not found in the samples tested from Scotland. The
cpDNA results indicate gene pool variation in the seed in Irish populations, as the cpDNA
types were not always fixed for the populations. To investigate genetic diversity Simple
Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers were employed. These markers give an indication
of the level of diversity inherent in the populations. The Teagasc collection, although
restricted in geographical range, were shown to encompass the majority of genotypes found
in the wild populations. Thus, it is a good representation of the Irish genotypes. Outcomes of
the project include a set of DNA samples deposited in a DNA bank for future use, a baseline
of genetic diversity in Irish alder, novel variation uncovered in Irish samples and a set of
assays to further characterise novel variation in Irish populations.
Project Coordinator: Dr Colin Kelleher