Levels and distribution of allozyme and RAPD variation in populations of Elymus fibrosus (Schrenk) Tzvel. (Poaceae)

To study the magnitude and nature of genetic variation in E. fibrosus, the levels and distribution of allozyme and RAPD variations were investigated in populations collected from Finland and Russia. The results obtained from the allozyme and RAPD studies were compared to each other in 10 of the populations. The allozyme analysis showed that 6 of 12 presumed loci (50%) were polymorphic within the species, while the mean number of polymorphic loci within populations was 4.8%. The mean number of allele per locus for the species was 1.5 and 1.05 across the populations. Genetic diversity at the species level was low (H _es = 0.025), and the mean population genetic diversity was even lower (H _ep = 0.007). Both these values were much lower than the average for other Elymus and self-fertilising species. The largest proportion of the total allozyme diversity was found among, rather than within the populations (G _ST = 0.70). The allozyme genetic distances between the populations did not reflect geographic distances. Cluster and principal coordinates analyses revealed the same allozyme relationship patterns among the populations. A comparison of allozyme and RAPD variation in 10 of the populations showed differences in the amount of genetic variation. The RAPD analysis revealed higher levels of variation (A _p = 1.19, P _p = 20.3 and H _ep = 0.09) than the allozyme one) A _p = 1.06, P _p = 5.8 and H _ep = 0.008). For both markers, the largest proportion of the total gene diversity was found among the populations studied (G _st = 0.63 for RAPDs and G _st = 0.65 for allozyme). In contrast to the allozyme analysis, the RAPD based genetic distances did reflect geographic distances. The cluster and principal coordinates analyses showed different grouping of populations for each data set. There was a positive, but not significant, correlation (r = 0.41) between the genetic distance matrices resulting from these markers. Regional comparison revealed that the Finnish populations had a higher diversity than the Russian ones. Generally, this study indicates that E. fibrosus contains low genetic variation in its populations. The results are discussed in the context of conservation of the species.     

Genetic diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Guizotia abyssinica</Emphasis> (L. f.) Cass. (Asteraceae) from Ethiopia as revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Genetic diversity of 70 populations of niger (Guizotia abyssinica) representing all its growing regions in Ethiopia was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to reveal the extent of its populations genetic diversity. Ninety-seven percent of the loci studied was revealed to be polymorphic for the whole data set. The within population diversity estimated by Shannon diversity index and Nei gene diversity estimates was revealed to be 0.395 and 0.158, respectively. The extent of genetic variation of populations from major niger producing regions was significantly lower than that of populations from other regions; however, it is distributed regardless of altitude of growth. Genetic differentiation between populations was estimated with Shannon index as G^′ _ST (0.432), Nei’s G _ST (0.242) and AMOVA based F _ST (0.350) and appears to be equivalent to the average values calculated from various RAPD based studies on outcrossing species. Higher proportion of the variation detected by AMOVA resided within populations (64.58%) relative to the amount of variation among populations (35.42%). UPGMA cluster analysis showed that most of the populations were clustered according to their region of origin. However, some populations were genetically distant from the majority and seem to have unique genetic properties. It is concluded that the crop has a wide genetic basis that may be used for the improvement of the species through conventional breeding and/or marker assisted selection. Collection of germplasm from areas not yet covered and/or underrepresented is the opportunity to broaden the genetic basis of genebank collection.     

Assessment of genetic variation in a working collection of Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich. by isozyme and RAPD analyses

Genetic variation based on isozyme and RAPD analyses was investigated in 47 and 34 accessions respectively of Vigna vexillata from different geographical origins and belonging to three botanical varieties. A total of 9 enzyme systems were studied, accounting for 14 putative loci, 8 of which were polymorphic. The analysis of genetic diversity revealed a low level of within accession variation (H_S=0.013), while between accession diversity (D_ST) was 0.120. Coefficient of gene differentiation (G_ST) was 0.905, indicating that most variation was among accessions. Nei's genetic distances were calculated on the basis of allelic frequencies and a UPGMA dendrogram was constructed. Twenty arbitrary 10-mer oligonucleotides were used in RAPD analysis. Amplification profiles disclosed a higher level of polymorphism than isozymes. Based on amplification patterns, the similarity index of Jaccard was calculated and a dendrogram constructed on the basis of the similarity matrix. The final clustering based on RAPD data was similar to the one obtained using isozyme allelic frequencies. The classification in botanical varieties did not reflect the allelic constitution of the different samples. On the other hand, referring to geographical origin, most accessions from Africa and from Latin America were distributed respectively in two distinct clusters in the dendrogram. This grouping might also reflect the differences observed in the germination behaviour of V. vexillata from the two continents.     

