Genome size variation in the Artemisia arborescens complex (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) and its cultivars

Abstract

Different wild Mediterranean populations of Artemisia arborescens from diverse locations representing its geographical distribution, as well as some of its well-known cultivars and some specimens cultivated as ornamentals in gardens, streets, roads and nurseries, were analysed for genome size. Other closely related species endemic to Macaronesia, Artemisia canariensis, Artemisia argentea, and Artemisia gorgonum, were also analysed, and their nuclear DNA amount has been related to the biogeography of this group of species. Additionally, 5 populations of the closely related Artemisia absinthium were analysed to establish comparisons. Measurements acquired by flow cytometry ranged from 8.29 to 11.61 pg for 2C values. Statistically significant differences of 2C nuclear DNA amounts with respect to factors such as insularity or domestication have been detected. However, quite a low intraspecific genome size variation has been found in these species. Furthermore, the study also addressed the possible hybrid origins and possible misidentifications of some of the supposed cultivars of A. arborescens.Key words: Artemisia arborescens, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia argentea, Artemisia canariensis, Artemisia gorgonum, C value, Compositae, cultivar, domestication, flow cytometry, genome size, hybridization, interspecific variation, intraspecific variation, speciation.