Isozyme variation in oaks of the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin: genetic structure and levels of inbreeding in Quercus rubra and Q. ellipsoidalis (Fagaceae)

Abstract

Isozyme variability was examined in populations representing the red oak complex (Quercus subg. Erythrobalanus) on an island archipelago and adjoining peninsula in Lake Superior, near Bayfield, Wisconsin. A concomitant study of morphometric variation described in the companion manuscript, revealed a continuum in leaf morphology extending from an interior mainland site to the outermost island. The existence of this clinal variation presented an ideal opportunity to examine the genetic structure of a hybrid population along with the putative progenitor species. Dormant leaf bud samples were collected from specimens of Quercus rubra L., Q. ellipsoidalis Hill, and their putative hybrids from three islands and two locations on the peninsula. Acorns were collected from some of these same trees from one peninsula location and two islands. Twelve putative enzyme loci from six enzyme systems were analyzed. Allele frequency data indicated little differentiation between populations. Mean F_ST values for the adult trees and acorns were 0.042 and 0.020. Genetic identities according to Nei ranged from 0.958 to 0.999. Despite these high levels of genetic similarity, the populations appeared to be highly inbred as indicated by positive mean F_ST values of 0.183 and 0.373 for the adult trees and acorns. Estimates of migration rate per generation (Nm) for the adult trees was 5.70, a value that is low when compared to estimates for other plant species with similar life history characteristics.