Characterization of Poa supina from the Italian Alps with AFLP Markers and Correlation with Climatic Variables

Abstract

ABSTRACTSupina bluegrass (Poa supina Schrad.) has the potential for expanded use as a turfgrass, yet its characterization with DNA markers is limited. Our objectives were to characterize amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) variation and determine correlations with climatic variables on in situ leaf collections from 46 locations across the Italian Alps. Using the STRUCTURE program, marker data differentiated the collections into three genetic groups. The groups were verified with analysis of molecular variance and analysis of variance on principal coordinate (PCO) scores (P < 0.01). For PCO analysis, the first three dimensions (Dims) explained 12, 6, and 5% of the total collection‐location variation, respectively, and Dim 1 strongly distinguished the three STRUCTURE groups. Correlations of Dim 1 and 2 scores with collection‐location temperature and precipitation variables were often significant over STRUCTURE groups but generally not within groups (P < 0.05). However, Dim 3 correlations with climatic variables were frequent both within and across STRUCTURE groups, suggesting a more fundamental association. The correlations of PCOs with climate could result from incidental genomic differences and/or from linkage of plant traits with markers that covaried with climate. The results showed considerable marker variation for supina bluegrass across different climatic areas in the Italian Alps, suggesting that phenotypic variation for agronomic and turf traits is also likely.