engleski

Cytotype diversity and genome size variation in Festuca varia complex (Poaceae) in south-eastern Europe

Festuca L. is a highly diverse genus of grasses and its perennial species constitute important grassland vegetation worldwide. Recent phylogenetic studies revealed two main evolutionary lineages corresponding to broad- leaved and fine-leaved species. Within fine-leaved fescues, the earliest diverging group is F. sect. Eskia, known also as F. varia complex, which includes approximately 20 species. The taxonomic complexity of the group is especially evident in the Balkan Peninsula, from where several narrowly endemic taxa and a number of lower taxonomic entities have been described. The aim of the present study is to explore genome size variation and the incidence of polyploidy within the representatives of F. varia complex on the Balkan and Apennine Peninsulas based on comprehensive geographic sampling. Our relative genome size measurements conducted with flow cytometry revealed that the majority of populations is diploid (2n=14) and they are distributed across most of the distribution area. Tetraploids are more restricted and were found in southern Dinaric Mountains, whereas hexaploids were found only on Mt. Pirin (Bulgaria). Our detailed screening of cytotype diversity and genome size variation in F. varia complex will contribute to the integrative approach combining phylogenomic and morphological analyses in order to resolve relationships within this intricate group.

cytotype diversity ; genome size ; Festuca varia

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