Conservation genetics of the species complex Cochlearia officinalis L. s.l. in Britain

摘要: The genus Cochlearia is a taxonomically complex with circumpolar distribution. In common many other post-glacial colonisers it exhibits patterns of morphological and ecological variation. has been the subject continued taxonomic controversy, especially within species C. officinalis s.l. focus this study was to investigate whether three rare putative endemic taxa in Britain: micacea, subsp. scotica atlantica were sufficiently distinctive warrant or taxon status at any rank. Furthermore, make conservation recommendations for based on outcome investigation. differentiation studied gain insight into processes that have driven diversification group. six considered study: s.s., scotica, pyrenaica pyrenaica, alpina, micacea. Samples danica, member wider Cochlearia, also included comparison. samples screened variation AFLP fragments, characters chloroplast haplotypes. This first focussed British use amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. Many qualitative differences between populations maintained cultivation under standard conditions. Variation some quantitative significantly different groups. combined did not distinguish found from uplands only. Although there haplotypes all but 6 out 96 had same haplotype informative. data vary groups, ploidy levels, habitats geographical regions. There significant populations. diversity present among Britain most likely result local ecotypic differentiation. could be divided satisfactorily rank so specific recommended. Instead maintenance can achieved by protection which ecotypes grow.