Variation and population structure at microsatellite and isozyme loci in wild cabbage ( Brassica oleracea L.) in Dorset (UK)

We examined variation at four isozyme and seven microsatellite loci in natural populations of Brassica oleracea L. on the coast of Dorset. All loci were polymorphic, and the diversity index of isozyme loci was similar to that of the microsatellites. Both microsatellites and isozymes showed significant spatial differentiation of genetic variation, but the scale differed between the marker types. Significant non-random mating at isozyme loci was detected within small groups of about five plants, in which adjacent individuals were separated by less than 5 m. On the other hand, non-random mating at microsatellite loci was only detected within the Dorset region as a whole. F_ST was significant for all loci and there was evidence of isolation by distance at both microsatellite and isozyme loci. From these data we infer that there is low but significant amounts of gene flow among B. oleracea populations in Dorset. The differences in the genetic structure between the two types of marker may be due to higher mutation rates at the microsatellite loci; however, the data suggest that stepwise gain or loss of single repeat units is not the principal mechanism.     

Genetic diversity in populations of wild diploid wheat Triticum urartu Tum. ex. Gandil. revealed by isozyme markers

Genetic variation and its distribution within and among 23 populations of Triticum urartu collected from Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Armenia, and Iran was estimated using isozyme markers at eight polymorphic loci. The number of alleles per locus (A= 1.21), percentage polymorphic loci (P= 20.1%), and mean gene diversity (H_e= 0.024) were relatively low. In a population from Lebanon, a high number of alleles per locus (A= 2.13) and percentage polymorphic loci (P= 87.5%) was found. On average, genetic variation among populations (G_ST= 0.407) was smaller than within-population variation (0.593). However, different patterns of genetic structure were found among various geographic regions. Interpopulation variation was highest for the Iranian populations (0.89) followed by the Turkish populations (0.66). A reverse pattern was observed for the Syrian (0.11) and for the Lebanese (0.13) populations. The Armenian populations exhibited similar interpopulation and within-population variation. Principal component and cluster analyses resulted in distinct grouping of the geographically proximal populations, with the exception of the two Iranian populations. The Turkish populations were different from the neighboring Armenian populations compared to other countries. The populations from southern Syria and those from Lebanon also exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity. The two most heterozygous loci, Mdh-2 and Pgi-2, separated the populations along the first and second principal components, respectively. Most of the rare alleles were scattered sporadically throughout the geographic regions. Rare alleles with high frequencies were found in the Turkish and Armenian populations. These results indicated that different geographic regions require specific sampling procedures in order to capture the range of genetic variation observed in T. urartu populations.     

Genetic diversity assessment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gymnema sylvestre</Emphasis> (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm. populations from Western Ghats of Maharashtra,India

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm., a rich source with gymnemic acid, has been used to treat diabetes since past 2000 years. In the current investigation, nomenclature, geographical distribution as well as morphological and genetic diversity of 22 G. sylvestre populations spread across of Western Ghats of Maharashtra has been reported. The genetic variability has been assessed using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers. The populations recorded high level of gene differentiation (G_ST = 0.41 based on ISSR) and gene flow (Nm = 0.92 based on RAPD). The high level of gene differentiation among the populations attributed to entomophilous pollination, wind seed dispersal, out crossing and anthropogenic activities.     

Genetic Diversity in Tunisian Ceratonia siliqua L. (Caesalpinioideae) Natural Populations

