Spatial dynamics of intraspecific genetic variation in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

Fagus sylvatica is one of the most important tree species in Europe. Due to its extensive distribution

and dominance in its range, the performance of European forests in the contexts of perceived

climate change will largely depend on the reaction of beech forests. Adequate information

about the genetic diversity and structure of the species is indispensable for the conservation and

sustainable utilization of the forests. Forest management systems currently in use in Germany are

considered sustainable. However, their impact on the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure

of F. sylvatica is largely unknown. In these contexts, the main objectives of this dissertation

were a) to assess the genetic diversity and differentiation of F. sylvatica at different spatial

scales, b) to determine the level and magnitude of fine-scale genetic structure of the beech

stands, c) to investigate the effect of forest management activities on the genetic diversity and

fine-scale genetic structure of the beech stands independent of the marker used and d) to compare

microsatellite and AFLP markers to estimate genetic diversity and structure of the stands,

and their applicability to detect management impacts on genetic structure of the stand.