Numerical taxonomic studies on Solanum L. section Solanum (Maurella)

Abstract

Population differentiation was studied in 32 accessions belonging to Solanum L. section Solanurn (Maurella); these accessions represented 20 species of four differing ploidy levels. A study of discordance demonstrated that the species exhibit considerable inherent discordant variation; it also provided an estimate of the relative variabilities of characters within these populations, and the consistency with which they differentiate populations.Hierarchic clusters, obtained using the singlelink cluster method, confirmed the relative importance of the different classes of characters used for differentiation within this section. Similarly, the hierarchic clusters generally supported earlier taxonomic decisions.The use of a non-hierarchic cluster method provided the most interesting data on differentiation within the section Solanum, particularly for genome relationships of the polyploid taxa. This clustering pattern fitted well with known genome relationships, while also suggesting putative ancestors for other allopolyploids; suggestions deriving retrospective support from the hierarchic dendrograms. The progenitors suggested by these two clustering methods supported data derived from orthodox taxonomy, comparative morphology, hybridisation studies, the artificial synthesis of polyploids and seed protein band patterns.

Genetic diversity of the African hexaploid species Solanum scabrum Mill. and Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae)

“…At the species level this is in line with other studies where morphological data have been used (e.g. Edmonds 1979b;Symon 1981;Edmonds and Chweya 1997;Henderson 1974) and with respect to S. nigrum and S. scabrum our results are similar to those of Dehmer (2001), Dehmer and Hammer (2004) and (Olet 2004).…”

“…This points to the possibility that under cultivation genetic changes are slowed down because both competition and natural selection are reduced, since environmental conditions are kept at an optimum and pests are artificially controlled. Edmonds (1979b) concluded that members of section Solanum are predominantly self-pollinating though natural and cross-breeding takes place. The vast variations shown by individuals of the same accession of S. scabrum and S. nigrum in the present study is not in line with Edmonds' conclusion.…”

Analysis of eggplant (Solanum melongena)-related germplasm: morphological and AFLP data contribute to phylogenetic interpretations and germplasm utilization

“…The taxonomic complexity of the large and variable group of species associated with the section Solanum is generally accepted (Edmonds 1979;Dehmer 2001). In the AFLP analysis, the S. mammosum taxa appear close to S. nigrum within the section Solanum, which does not support the inclusion of S. mammosum in the section Acanthophora, subgenus Leptostemonum, as was previously reported (Nee 1991).…”

Characterization of the Solanum Nigrum Complex of Kenya by AFLP Markers

“…Further, genetic data show intermixing between S. scabrum and S. nigrum in some instances. Edmonds (1979) indicated that the intermixing of Solanum genotypes, irrespective of geographic locality points to the predominantly autogamous nature of members. S. scabrum subsp.…”