Untangling the reticulate history of species complexes and horticultural breeds in Abelia (Caprifoliaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The genetic and morphological consequences of natural selection and selective breeding are explored in the genus Abelia . The genus consists of ornamental shrubs endemic to China, which have been bred to create attractive and diverse cultivars.

Methods

DNA fingerprinting (AFLP) and DNA sequence data are used to investigate the genetic diversity among 46 accessions of Abelia (22 natural taxa and 24 horticultural breeds). In the cultivated varieties these data are used to explore taxon boundaries, hybridisation and backcrossing. The genetic analysis dataset is also used to investigate morphological variation within natural species complexes and subsequently to inform a taxonomic treatment.

Key results

Abelia comprises five species: A. forrestii , A.

SUBMITTER: Landrein S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5737605 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature