Distribution of mistletoe (Viscum album L.), which parasitizes different woody plants species, in Kyiv and its genetic characteristics

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the work was to study the species diversity of mistletoe host trees with the establishment of damage degrees and the study of the mistletoe genetic characteristics in Kiev. Methods. The β-tubulin first intron length polymorphism evaluating method (TBP) was used. Amplified fragments DNA were fractionated by electrophoresis in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. DNA bands were detected using silver nitrate staining. Results. The species diversity of Viscum album L. host-trees was studied in Kiev. Among them, plants of the genus Pinus and angiosperms that belong to 8 genera (Acer, Fraxinus, Acacia, Populus, Tilia, Salix, Malus, Sorbus), wherein 47% belong to the genus Acer. It was revealed that among infected trees, 30% had severe damage to mistletoe, 28% moderate and 42% weak. Based on the analysis of DNA marker polymorphisms, the molecular-genetic profiles of V. album, which grows on various species of host trees, were obtained and analyzed. Conclusions. The species diversity of V. album host-trees was studied and the degree of their infection was assessed in Kiev. Mistletoe, which grows on angiosperms, is characterized by a greater degree of genetic polymorphism than that which grows on gymnosperms. Keywords: Viscum album L., host-plant, introns of genes, length polymorphism, β-tubulin.