The last two centuries witnessed the human-caused fragmentation of Tunisian Ceratonia siliqua L. (Caesalpinoideae) populations which were often represented by scattered individuals. Seventeen populations growing in four bioclimatic zones: sub-humid, upper semi-arid, mean semi-arid and lower semi-arid zones, were sampled for allozyme diversity to assess their genetic diversity and structuration using eight isozymes revealed by starch gel electrophoresis. The species showed high diversity within populations. The average number of alleles per polymorphic locus was 1.98, the percentage of polymorphic loci was 83.4% and the mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were respectively 0.247 and 0.316. A substantial level of inbreeding within populations induced by Wahlund effect, was observed (F_IS = 0.231). High diversity resulted from the great number of genotypes in the ancestral population before fragmentation, favoured by the outbreeding of the species. High differentiation and low gene flow were detected among populations (F_ST = 0.200) and among pairs of ecological zones (0.113< F_ST <0.198). However, the differentiation coefficient of the four zones was low (F_ST = 0.085) and similar to the average F_ST for forest trees. Population structuration depends on geographic distance between sites rather than bioclimate, indicating that structuration has occurred slowly and that climatic conditions have had little effect. Nei's genetic distances (D) between populations were low and ranged from 0.004 to 0.201. Mean D value for all population was 0.087. The UPGMA clustering established for all populations through Nei's genetic distances did not clearly show that, for the majority of populations, grouping had resulted from ecological factors or geographic location. The substantial differentiation and the high genetic similarities between populations indicate that populations have been recently isolated as a result of anthropic pressure. In-situ conservation strategies must first focus on populations with a high level of genetic diversity and rare alleles. Appropriate conservation action should take account of bioclimatic zones. Ex-situ preservation should be based on a maximum number of individuals collected within populations in each ecological group and their propagation in different bioclimates by means of cuttings.     

Genetic Diversity and Structure of Wild Tunisian Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) Populations

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae), in Tunisia, is closely associated with Quercus suber L. forest which stretched continuously from the North to parts of Cap Bon and Tunisian Dorsal. The destruction of the primary oak forests associated to an over-exploitation of Myrtus for its essential oil quality had led to discontinuous populations exhibiting various levels of degradation. Using starch gel electrophoresis, we analyzed the polymorphism of nine isozymes in order to assess genetic diversity and structuring of 17 natural populations prospected in the three geographical regions and coinciding with subhumid, humid inferior and semi-arid superior bioclimates. The analysis of the level and the distribution of the genetic diversity in this species might help in its conservation. Out of the 18 loci detected for all populations and isozymes analyzed, 12 loci were polymorphic. Allelic frequencies differed according to populations and particular alleles characterized ecological groups. A high level of genetic variation within populations was observed. The mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus was Ap = 1.67, the percentage of polymorphic loci was P = 60.3% and the observed (Ho) and the expected (He) heterozygosities were respectively 0.144 and 0.215. Populations belonging to subhumid (Cap Bon) and semi-arid superior (Tunisian Dorsal) climates, located in degraded sites exhibited the highest level of inbreeding (0.425 < F_IS < 0.450). A high level of differentiation (F_ST = 0.396) and a low gene flow (Nm = 0.337) among populations, as a result of habitat intermediate destruction, were revealed. The differentiation of populations within the same bioclimate (or geographic) group was substantial and relatively higher for semi-arid superior populations (F_ST = 0.262), which were more distant. The three ecological groups exhibited a high level of structuring (F_ST = 0.401). These differentiations might be due to geographic distances and to the variations of ecological factors between sites, including human activities and environmental factors. Nei’s (1972) genetic distances calculated between pairs of populations were globally low (0.006 < D < 0.367) with a mean of 0.15. They indicate a high level of similarity between populations. UPGMA clustering, established through Nei’s genetic distances, showed three population aggregates according to their geographic/bioclimatic appartenances. The high differentiation between populations and the low level of their genetic divergence indicated their recent isolation under anthropic pressures. The species conservation (in situ or ex situ) strategies should take into account the genetic diversity level within populations and its variation between geographic groups.     

Population differentiation and genetic variation inform translocation decisions for Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae, a rare New England grassland perennial

Augmentation of small rare species populations is sometimes suggested on genetic grounds. However, outbreeding depression via dilution of local adaptation or break-up of genomic coadaptation may occur. These effects depend on the causes of population divergence. Here, we compare genetic measures of population divergence in Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae, a rare New England perennial. We measured G_ST, neutral marker subdivision, and Q_ST, quantitative subdivision of propagule and juvenile plant traits. G_ST was relatively high. Q_ST for leaf shape exceeded G_ST, indicating local adaptation, while Q_ST for other traits fell within or below the G_ST range. Local adaptation appears low for juvenile traits, although the high G_ST cautions against translocation because of potential coadaptation. If translocation is still required, however, donor populations should contain high quantitative genetic diversity. We assess population size and allozyme diversity as predictors of quantitative genetic variation, but find these poor proxies for direct measurement.     

