| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 MB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
In this work, using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, we present new insights into the
genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima of western Iberia and
the Azores and Madeira islands and of B. macrocarpa from southern Portugal. B. macrocarpa occurs
only in southern Portugal and frequently in sympatry with B. vulgaris subsp. maritima, showing
genetic introgression. B. macrocarpa has a better-defined structure than B. vulgaris subsp. maritima,
which has a high degree of admixture. A great differentiation (FST ranging from 0.277 to 0.184) was
observed among the northern populations of B. vulgaris subsp. maritima. In contrast, only a small
differentiation (FST ranging from 0.000 to 0.026) was detected among the southern B. vulgaris subsp.
maritima populations. The inland B. vulgaris subsp. maritima populations (“RIO” and “VMT”) are
distinct from each other, which also occurs with the two islands’ populations (“MAD” and “AZO”).
The existence of two distinct Atlantic Sea currents can explain the fact that Madeira is related to the
southern populations, while the Azores is related to the northern populations. We consider that
understanding the relationships existing within Beta spp. is key to future genetic studies and for the
establishment of conservation measures. Our results show that the southern coastal areas of Portugal
should be considered as a potential site for in situ conservation of the beet wild relatives. Special
attention is needed in what concerns B. macrocarpa because this is a rare species that also occurs in a
sympatric relationship with B. vulgaris subsp. maritima.
Description
Keywords
wild beet populations Iberian Peninsula F-statistics genetic differentiation population structuring admixture sympatric populations
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Veloso, M.M.; Simões-Costa, M.C.; Guimarães, J.B.; Ribeiro, C.M.; Evaristo, I.; Espírito-Santo, D.; Pinto-Ricardo, C.; Paulo, O.S.; Duarte, M.C. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Wild Beets (Beta spp.) from the Western Iberian Peninsula and the Azores and Madeira Islands. Diversity 2021, 13, 593. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110593
Publisher
MDPI