Spatial genetic structure and clonal diversity in an alpine population of Salix herbacea (Salicaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Many alpine plant species combine clonal and sexual reproduction to minimize the risks of flowering and seed production in high mountain regions. The spatial genetic structure and diversity of these alpine species is strongly affected by different clonal strategies (phalanx or guerrilla) and the proportion of generative and vegetative reproduction.

Methods

The clonal structure of the alpine plant species Salix herbacea was investigated in a 3 x 3 m plot of an alpine meadow using microsatellite (simple sequence repeat; SSR) analysis. The data obtained were compared with the results of a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

Key results

SSR analysis, based on three loci and 16 alleles, revealed 24 different genotypes and a proportion of d

SUBMITTER: Reisch C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2802930 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature