engleski

Microsatellite evidence for high clonality in narrow endemic and endangered Salvia brachyodon (Lamiaceae): implications for management and conservation

Salvia brachyodon Vandas or short‐tooth sage is a clonal, narrow endemic and endangered plant species with only two known populations: on Pelješac peninsula (Croatia) and Mt. Orjen (Bosnia and Herzegovina). In order to assess the levels of its genetic diversity, 120 individuals from Pelješac peninsula population were genetically analysed using eight microsatellite markers. With intention of reaching fine‐scale intra‐population spatial genetic structure, geographic coordinates for each plant sample were recorded. Given results confirmed the highly clonal structure of this species. Spatial genetic analysis revealed large and tightly packed stands of ramets suggesting the propagation by underground stolones. For small and isolated population, such reproductive strategy is maybe an advantage in the short‐term scale, but bearing in mind that clonality can have development of inbred population with low fecundity for a consequence, it also presents a great threat. In addition, population bottleneck was also detected, confirming the high vulnerability of this population. Ecological succession and disappearance of suitable open‐type habitat are recognized as the likely causes of such dramatic reduction in population size. In contrast, large scale wild fire that has overrun this location 12 years ago is presumably population saviour. In order to protect this population, agro‐pastoral system that was once present in this location, should be encouraged and re‐ established.

Salvia brachyodon; clonality; conservation; microsatellites

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