Goncharenko, G., Kurm, M., Birgelis,J., Maaten,T., Tamm,U. and Shevchenko, L. 2005. Isoenzymes’ structure of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in Natural Populations in Estonia, Latvia and Byelorussia. Baltic Forestry, 11 (2): 9-19

Using isoenzymes as genetic markers in studies of Norway spruce populations situated in four natural stands in Estonia, five in Latvia and six in Byelorussia, an evaluation of the genetic resources of the populations was given. Northwards from Byelorussia the parameters characterising genetic diversity increase: polymorphism P99 from 67.3% in Byelorussia to 78% in Estonia, and the number of alleles per locus from 2.13 to 2.41 respectively. Empirical heterozygosity increased from 17.8% to 19.7% respectively. Heterozygosity parameters varied the least between the Latvian populations. The mean genetic diversity indices for the entire Balto-Byelorussian region were as follows: polymorphism P99 73.1%, number of alleles per locus 2.25 and empirical heterozygosity 18.7%. It appeared from polymorphism analysis that virtually all stands in the natural habitat of Norway spruce in Estonia, Latvia and Byelorussia have sufficient genetic resources for restoring their gene pools.

Key words: Norway spruce, genetic structure, diversity, isoenzymes, differentiation