Genetic variation in Aciphylla glaucescens (Apiaceae)

Abstract

Population structure, diversity and gene flow in four populations of Aciphylla glaucescens were studied using allozymes. Six of the seven putative loci were polymorphic in at least one population. Within populations the mean percentage of polymorphic loci was 68%. Gene diversity for Aciphylla glaucescens (He = 0.258) was greater at the species level compared with other outcrossing, wind pollinated plant species (He = 0.162). The mean diversity among populations of A. glaucescens (FST = 0.256) was also greater than that reported for most other species with similar breeding systems. Estimated gene flow (Nm) between populations was low, with only 0. 72 migrants per generation. The high gene diversity of A. glaucescens may be due to the widespread distribution, obligate outcrossing and high fecundity of this species.