On the genetic structure of Eversmannia subspinosa populations in Russia

Abstract

We have studied the genetic structure of Eversmannia subspinosa (Fisch. ex DC.) B. Fedtsch. populations from the Russian Federation (the Bolshoe Bogdo Mt., the Astrakhan Region; Kegul’ta gully, Republic of Kalmykia) and a number of specimens from the Middle Asia (Kazakhztan and Kyrgyzstan) using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers, sequenced nuclear (ITS 1, 2) and chloroplast markers (trnL-trnF, atpB-rbcL, rpl32-trnL(UAG), trnV-ndhC). The analysis of ISSR markers divided samples into three genetic clusters: the population from the Bolshoe Bogdo Mt., the population from the Kegul’ta gully, and samples from the Middle Asia. The population from the Kegul’ta gully appeared to be genetically variable, whereas the population from the Bolshoe Bogdo Mt. exhibited no variation. Populations from the Bolshoe Bogdo and Kegul’ta are more closely related according to the results of the chloroplast DNA analysis. At the same time, these westernmost populations turned out to be related to the samples from the Western Tian Shan: Syr-Darya Karatau, Talas Alatau (Ichkele-Too Mts.) and Kyzylorda Region of Kazakhstan.