Genetic diversity in Cynara cardunculus revealed by AFLP markers: comparison between cultivars and wild types from Sicily*

Abstract

Genetic diversity in 49 plants of 16 accessions representing one wild and two cultivated taxa of Cynara cardunculus L. (wild cardoon, cultivated cardoon and globe artichoke) was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) analysis. Four pairs of primers identified a total of 264 scorable loci, 196 of which were polymorphic. The number of markers scored per primer combination ranged from 41 to 107, with an average of 66 markers per primer combination. All the primer combinations detected polymorphism. The data were used for cluster analysis and AMOVA. The clusters obtained are in agreement with the current botanical classification and the differences among the taxa were substantial. The eco-geographical groups within wild cardoon are clearly separated in relative subclusters, and reflect the geography of the collection areas. The six clones of the four cultivated artichoke varieties were clearly separated into four subclusters, corresponding to the current classification which is based on morphological traits. The results obtained may have a direct and important bearing on plant genetic resource conservation and management and on breeding.

AFLP analyses of genetic variation of Eupatorium adenophorum (Asteraceae) populations in China

“…The present results revealed that the Shannon diversity of E. adenophorum was higher than some plants that reproduce asexually (Keiper and Mcconchie 2000), especially some widely distributed, perennial, triploid and obligate apomictic reproduction plants (Carmen et al 1999), and also some sexually reproducing plants (Raccuia et al 2004). At the species level, our results are consistent with the genetic diversity of another Asteraceae species, in which relatively high genetic variation was related to life history and ecological characteristics, such as a wide geographic distribution and wind-borne seed dispersal mechanisms (O'Hanlon et al 1999).…”

“…The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis is highly reproducible and can be used to detect high levels of polymorphism in a single assay, requiring no prior knowledge of DNA sequences (Vos et al 1995). The genetic diversity of several invasive plant species has been successfully assayed using AFLP markers (O'Hanlon et al 1999;Raccuia et al 2004).…”

Variability in <i>Cynara cardunculus</i> L. Tunisian Populations: Seed Germination under Salt Stress

“…In fact, the artichoke seems the most sensitive to salinity stress than the cultivated and wild cardoon. [3] showed a good variability among wild cardoon populations both in salinity resistance and water stress during germination.…”

“…It"s allogame and propagated by seeds (achenes), although the germination can occur throughout the year during the good conditions, the growth extends from September (emergence) to July (mature achenes), and the flowers are usually produced by plants of two years [2]. This taxon is fully crosscompatible and interfertile with both the globe artichoke and the cultivated cardoon [3].…”

“…The globe artichoke is the most economically important taxon of this species, with about 120 000 ha cultivated in the World [5], and a vegetative propagation system by rooted offshoots in a dormant or active growing state or by rooted basal stem portions [3].…”