Genetic variation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA1

Isozyme and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) have been applied to studies of genetic relationships and germplasm management in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). However, isozymes identify relatively few polymorphisms, and RFLPs are technically complex, expensive, and not compatible for the high through-put required for rigorous assessment of this narrow-based germplasm. Since random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers do not manifest such shortcomings, a study was conducted in cucumber to examine genetic relationships in diverse germplasm, assess the usefulness of RAPD markers in distinguishing elite accessions, and compare the relative effectiveness of RAPD markers to that of isozyme and RFLP markers. One hundred and eighteen C. sativus accessions were analyzed using variation at 71 RAPD loci (44 mapped and 27 unmapped). Genetic distances among accessions were estimated using the simple matching coefficient complement, and analyzed using multi-dimensional scaling. Each accession had a unique marker profile, indicating that RAPD analysis was useful in genotypic differentiation. Germplasm grouping patterns were consistent with individual accession origins, theoretical dispersal routes and discriminating morphological characters (i.e., sex expression and fruit length to diameter ratio). Although elite accessions were discriminated by RAPD profiling, their genetic distances were relatively small (between 0.01 and 0.58), indicating limited genetic diversity in this germplasm array. Assessment of a subset of the germplasm array using RAPDs resulted in genetic distance measurements more similar to published genetic distance estimates by RFLP markers (Spearman rank correlation, r_s = 0.7–0.8) than estimates by isozyme markers (r_s = 0.4). Data indicate that RAPD markers have utility for analysis of genetic diversity and germplasm management in cucumber.     

A Preliminary Comparative Evaluation of Genetic Diversity between Chinese and Japanese Wild Soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine soja</Emphasis>) Germplasm Pools using SSR markers

The wild soybean, an annual self-pollinating plant, is the progenitor of soybeans and is extensively distributed in the Far East of Russia, the Korea peninsula, China and Japan. Geographically, Japan is surrounded by sea and insulated from China. We preliminarily evaluate whether the Japanese and Chinese wild soybean germplasm pools are genetically differentiated from each other using SSR markers. The results showed that the two pools have great genetic differentiation. Some loci presented obvious differences in mean genetic divergence (G_ST) value between the two pools. The G_ST among the geographic regions in China was higher than that in Japan. The average within-geographic region gene diversity values (H_S) in the two pools were completely identical and thus the genetic difference between the two pools was mostly attributed to the relatively high level of between-geographic region gene diversity (D_ST) in China. We suggest that Japanese and Chinese wild soybeans should be comparatively independently evolving in phylogeny.     

Allozyme Diversity and Population Structure of Caragana korshinskyi Kom.in China

Caragana korshinskyi Kom. is a long-lived shrub species indigenous to northwestern China, and important in vegetation rehabilitation of widely degraded and degrading semiarid and arid regions because of its high ecological and economic values. Information at molecular level on its genetic diversity, however, is not available. Accordingly, the extent and distribution for genetic diversity and population structure in 11 populations of C. korshinskyi were assessed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for seven enzymes including aminopeptidase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucoisomerase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and peroxidase. The seven-enzyme systems produced 11 loci encompassing 19 alleles demonstrating high genetic variation at both species and population levels. A considerable excess of heterozygotes relative to Hardy–Weinberg expectations was detected at the both levels as well. G_ST ranged from 0.0074 for AMP-1 to 0.4646 for PGD with a mean of 0.1517, indicating that approximately 84.8% of the total allozyme variation occurred within populations. An indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation indicated that gene flow was high among populations of the species.     

Isozyme Variation and Genetic Structure of Populations of Avena barbata from Argentina

