Search

The genetic variability of Lotus corniculatus , a common and important fodder legume, was studied in relation to habitat type and to species diversity at a local level. The study was conducted in Cholomontas mountain, northern Greece, at altitudes of 760–870 m. Genetic material was selected from four forested, at the edge of forest, and four open grassland sites, and was studied with the aid of ISSR molecular markers. The plant cover at each study site was measured and the floristic composition was estimated. The percentage of graminoides increased in grassland sites with high grazing intensity, while the abundance of legumes, including L. corniculatus , forbs and woody species, increased in forested sites with low grazing intensity. Gene diversity H E within the studied populations of L. corniculatus ranged from 0.167 to 0.213 and Shannon index (I) from 0.269 to 0.340. Genetic differentiation was detected between habitats as well as among the populations in each habitat, although it was low, 3% and 7% respectively. However, genetic differentiation was significant within the populations (90%). Genetic diversity of L. corniculatus was not correlated with species diversity (richness and evenness) either within or between populations, while was negatively correlated with L. corniculatus abundance.

Thirty landraces were selected from a Gene Bank collection comprising of pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) landraces from across Greece. The genetic variability among the 30 landraces and one commercial greek cultivar, intended for industrial use, was assessed by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) - Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers. All genotypes were clearly distinguished in the dendrograms produced, with the ISSR and SCoT dendrograms being the most consistent. Three landraces were grouped together in all dendrogams revealing a possible phylogenetic relationship. Furthermore, EST-SSR markers were combined with High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis by which the more adequate and confident separation of the landraces was accomplished due to the unique HRM profiles produced. Genotyping the rich Greek pepper germplasm by molecular markers will aid the breeding process towards well adopted Greek pepper cultivars of higher quality and productivity.