Abstract
Genetic and essential oil variations from 14 Tunisian natural populations of Rosmarinus officinalis L. were assessed using eight isozymes and 25 terpenoids. Isozymes were revealed by 13% gel electrophoresis. Volatiles were analysed by GC and GC–MS. Populations were collected from different regions belonging to sub-humid, upper semi-arid and upper arid bioclimates. A high genetic diversity within population was revealed by isozymes due to the species mating system and the large size of populations before fragmentation. Cluster constructed using Nei's genetic distances showed mainly bioclimatic related population groupings. A high differentiation among populations and ecological groups was observed. Essential oil composition varied among populations. Volatiles of the sub-humid and the upper semi-arid populations located in regions of Cap Bon and Tunisian Dorsal were rich in 1,8-cineole, while populations from the upper arid bioclimate (Matmata regions) were characterized by high amounts of camphor. Genetic and chemical data were highly correlated. Population differentiation performed on the two sets of data was similar to those shown using isozyme and terpenoids matrices separately. Conservation strategies should take into account genetic diversity and chemical variation levels in relation to bioclimatic and geographic location of populations.
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