6533b826fe1ef96bd1285172

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Genetic variations in the endangered Sicilian endemic Brassica rupestris: proposals for a conservation strategy

Gabriele CasazzaAnna ScialabbaF. M. RaimondoLuigi MinutoFabrizio GrassiGiovanni Zecca

subject

Genetic diversityeducation.field_of_studyEcologyRange (biology)Settore BIO/02 - Botanica SistematicaPopulationconservationEndangered speciesZoologygenetic diversityPlant ScienceBiologySubspeciesEx situ conservationSicily Brassica rupestris genetic diversity endemism conservationSettore BIO/01 - Botanica GeneraleBrassica rupestriendemismGenetic variationMantel testSicily; Brassica rupestris; genetic diversity; endemism; conservationBrassica rupestriseducationSicilyEcology Evolution Behavior and Systematics

description

Brassica rupestris Raf. is a chasmophyte species that includes two subspecies, both endemic to Central-Western Sicily (Italy). Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to detect genetic diversity within and among eight populations representative of the species' distribution range. High levels of genetic diversity were revealed both at the population (PPB = 53.88%, HS = 0.212, Sh = 0.309) and at the species level (PPB = 96.55%, HT = 0.307, Sh = 0.464). The correlation between genetic and geographical distances was negative (Mantel test, r = -0.06, P < 0.95). The two subspecies of B. rupestris, subsp. rupestris and subsp. hispida, showed remarkable genetic similarity and molecular data did not unequivocally support their distinctness. The pattern of genetic variation revealed by our study bears important consequences for conservation management: It is desirable to preserve B. rupestris populations in situ with a "dynamic" strategy, while, ex situ conservation programmes might be improved to safeguard maximum genetic diversity. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2012-12-01
10.1080/11263504.2012.706237http://hdl.handle.net/10447/65143