Trunk perimeter correlates with genetic bottleneck intensity and the level of genetic diversity in populations of Taxus baccata L

Abstract Key message Taxus baccata remnants established recently tend to contribute less the species’ overall genetic variation than historical populations because they are subjected a greater impact of founder effect and isolation. As tree trunk perimeter is rough indicator in population, this measure should be considered conservation programs. Context Genetic within (L.) not associated with current census size but correlates well effective size, suggesting that drift intensity reflects demographic histories. Aims We hypothesize bottleneck old remnants. Using mean as surrogate age, we test whether history age. Methods 18 microsatellite markers, analyze diversity 11 yew Poland assess relationship between inferred parameters. Results Populations reveal significant differences levels time bottleneck. After excluding an apparent outlier, significantly while lower perimeter. Conclusion Due continuous species decline increasing fragmentation, non-uniform contribution tends decrease together Germplasm collections for take into account population.