Population genetic study in Epilobium minutiflorum (Onagraceae) in Iran

Abstract

The genus Epilobium has about 200 species in which taxonomic subdivisions are difficult but possible. Species E. minutiflorum due to its fluffy white inflorescence and small miniature flowers and beaked seeds, it is one of the most prominent species of the genus Epilobium in the region. We have no data on the population genetic structure of this species in the Iran. Therefore a population genetic and morphological investigation was performed through light on genetic and morphological variability in this taxa. We used SCoT molecular markers for population genetic investigation. Genetic diversity analyses revealed a moderate genetic variability between E. minutiflorum populations, while PCoA showed some degree of genetic admixture among populations. AMOVA produced significant genetic difference among populations. Morphometric analysis showed that high degree of overlap among the studied populations. However, the results showed that SCoT marker has a good discrimination power and can differentiate the studied populations. This marker can be used to evaluate genetic diversity and identify genotypes of E. minutiflorum populations.