engleski

Festuca varia complex under the scope: multigene phylogeny of fine-leaved Loliinae with focus on F. bosniaca

Festuca L. represents one of the largest known paraphyletic genera systematically anchored in subtribe Loliinae whose distribution has been proven globally. In this study, we focused on F. varia complex within fine-leaved fescues and with emphasis on F. bosniaca populations, in order to provide insights into its diversification according to ploidy level and geographical affiliation. We sampled a total of 612 individuals divided in 169 populations from various locations in north-western and south-eastern Balkan Peninsula, Apennines and the Alps and complemented with samples from 135 herbarium vouchers. Nuclear ITS and two plastid trnT-trnL and trnL-trnF regions were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. The inferred phylogenies support the placement of F. varia complex in basal position within fine-leaved fescues and reveal several supported groups within the complex. Festuca bosniaca populations are divided into five major lineages showing a geographical pattern. Two established lineages largely correspond to the F. bosniaca subsp. bosniaca, and F. bosniaca subsp. pirinensis, while the other three require additional research. The relationships of different taxa in the complex remain, however, uncertain due to incongruences between nuclear and plastid trees. This study contributes to knowledge on F. varia complex and indicates that at this level the traditional morphologically based taxonomy is of limited use for recognizing and defining monophyletic groups.

Festuca, phylogeny, fine-leaved Loliinae

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