Chloroplast DNA polymorphisms in lodgepole and jack pines and their hybrids

Samples taken from throughout the ranges of distribution of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex. Loud.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) were assayed for Sal I and Sst I chloroplast DNA restriction fragment variation. Although the chloroplast genome is often regarded as highly conserved, at least 2 distinct Sal I and 13 distinct Sst I restriction fragment banding patterns occur in these closely related species. None of the chloroplast DNA restriction fragment banding patterns observed in allopatric lodgepole pine was observed in allopatric populations of jack pine, and vice versa, even though the two species share an extensive zone of sympatry, and gene flow between the species has been reported for nuclear genes. However, several atypical Sst I restriction fragment banding patterns occur only in or near the zone of sympatry. Chloroplasts have been reported to be inherited maternally in the great majority of species studied; however, restriction fragment analyses indicated that chloroplasts are inherited paternally in controlled matings between lodgepole pine (female) and jack pine (male).