Variability of Morphometric Parameters in Adonis villosa Ledeb. (Ranunculaceae) and Its Genetic Differentiation Based on ISSR Markers in the Altai Republic

Abstract

This paper discusses the abundance and morphogenetic parameters of the species Adonis villosa Ledeb., which is vulnerable in the Altai Republic (AR). Genetic differentiation has been identified in six A. villosa coenopopulations (CPs) using ISSR markers and the variability of its morphometric parameters has been determined in individuals from four CPs inhabiting the AR for the first time. It is established that the studied CPs are similar in variability of morphometric parameters, and the number of mature generative individuals in them has decreased 1.5–2.0 times over the period from 2017 to 2023. The genetic structure is examined using six primers: M 9, UBC 834, UBC 830, UBC 857, UBC 840, and UBC 811; UBC-857 turned out to be the most informative one. Four variants of the distribution of ISSR markers are identified in representatives of the six studied A. villosa CPs that feature a high (88–99%) similarity in the distribution of ISSR markers. Intrapopulation similarity between individuals of this species is also high (97%). Apparently, this is due to the small numbers of mature generative individuals (up to ten) in the studied CPs and their spatial isolation. In the Northern Altai region, A. villosa individuals feature a homogeneous genetic structure, which makes this species vulnerable and necessitates a special approach to its conservation.