Masoud Sheidai
Shahid Behesti University, Iran
Title: Population genetic structure and species relationships in Senecio L. (Asteraceae, Senecioneae): Evidence from ITS, Cp-DNA and ISSR molecular
Biography
Biography: Masoud Sheidai
Abstract
Senecio L. (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) is the largest genus of Asteraceae with about 1500 species and worldwide distribution and particularly in South Africa, Mediterranean floristic region and in temperate areas of Asia and America. Some species of Senecio have been transferred into the genus Iranecio-Four sections and 17 taxa including species and subspecies of this genus grow in Iran. In this work we studied the genetic variability and population structure of Senecio vernalis Waldst & Kit and species relationship of the genus based on ITS and Cp-DNA molecular markers. We studied 141 plant specimens of 16 geographical populations of Senecio vernalis. AMOVA and Gst analyses revealed the presence of extensive genetic variability within populations and significant molecular difference among the studied populations. Mantel test did not show significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance of the populations. This result indicates that gene exchange occurred between both populations that are far apart and between those that are in close vicinity. Structure and K-Means clustering revealed populations’ genetic stratification. CVA plot of populations based on morphological characters and ANOVA test showed morphological differences of the same populations. Consensus tree based on morphological and genetic data separated some of these populations from the others suggesting to have new varieties within this species. These results may be of use for future conservation and breeding of this important plant species. ITS and Cp-DNA phylogenetic tree of the species supported present taxonomic treatment of the genus and also agreed with exclusion of some taxa from this group. The evolution of the group and the species relationship will be discussed.