High genetic differentiation in the alpine plant Campanula alpina Jacq. (Campanulaceae): evidence for glacial survival in several Carpathian regions and long‐term isolation between the Carpathians and the Alps

Abstract

A survey of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation was conducted to elucidate the phylogeography of Campanula alpina, a key species of silicicolous alpine grasslands in the Carpathians with a disjunct distribution in the Eastern European Alps. The Carpathians experienced a different glacial history from the Alps: local glaciers were present only in the highest massifs, while alpine habitats extended over larger areas related to their present distribution in this region. We asked: (i) whether in the Carpathians a high-mountain plant exhibits a complex phylogeographical structure or rather signatures of recent migrations, and (ii) whether the disjunct part of the species' distribution in the Alps resulted from a recent colonization from the Carpathians or from a restricted expansion from separate Eastern Alpine refugia. Our study revealed a clear phylogeographical pattern in AFLPs supported by congruent groups of distinct cpDNA haplotypes. Highest genetic differentiation was observed between the Alps and the Carpathians, indicating a long-term isolation between populations from these two mountain ranges. Further genetic division within the Carpathians suggests that current species' distribution is composed of several groups which have been isolated from each other for a long period. One genetic break separates Western from Southeastern Carpathian material, which is in line with a classical biogeographical boundary. A further, strongly supported genetic group was identified at the southwestern edge of the Carpathian arch. In the Eastern Alps, genetic traces of glacial survival in separate refugial areas in the calcareous northern part and the siliceous central part were found.

Micropropagation of Viola uliginosa (Violaceae) for endangered species conservation and for somaclonal variation-enhanced cyclotide biosynthesis

“…Analyses followed the AFLP protocol (Vos et al 1995) as modified by Ronikier et al (2008). EcoRI and MseI were used for restriction digestion of genomic DNA.…”

Genetic and morphological differentiation between Melica ciliata L. and M. transsilvanica Schur (Poaceae) in Europe reveals the non-presence of M. ciliata in the Polish flora

“…DNA quality and concentration were estimated against λ-DNA on 1% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. AFLP analysis was performed according to the procedure described by Vos et al [54] with some modifications [55]. After initial screening of 16 selective primer pair combinations, four combinations were selected that gave the highest polymorphism and reliability of AFLP profiles: EcoRI-ACG/MseI-CAG, EcoRI-AGA/MseI-CGT, EcoRI-AAT/ MseI-CGC and EcoRI-ATC/MseI-CAT.…”

ISSR analysis points to relict character of Aconitum bucovinense Zapał. (Ranunculaceae) at the range margin

“…This mountain range is a strong barrier to at least postglacial migrations of many mountain plant species from the Eastern Carpathians towards Western Carpathians, as evidenced by the distribution of cytotypes, molecular variants and morphological-anatomical studies, e.g. [26][27][28][29]. The barriers and resulting phytogeographical divisions were first recognized and described by plant biogeographers (reviewed by Zemanek [5]).…”