Genetic types in white oak populations north of the Alps and in the Danube valley

55 populations of white oak were investigated in South Germany and parts of Austria in order to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) of oak leaves. Four primer-enzyme systems were used. The variation in the observed fragments was scored resulting in a ten digit code, which allowed the determination of 20 haplotypes. They are in accordance with results of earlier investigations and are associated with the glacial refugia and the postglacial re-migration history. Several haplotypes show a regional distribution pattern which can be of use for the characterisation of forest reproductive material.