Genetic variability of juniper tall (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) in the northern and southern limits of the natural distribution

SUMMARY. Genetic structure, subdivision and differentiation of six populations of juniper tall (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) of the Crimean Mountains and of one population in Lebanon were investigated using 18 polymorphic allozyme loci as genetic markers. The high level of genetic variability of J. excelsa was established in the northern and the southern limits of its natural habitat. The mean values of the main indicators of genetic polymorphism were: P₉₉ = 1,000, A = 3,167, H_E = 0,370, H_O = 0,405. Subdivision and differentiation of populations were low (F_ST = 0,032, D_N = 0,026) indicating similarity of their gene pools.

Keywords: Juniperus excelsa, Crimean Mountains, Lebanon, populations, genetic variability, differentiation