Abstract
BackgroundThe common stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L. sensu lato, is an invertebrate "superhost", its clonal patches maintaining large populations of insects and molluscs. It is extremely widespread in Europe and highly variable, and two ploidy levels (diploid and tetraploid) are known. However, geographical patterns in cytotype variation require further study.New informationWe assembled a collection of nettles in conjunction with a transect of Europe from the Aegean to Arctic Norway (primarily conducted to examine the diversity of Salix and Salix-associated insects). Using flow cytometry to measure genome size, our sample of 29 plants reveals 5 diploids and 24 tetraploids. Two diploids were found in SE Europe (Bulgaria and Romania) and three diploids in S. Finland. More detailed cytotype surveys in these regions are suggested. The tetraploid genome size (2C value) varied between accessions from 2.36 to 2.59 pg. The diploids varied from 1.31 to 1.35 pg per 2C nucleus, equivalent to a haploid genome size of c. 650 Mbp. Within the tetraploids, we find that the most northerly samples (from N. Finland and arctic Norway) have a generally higher genome size. This is possibly indicative of a distinct population in this region.
Highlights
During a recent study of willow (Salix spp.) stands on a latitudinal transect across Europe (Cronk et al 2015) the opportunity arose to sample individuals of Urtica dioica L. ssp. dioica that frequently co-occurs with willow in riparian habitats
A more extensive survey of cytotype variation in Romania and Bulgaria, as well as around the Baltic would be of interest
Ploidy level has been shown to correspond with morphological characters (Geltman 1984; Geltman 1986)
Summary
During a recent study of willow (Salix spp.) stands on a latitudinal transect across Europe (Cronk et al 2015) the opportunity arose to sample individuals of Urtica dioica L. ssp. dioica (the common stinging nettle) that frequently co-occurs with willow in riparian habitats (see under Materials and Methods for further details). Urtica dioica is one of the most remarkable plants of Europe. First it possesses a defense, stinging hairs, which are a small marvel of biochemistry and biomechanics. The common stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L. sensu lato, is an invertebrate "superhost", its clonal patches maintaining large populations of insects and molluscs. It is extremely widespread in Europe and highly variable, and two ploidy levels (diploid and tetraploid) are known. Finland and arctic Norway) have a generally higher genome size. This is possibly indicative of a distinct population in this region
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