%0 Research article
%T Relationship between empty seed and genetic factors in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
%A Wang, K. S.
%D 2003
%J Silva Fennica
%V 37
%N 4
%R doi:10.14214/sf.481
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/481
%X The relationship between percentage of empty seed (Pes) and genetic  factors was explored in an isolated stand of European beech (Fagus  sylvatica L.). Nine allozyme loci (GOT-B, IDH-A, LAP-A, MDH-B, MDH-C,  MNR-A, 6-PGDH-A, PGI-B and PGM-A) were used to estimate genetic factors.  Pes ranged from 4.8% to 40.9% for seed samples of 91 trees within the  stand and showed an approximate normal distribution. The average Pes was  21.4% and the repeatability of Pes was 43.4%. The multilocus estimate  for outcrossing rate (tm) based on seed samples of 30 trees within the  stand was 1.015 (SE = 0.011) and the mean single locus estimate was  slightly higher at 1.061 (SE = 0.026). No evidence of biparental  inbreeding was found. Weak positive correlation between Pes and maximum  selfing rate as well as and significant negative correlation between Pes  and multilocus outcrossing rate indicated that self-fertilization may  be explained as one of the important causes of empty seeds in beech.