Genetic diversity of Viola cazorlensis Gand., an endemic species of Mediterranean dolomitic habitats: implications for conservation

Abstract

Viola cazorlensis is a South Iberian endemic (Spain), which is protected at European level, nationally as well as regionally, and considered vulnerable (VU) in accordance with IUCN criteria. This study has researched the genetic variability of seven representatives of V. cazorlensis populations, both inter- and intra-populationally, through the use of ISSR molecular markers and the sequencing of plastidial intergenic spacers. Results obtained from the ISSR markers indicate that these V. cazorlensis populations are not genetically impoverished, and that no clear genetic structure pattern exists. From the sequencing of plastidial intergenic spacers, the presence of different haplotypes has been observed, which becomes more evident as geographic distance among populations increases. Furthermore, there is a certain gene flow among them, more effective at a nuclear level, which could be mediated by Macroglossum stellatarum pollinator. The results obtained lead to the discussion of a series of conservation measures.

Key words:

• allogamy
• dolomite endemic
• gene flow
• genetic diversity
• ISSR markers
• plastidial markers

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Antonio Catalán Hernández, José Antonio López Donate and Eduardo Picazo from the Consejería de Agricultura de Castilla-La Mancha, Juan Bautista Vera Pérez from the University of Murcia, and Miguel Ángel Carrión Vilches from the Consejería de Presidencia de la Región de Murcia for their collaboration in data and samples gathering.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplemental data

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Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Dirección General de Universidades PEPLAN PROJECT framework (Subproject 3: Molecular Markers in the Conservation and Management of Murcia's Flora).