DNA variation in Festuca

Abstract

There is substantial interspecific variation in nuclear DNA content in Festuca much of which cannot be accounted for by variation in chromosome number. The distribution of species DNA contents closely matches the taxonomic divisions within the genus. Polyploid taxa, especially high polyploids, tend to have less DNA than expected. (a) There may be errors in the proposed modes of origin of polyploid forms. In particular, the distinction between European and Moroccan forms may have been underestimated, and/or (b) polyploid species may have undergone a reduction in nuclear DNA content since their divergence, relative to their progenitor species of lower ploidy.