A set of 17 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

In view of the predicted changing environmental conditions, the question arises whether the important tree species European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) will be adaptable to the future climate in Europe. Only few studies investigated the genetic background of drought stress tolerance in beech. In this study a set of 17 SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers selected from eight candidate genes potentially involved in drought stress response were developed. The polymorphisms of these markers were analysed in 50 adult trees from a population in Germany by using two multiplex sets (SNaPshot(A (R)) Multiplex Kit (Applied Biosystems)). Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.060 to 0.520 and from 0.059 to 0.505, respectively. None of the loci showed a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.