Variability of Juniperus communis subsp. communis based on phenolics accumulation and glucosidase activity

Four populations of J. communis L. subsp. communis of natural localities in forested regions of the Bory Tucholskie (Poland) were analysed in respect of phenolic compounds concentration and –glucosidase activity. The variability noted in needles was confirmed by adaptation changes; water-logged and poor insolated localities (deciduous mixed fresh forest, dmff – no 3 and coniferous mixed bog forest, cmbf – no 4) stimulated the phenolics accumulation and enzyme activity. On the contrary, the level of phenolics in unripe berry-like cones was almost two fold lower under disadvantageous juniper growth and fructification conditions, whereas the mature berries from poor vigour plants were characterized by higher concentrations of these metabolites. Obtained results show that morphological variation of juniper population was accompanied by variability in phenolic metabolism.