Genetic diversity was analysed in 52 Argentinian populations of Avena barbata, a tetraploid grass introduced in America from Spain during the colonization period. Nine isozyme systems were studied and 14 loci identified, five of which were polymorphic. Cluster analysis based on Hedrick’s index revealed a high similarity among populations. The total diversity (P_t) in the 52 populations was 0.144, the mean diversity (P_s) was 0.04, while between population diversity (D_st) was 0.103. The resulting coefficient of differentiation (G_st) was 0.714, indicating that diversity among populations was an important contributor to the total variability. Genetic diversity was structured into multilocus associations; 122 different complexes were found among 3311 individuals, but only two complexes occurred at a high frequency. The distribution pattern of these frequent multilocus genotypes was associated with environmental factors, mainly rainfall and temperature. The comparison of these results with those of previous studies on A. barbata from Spain indicated that Spanish and Argentinian populations are closely similar in allelic composition on a locus-by-locus basis but different in multilocus genotypic composition. We concluded that selection was the main force involved in the reorganization of the Spanish genepool into novel multilocus associations adapted to specific habitats in Argentina.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation in Chinese sour cherry <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus pseudocerasus</Emphasis> Lindl., and its implications for conservation

In this study, the genetic diversity and differentiation of 10 natural Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl. populations were investigated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Totally, 18 selected primers generated 150 loci, with an average of 8.33 bands per primer. The results showed that the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was pretty low at the population level (PPB = 1.13–32%), but relatively high at the species level (PPB = 84%). Besides, a high level of genetic differentiation among populations was detected based on the gene differentiation coefficient (G _ST = 0.7118) and the hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) (Φ _ST = 64.53%, P < 0.001), in line with the low inter-population gene flow (N _m = 0.2025). Moreover, Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances among the populations (r = 0.5272, P < 0.005). The high level of intraspecific genetic diversity was probably related with its life history traits, while its small population size and the resultant high levels of genetic drift and inbreeding might explain the low genetic diversity within populations. The relatively high inter-population genetic differentiation was largely attributed to its small population size, habitat fragmentation, the mode of pollen and seed dispersal, and geographic isolation. Based on the present study, conservation strategies were proposed to preserve this valuable natural germplasm resource.     

Comparison of isozyme and random amplified polymorphic DNA data for determining intraspecific variation in Cucumis

Variation at isozyme and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) loci in eight cucumber and seven melon cultivars, breeding lines, and plant introductions were used to determine the utility of these markers for assessing genetic variation among populations of each species. Although dendrograms derived from cluster analyses using species' variation at marker loci were dissimilar, these disparities were consistent with differences in the pedigrees and/or other information (e.g., morphological) known about each accession and species. Empirical estimations of variances associated with each marker type in the cucumber and melon accessions examined indicate that, per band, lower coefficients of variation can be attained in the estimation of genetic difference when using RAPDs compared to isozymes. The disparity between the marker analyses made may be related to the amount of genome coverage characteristic of a particular marker system in a species and its efficiency in sampling variation in a population.     

Genetic variability in wild populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus divaricata</Emphasis> Ledeb. in northern Iran evaluated by EST-SSR and genomic SSR marker analysis

A population genetic analysis based on eight genomic SSR markers and three EST-SSR (expressed sequence tags) markers developed in peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) and Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) was carried out in 12 wild populations of cherry plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb.) sampled along the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea. A total of 184 alleles (3–31 per locus) were detected with a mean value of 16.7 alleles per locus. None of the loci or populations showed deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and all markers proved to be unlinked. The mean values for the observed and the expected heterozygosity were 0.66 and 0.73, respectively. There was very little genetic differentiation among populations, as was indicated by low overall values of Wright’s F_ST (0.03) and Nei’s G_ST (0.08). An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 96.8% of the total variance was attributable to differences between individuals within populations. Genetic and geographic distances were nevertheless positively correlated, as evidenced by a Mantel test. The high level of genetic diversity and the apparent lack of genetic structure in wild P. divaricata may be attributed to frequent long distance gene flow through frugivorous birds and possibly humans, as has been documented for other Prunus species.     

Genetic diversity in wild Tunisian populations of Mentha pulegium L. (Lamiaceae)

The allozyme variation of 15 Tunisian wild populations of Mentha pulegium L. threatened by human activities (clearing, hard-grazing, ploughing, traditional uses) was surveyed by the analysis of 14 isozyme loci using horizontal gel starch electrophoresis. The species exhibited a high level of genetic variation within populations (the mean Ap = 2.20, P = 72%, Ho = 0.349 and He = 0.229), which indicates a predominately outcrossing mating system and the recruitment of new genotypes via dispersal seeds. The genetic structure analysis of the populations using F statistics indicates no inbreeding, and showed an excess of heterozygosity for few loci. The moderate differentiation of populations (F_ST = 0.110) and the low rate of gene flow between them (Nm = 2.02) might been caused by recent isolation of the populations through biotope disturbances. The value of Nei's genetic identity varied from 0.839 to 0.999 reflecting a relatively low genetic divergence between populations. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method and Nei's genetic identity values, showed that populations geographically close didn't always cluster together. However, populations within the same bioclimatic stage generally subclustered together indicating that differentiation between bioclimatic regions occurred.     

