<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>In our study, we performed a population genetic analysis in all three native oak species of Cyprus and addressed whether two intermediate individuals arose from intersectional hybridization between <italic>Quercus coccifera</italic> ssp. <italic>calliprinos</italic> and <italic>Q. infectoria</italic> ssp. <italic>veneris</italic>. For this purpose, we successfully tested chloroplast and nuclear microsatellites initially developed for other oak species. We identified a set of markers that can be efficiently used for species identification and study of hybridization. Haplotypes based on the chloroplast microsatellites could resolve different maternal lineages and distinguish between the two sections represented in the study area. Using the nuclear microsatellites, we described patterns of genetic diversity across species with the endemic <italic>Q. alnifolia</italic> exhibiting reduced genetic diversity. Additionally, we employed a multivariate analysis, which could clearly differentiate among the three species. The two intermediate individuals clustered within the point cloud of <italic>Q. infectoria</italic> ssp. <italic>veneris</italic> and also possessed a chloroplast haplotype typical for this species. Therefore, we rejected the hypothesis of intersectional hybridization and interpreted their phenotypic appearance as the result of high phenotypic plasticity within <italic>Q. infectoria</italic> ssp. <italic>veneris</italic>.</p>
</abstract>

In our study, we performed a population genetic analysis in all three native oak species of Cyprus and addressed whether two intermediate individuals arose from intersectional hybridization between Quercus coccifera ssp. calliprinos and Q. infectoria ssp. veneris. For this purpose, we successfully tested chloroplast and nuclear microsatellites initially developed for other oak species. We identified a set of markers that can be efficiently used for species identification and study of hybridization. Haplotypes based on the chloroplast microsatellites could resolve different maternal lineages and distinguish between the two sections represented in the study area. Using the nuclear microsatellites, we described patterns of genetic diversity across species with the endemic Q. alnifolia exhibiting reduced genetic diversity. Additionally, we employed a multivariate analysis, which could clearly differentiate among the three species. The two intermediate individuals clustered within the point cloud of Q. infectoria ssp. veneris and also possessed a chloroplast haplotype typical for this species. Therefore, we rejected the hypothesis of intersectional hybridization and interpreted their phenotypic appearance as the result of high phenotypic plasticity within Q. infectoria ssp. veneris.

Exploring the gene pools of Cypriot oaks: no evidence of intersectional hybridization

Institute of Silviculture, Department of Forest and Soil Sciences

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)

Silvae Genetica

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

In our study, we performed a population genetic analysis in all three native oak species of Cyprus and addressed whether two intermediate individuals arose...

Exploring the gene pools of Cypriot oaks: no evidence of intersectional hybridization

Pubblicato online: 03 apr 2023

Pagine: 11 - 24

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sg-2023-0002

Parole chiave
ssp., ssp., genetics, microsatellite markers

© 2023 Charalambos Neophytou et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Exploring the gene pools of Cypriot oaks: no evidence of intersectional hybridization

Pubblicato online: 03 apr 2023

Pagine: 11 - 24

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sg-2023-0002

Parole chiavessp., ssp., genetics, microsatellite markers

© 2023 Charalambos Neophytou et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Parole chiave
ssp., ssp., genetics, microsatellite markers