The knowledge of genetic diversity and population structure is a prerequisite for the successful management of conservation programs. Genetic variability studies at the intra- and interspecific levels and population genetic analyses depend on several factors, among which the availability of markers with adequate variability is one of the most important. The genetic diversity in several Eurasian Elymus species has been characterized using isozymes, RAPDs and highly polymorphic microsatellites both at macro- and micro-geographical scales. Particularly, the program is concentrating on three native species from Scandinavia, namely E. caninus (L.) L., E. alaskanus (Scrib. ex Merr.) Löve, and E. fibrosus (Schrenk) Tzvel.. Levels and distribution of allozyme, RAPD and microsatellite variation in populations of Elymus fibrosus showed different pictures of the amount of the genetic variation, but agreement was found regarding how this genetic variation is distributed among populations. Generally, E. fibrosus contains low genetic variation in its populations. Genetic variability was assessed within and among 10 E. alaskanus populations collected from Norway and North America. Low allozymic variability was detected in these populations, but relatively high microsatellite variation was found. Microsatellite and allozyme results suggest that natural selection may be an important factor in shaping the genetic diversity in three local Norwegian E. alaskanus populations. Isozyme, RAPD and microsatellite analysis revealed that the degree of genetic variation in E. caninus was notably great. In general, the results indicated that the amount of genetic diversity between different species is different, and different markers revealed different amount of diversity.

Key words: Elymus alaskanus, Elymus caninus, Elymus fibrosus, Genetic diversity, Microsatellites