Ecotypic diversity alteration of Quercus castaneifolia populations in different elevation classes of forest (case study: East of Golestan province)

Knowledge and understanding the genetic diversity of species is very important for adaptation to environmental changes and their long-term survival and also for the management of forest genetic resources conservation. Therefore, study of industrial or ecologically important species should be done in order of priority. The aim of this research was exploring the ecotypic diversity changes of Quercus castaneifolia populations in elevation classes of Golestan province (low, middle, and upper elevation) by the qualitative study of peroxidase biochemical marker in the biennial branches of six different populations. Qualitative study of peroxidase marker was done by vertical electrophoresis and PAGE method (Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis). Based on the results, populations of altitudinal classes were different regarding amount of diversity and ecotypes were separable from each other. Therefore, index bases in the seed production areas should be determined and their natural regeneration should be increased and gene flow should be improved through the seeds of index bases of the adjacent populations with similar ecological conditions with controlling the number of selected index bases considering the increased diversity in each habitat.