Genetic diversity of Lonicera L. (Caprifoliaceae) estimated by molecular markers and morphological characters

Abstract

Members of Lonicera are characterized by opposite, narrowly elliptic to obovate leaves, white, yellow, reddish, or purple-red corolla with capitate stigma and undulate calyx margin. In Flora Iranica, Wendelbo (1965) classified 19 species of the Lonicera into two subgenera (Chamaecerasus and Lonicera) and three sections, namely Isoxylosteum, Isika and Coeloxylosteum. The four studied species belong to subgenus Chamaecerasus and sections Isika and Coeloxylosteum. No detailed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) studies were conducted to study Lonicera genetic diversity. Therefore, we collected and analyzed three species from 2 provinces regions. Overall, 45 plant specimens were collected. Our aims were 1) to assess genetic diversity among Lonicera species 2) is there a correlation between species genetic and geographical distance? 3) Genetic structure of populations and taxa. We showed significant differences in quantitative morphological characters in plant species. The Mantel test showed correlation (r=0.66, p=0.0001) between genetic and geographical distances. We reported high genetic diversity, which clearly shows the Lonicera species can adapt to changing environments since high genetic diversity is linked to species adaptability. Present results highlighted the utility of RAPD markers and morphometry methods to investigate genetic diversity in Lonicera species.