<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> We examined the genetic structure and diversity of eight populations of Eryngium maritimum L. (Sea Holly) along 150 km coastline of the Gulf of Gdańsk in Poland. Allozyme electrophoresis revealed two polymorphic loci among the 31 we tested. The populations showed low levels of genetic diversity (P=6.25, A=1.062, Ht=0.026), with little genetic differentiation between populations (F<sub>ST</sub>=0.03), although it was statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). The main directions of currents and wind indicate no significant limitations to the transport of seeds between populations in the region. Therefore, the grouping of populations that are mostly congruent with their geographic locations (except HP1) might result from the low efficacy of gene flow by seeds. The significant genetic differentiation of HP1, even from close neighboring populations, might have arisen from the founder effect and barriers to the gene flow caused by anthropogenic factors such as forestation and the construction of breakwaters.</p></abstract>

We examined the genetic structure and diversity of eight populations of Eryngium maritimum L. (Sea Holly) along 150 km coastline of the Gulf of Gdańsk in Poland. Allozyme electrophoresis revealed two polymorphic loci among the 31 we tested. The populations showed low levels of genetic diversity (P=6.25, A=1.062, Ht=0.026), with little genetic differentiation between populations (FST=0.03), although it was statistically significant (p<0.001). The main directions of currents and wind indicate no significant limitations to the transport of seeds between populations in the region. Therefore, the grouping of populations that are mostly congruent with their geographic locations (except HP1) might result from the low efficacy of gene flow by seeds. The significant genetic differentiation of HP1, even from close neighboring populations, might have arisen from the founder effect and barriers to the gene flow caused by anthropogenic factors such as forestation and the construction of breakwaters.

Population genetic structure of the rare species Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae) in the Gulf of Gdańsk: implications for conservation and management

Department of Plant Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, University of Gdańsk, Al. Legionów 9, 80-441 Gdańsk, Poland

Biodiversity Research and Conservation

We examined the genetic structure and diversity of eight populations of Eryngium maritimum L. (Sea Holly) along 150 km coastline of the Gulf of Gdańsk in...

Population genetic structure of the rare species Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae) in the Gulf of Gdańsk: implications for conservation and management

Published Online: Sep 15, 2012

Page range: 39 - 48

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10119-011-0023-9

Keywords
Eryngium maritimum, allozymes, genetic structure, conservation

This content is open access.

Population genetic structure of the rare species Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae) in the Gulf of Gdańsk: implications for conservation and management

Published Online: Sep 15, 2012

Page range: 39 - 48

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10119-011-0023-9

KeywordsEryngium maritimum, allozymes, genetic structure, conservation

This content is open access.

Keywords
Eryngium maritimum, allozymes, genetic structure, conservation