Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Algerian Endemic Plant Species Avena macrostachya Bal. ex Cross. et Durieu

Abstract

Avena macrostachya is still a relatively unknown species. Using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, a simple and inexpensive technique, allowed us to conduct experiments on genetic differentiation and to study the population structure of this Algerian endemic oat. The results obtained showed lower than expected genetic diversity within the A. macrostachya species. The cause may be endemism of the species as well as genetic drift possible during collection, and maintenance of the accessions in gene bank and seed reproduction. No clear genetic structure was found in the examined collection, which indicates a close relationship between the populations collected in the Djurdjura National Park in Algeria. Considering the endemism of the species, its breeding potential and the small-scale ex situ collection, careful monitoring of natural sites and repeating of the collection mission are, therefore, absolutely crucial.