engleski

Historical and contemporary demography of Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) as revealed by microsatellite (SSRs) markers

Salvia officinalis L. is a perennial shrub native to eastern Adriatic coast and central and southern Appenines. Although well-known and valued for its high essential oils content, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding its past and present native distribution. To obtain evidence of population genetic structure and phylogeography of this species, 62 natural populations sampled throughout entire distribution area were analysed using eight SSR markers. The most of the populations grouped together in accordance with their geographical position. The highest levels of genetic variability and allelic richness were observed in populations from the central and southern Adriatic. In contrast to populations from the Balkan Peninsula, Apennine populations are characterized by high differentiation levels suggesting their long- lasting genetic isolation. Based on obtained results, three glacial microrefugia were identified, two in Balkan Peninsula and one in southern Apennines. Possible dynamics and directions of post-glacial recolonization paths of S. officinalis were discussed.

Salvia officinalis L.; population genetics; phylogeography; microsatellites; SSR; refugium

Croatian Science Foundation Project No 09.01/246: Epigenetic vs. genetic diversity in natural plant populations: A case study of Croatian endemic Salvia species