Assessing the Levels of Polymorphism and Differentiation in Iris pumila L. Populations Using Three Types of PCR Markers

Abstract

The genetic polymorphism of Iris pumila L., a rare ornamental species involved in hybridization, was studied by PCR analysis using three types of primers: those based on microsatellite sequences (ISSR), MGE sequences (IRAP and iPBS), and abiotic stress response genes (LP-PCR). High levels of intraspecific and intrapopulation genetic polymorphism were revealed, which were comparable to those in other species of the Iris genus. The main indicators of genetic polymorphism of five I. pumila populations from the territory of Ukraine were the proportion of polymorphic loci (P) of 26.5–68.5%, the Shannon index (S) of 0.105–0.285, and genetic diversity (He) of 0.069–0.190. The dependence of the variability level on the population size was direct in the ISSR analysis and inverse according to the other two markers. The direct relationship between genetic and geographic distances between populations was found only using ISSR markers. The highest level of genetic polymorphism was detected by LP-PCR markers, while the population identification of all individual plants was possible only using ISSR markers. The tested system of PCR markers can be used to monitor the state of the gene pool and investigate the genetic structure of populations and migration processes.