Identification of Alnus incana (L.) Moenx. × Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. Hybrids Using Metabolic Compounds as Chemotaxonomic Markers

Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and incana Moenx. grow naturally in Lithuania, their ranges overlap. They are considered ecologically economically important species of forest trees. The objective our study was to determine plant bioactive compounds, such as total phenolic (TPC) flavonoid compounds (TFC), the wood alders hybrids order specify opportunity use secondary metabolites (SM) for identification alder hybrids. samples from juvenile mature woods (n = 270) were collected at three different sites natural forests Lithuania. TPC TFC content determined using spectrophotometric methods expressed mg/g fresh mass. Obtained results showed that A. statistically higher compared glutinosa; however, hybrid it intermediate. lowest glutinosa. trees; opposite tendency. In case, continental sites, while costal sites. data allow us assume can be used taxonomic markers. This expanded knowledge physiology contributed correct tree is very conservation resources sustainable value-added products.