Meadow-scale genetic structure in Posidonia oceanica

摘要: Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows are long-lived systems that persist in the field for millennia. The age and size of single clones have not been clearly assessed, nor has within- meadow dispersal sexual propagules neighbourhood size. present study describes genetic structure an ancient large P. meadow, extending from 3 to 33 m depth, analyzed utilizing 13 variable microsatellite loci. A total 180 shoots (ramets) was sampled 21 areas selected at nodes a 160 × 400 grid superimposed on meadow. For each area, were collected reciprocal distance 1 5 m. number distinct genotypes assessed sampling area mapped using kriging technique. Neighbourhood meadow-scale gene flow by means autocorrelation analysis. Data indicate is composed clones, some which might be hundreds years old. Different sample groups identified within Bayesian approach. pattern diversity always related shoot density, but it increases deepest stand, where density lower. Spatial analysis showed significant correlation up 70 or 40 m, considering all samples only genotypes, respectively. seems result initial recruitment events active clonal growth originally established genotypes.