The impact of environmental and climatic variables on genetic diversity and plant functional traits of the endangered tuberous orchid (Orchis mascula L.).

ABSTRACT: Understanding how environmental factors shape patterns of genetic and phenotypic variations in a species is necessary for conservation and plant breeding. However, these factors have not yet been completely understood in tuberous orchid species used to make 'Salep', an important ingredient in traditional medicine and beverages in middle eastern countries and India. In many areas, increasing demand has pushed species to the brink of extinction. In this study, 198 genotypes from 18 populations of the endangered species Orchis mascula L. spanning a large-scale climatic gradient in northern Iran were used to investigate patterns of genetic diversity and plant functional traits. Populations were sampled from three land cover types (woodland, shrubland, and pastureland/grassland). Plant height,

SUBMITTER: Mafakheri M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9672365 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature