Abstract
Three licorice species, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., G. uralensis Fisch., and G. korshinskyi Grig., from the main part of the range in North Eurasia were examined for chloroplast DNA variation using intergenic spacers 16S–trnA, trnS–trnG, atpH–atpI, and trnH–psbA. In 212 licorice accessions from 40 populations and individual localities, 14 haplotypes were identified. Two main genetic lineages (western and eastern) and substantial genetic differentiation between Glycyrrhiza glabra and G. uralensis (FST = 84%) were found. At the same time, the data obtained point to introgressive hybridization of these licorice species in the past and in modern populations located in the contact zones of different species in the Southern Urals and Trans-Urals. The origin of the third species of licorice, G. korshinskyi, is thought to be associated with this process. The study shows the possibility of using the examined cpDNA regions in combination with other molecular markers and plant morphological characters to identify different licorice species and their hybrids.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
