Changes in genome size in a fragmented distribution area: the case of Artemisia crithmifolia L. (Asteraceae, Anthemideae).

Abstract

[EN] Artemisia crithmifolia is a hexaploid shrub which inhabits the coastal Atlantic sand dunes of Western Europe, from the Southern Iberian Peninsula to the Netherlands, reaching the British Isles. Genome size data of 45 populations of A. crithmifolia, covering its entire distribution area, were obtained using the flow cytometry method. The 2C nuclear DNA content in this species ranged from 14.27 to 15.72 pg, the mean value being 14.98 pg. A negative correlation between nuclear DNA amount and latitude has been found, and statistically significant differences between two groups resulting from the fragmentation of the distribution area were evidenced.