Assessment of genetic diversity in cultivars and wild accessions of Luohanguo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Siraitia grosvenorii</Emphasis> [Swingle] A. M. Lu et Z. Y. Zhang), a species with edible and medicinal sweet fruits endemic to southern China,using RAPD and AFLP markers

Genetic variation of wild populations and cultivars of Luohanguo (Siraitia grosvenorii), a plant species endemic to southern China, was assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Based on the results for 130 individuals from seven populations, a high level of genetic diversity of Luohanguo was observed at the species level. The percentage of polymorphic loci (P) was 89.4%, Nei’s gene diversity (H _e) was 0.239, and Shannon’s information index (H _o) was 0.373 based on the combined AFLP and RAPD data. There was a high degree of genetic differentiation, with 45.1% of the genetic variation attributed to differences between the populations. The genetic diversity of the Luohanguo cultivars is much lower than that of wild populations (P = 41.8%, H _e = 0.141, H _o = 0.211), and a distinct genetic differentiation is observed between the cultivars and wild accessions. The pool of genetic variation in the wild populations provides an excellent gene resource for Luohanguo breeding.     

Diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ullucus tuberosus</Emphasis> (Basellaceae) in the Colombian Andes and notes on ulluco domestication based on morphological and molecular data

Ullucus tuberosus (common name ‘ulluco’) is a popular tuber crop of Andean highlands. Until now attention has been focused on ulluco from Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, but little is known about its diversity in Colombia. Thirty-six accessions of cultivated ulluco preserved in the Gene Bank of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia were studied to assess the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of Colombian ulluco. We used morphological characters, molecular markers (total proteins, isozymes and RAPDs) and ploidy level. High morphological variability, especially for tuber shape and colour characters, was found. Eight accessions from north-east Colombian Andes showed some typical character-states of wild ulluco, suggesting that they could be partially domesticated forms. Genetic analysis using RAPD markers indicated that these accessions were very similar to other cultivated ullucos belonging to the same region. The regional structure observed in isozyme and RAPD dendrograms was confirmed by AMOVA results (52.6% among-region variation) and the spatial correlogram, showing the presence of two gene pools of ulluco in Colombia. Our results and the accumulated data suggest that ulluco was introduced to Colombia at least two times. Initially, semi-domesticated forms would have come from the central Andes to north-east Colombian Andes, where the native inhabitants would have completed the domestication process. Again, fully domesticated ullucos might have been introduced to south-west Colombian Andes.     

Molecular characterization of emmer (Triticum dicoccon Schrank) Italian landraces

Emmer (Triticum dicoccon Schrank,2n = 4x = 28) is a hulled wheatspecies [more] widely spread in the Mediterranean basin. In Italy it survives as acrop in a few marginal areas and peculiar ecological niches in different regionsof central and southern Italy. A renewed interest has occurred during the lastdecade toward local varieties belonging to this species. As a matter of fact,local varieties have the highest genetic variation and adaptation to the naturaland anthropological environment from where they originated. Results on thegenetic diversity within and relationships among 11 Italian local varieties ofemmer as assessed with 17 RAPD marker loci are here reported. The proportion ofthe among-local variety genetic diversity was as high as 48% (G_ST =0.479). Thus, about 52% of the total variation was within population. Localvarieties of emmer proved to be formed by a variable number of lines geneticallydistinguishable from each other, and the vast majority of individuals overpopulations proved to be different multilocus genotypes. Landraces of emmer fromcentral and southern Italy showed distinctive molecular traits. In particular,local varieties classified as «Central Italy» types were characterized by a common set of RAPD marker alleles and proved to bedistinguishable from both the «Southern Italy» and the«Garfagnana» accessions. The overall results confirm the highvariability that can be found within landrace populations, underlining thevalues of landraces as an irreplaceable bank of genetically diversified andhighly co-adapted genotypes. Information for an appropriate insitu conservation and management of this valuable source of emmergermplasm is discussed.