Phylogenetic origin of Beckmannia (Poaceae) inferred from molecular evidence

Abstract

The phylogenetic origin of Beckmannia remains unknown. The genus has been placed within the Chlorideae, Aveneae (Agrostideae), Poeae, or treated as an isolate lineage, Beckmanniinae. In the present study, we used nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast trnL‐F sequences to examine the phylogenetic relationship between Beckmannia and those genera that have assumed to be related. On the basis of the results of our studies, the following conclusions could be drawn: (i) Beckmannia and Alopecurus are sister groups with high support; and (ii) Beckmannia and Alopecurus are nested in the Poeae clade with high support. The results of our analysis suggest that Beckmannia should be placed in Poeae.

Molecular cytogenetics of valuable Arctic and sub-Arctic pasture grass species from the Aveneae/Poeae tribe complex (Poaceae)

“…Based on morphology, Beckmannia has been assigned to tribes Phalarideae , Chloriideae , Beckmanniinae and finally Aveneae (subtribe Alopecurinae ) [77]. Until recently, molecular phylogenetic studies have not separated Beckmannia in a distinct lineage, tentatively leaving it within subtribe Alopecurinae [78–80] though support for potential separating Beckmannia and Alopecurus from each other has been provided [78]. Finally, however, Soreng et al [1] has placed the genera Alopecurus and Beckmannia in two different subtribes ( Alopecurinae and Beckmanniina ).…”