Low genetic diversity in the endangered population of Viola uliginosa in its locus classicus at Rząska near Cracow (Southern Poland) as revealed by AFLP markers

Abstract

An extremely endangered population of Viola uliginosa Besser at the classical locality of this taxon has been studied. The AFLP analysis was based on 18 specimens of V. uliginosa (about 10% of preserved individuals); additionally, two individuals of V. riviniana were included in the data set as the out group. A high genetical uniformity of the whole population (similarity indexes close to 1) was detected. It was not correlated significantly with the spatial distribution of the plants. The study serves as a basis for practical conservation measures and at the same time as a starting point for a more extensive research on the genetical variability of the species throughout its range.

Keywords

• Viola uliginosa
• conservation
• rare and threatened plants
• wet habitats
• genetic structure of population
• AFLP markers