Vegetos

Abstract

Present study is focused on taxonomic characters and genetic variation in Calligonum mongolicum Turcz. (Polygonaceae) complex which includes C. alashanicum A. Los., C. chinense A. Los., C. gobicum A. Los., C. pumilum A. Los., and C. zaidamense A. Los. Relationships within and in between populations of C. mongolicum and six related species (C. alashanicum, C. chinense, C. gobicum, C. pumilum, and C. zaidamens) was examined on the basis of their phenotypes like flower, life-form, branches, and fruit morphological characters; karyotypes and microsatellite markers which can improve conservation of this plants and its germplasm resource. The phenotypes of parents and offspring were compared and all the indices had no taxonomic value in this complex. Calligonum mongolicum includes diploid (2n = 18) and triploid (2n = 27) individuals. All the species have similar karyotypes (2B or 2C) which suggest that C. pumilum, C. gobicum, C. chinense and C. zaidamense are probably derived from C. mongolicum. Only 4/14 of the polymorphic microsatellite loci that have been isolated and characterized in C. mongolicum were successfully amplified in C. mongolicum, C. pumilum, C. gobicum, C. chinense, and C. zaidamense. Based on comparison of the phenotypes, karyotypes, and microsatellite markers, it has been suggested that C. pumilum, C. gobicum, C. chinense, and C. zaidamense should be merged within C. mongolicum. Investigations on the offspring and karyotypes of C. alashanicum alongwith ITS sequencing shall be continued further.