@article {411, title = {Gene flow and fine-scale genetic structure in a wind-pollinated tree species, Quercus lobata (Fagaceaee)}, journal = {American Journal of Botany}, volume = {92}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, pages = {252-261}, abstract = {California Valley oak (Quercus lobata), one of the state{\textquoteright}s most distinctive oak species, has experienced serious demographic attrition since the 19th century, due to human activities. Recent estimates of pollen dispersal suggest a small reproductive neighborhood. Whether small neighborhood size is a recent phenomenon, a consequence of reduced gene flow caused by demographic changes, or whether it has been historically restricted, remains unclear. To examine this question, we have characterized the spatial genetic structure of N = 191 Q. lobata individuals, spread over an area of 230 ha, using eight microsatellite loci. The observed autocorrelogram suggests an historical standard deviation of gene flow distance of about 350 m per generation, higher than contemporary pollen dispersal estimates. To determine whether our estimates were affected by strong prevailing winds from the west{\textendash}northwest, we developed and utilized a novel anisotropic autocorrelation analysis. We detected no more than a hint of anisotropy, and we concluded that adult spatial structure is indicative of strong historical signature of "isolation by distance." This historical estimate provides a useful reference value against which to gauge the future gene flow consequences of ongoing anthropogenic disturbance.}, keywords = {bearing correlogram California oak genetic autocorrelation analysis microsatellite pollen and seed dispersal tree species wind direction valley oak Quercus lobata}, author = {Dutech, C. and Sork, V. L. and Irwin, A. J. and Smouse, P. E. and Davis, F. W.} }