Determination of the genetic diversity, population structure, and some ecological preferences of the endemic Muscari adilii

Abstract

The population structure and genetic diversity of M. adilii and some edaphic and climatic preferences of the species were investigated. Although the chemical characteristics such as pH, EC, and gypsum were similar for the three subpopulations, the physical qualities and lime content of the soil were different from each other. In terms of bioclimate, the Nallıhan station (Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary) has a lower annual average temperature and precipitation value, and monthly average values during the germination and flowering periods, than the Beypazarı station (Hırkatepe and Çoban Ahmet Fountain). Amplification with 16 ISSR markers produced 377 bands from 84 individuals belonging to three subpopulations. Three hundred and sixty-six of the 377 bands were polymorphic and 9 ISSR markers were found to be 100% polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci at the species level was determined as PLYSP = 97.08%, whereas the average PLYPOP at the population level was 69.67%. Total genetic diversity (HT), genetic diversity within the population (HS ), genetic differentation among populations (GST), and gene flow among populations (NM) values were as follows HT = 0.1888, HS = 0.1712, GST = 0.0934, and NM = 4,8566, respectively. Genetic variance within-population was 89%, whereas among-population it was 11% according to AMOVA. The results of the STRUCTURE analysis (ΔK = 3) were in accord with the UPGMA and PCoA analyses.