1. Genotypical and multiple phenotypical traits discriminate Salix × rubens Schrank clearly from its parent species.
- Author
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Kehl, Alexandra, Aas, Gregor, and Rambold, Gerhard
- Subjects
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PLANT shoots , *WILLOWS , *FLORAL products , *INFLORESCENCES , *PHENOLOGY - Abstract
Most studies on Salix hybrids concerning the diversity in a hybrid complex included typical morphological characteristics of leaves, buds, twigs and flowers for comparison with genotypic traits. Our analyses are based on a set of phenotypical traits of 19 clones of the S. alba/S. fragilis-aggregate which includes characteristics as phenology, growth, and composition of secondary leaf compounds, for the first time additional to morphological traits. Three clearly distinct groups ( S. alba L., S. fragilis L., and S. × rubens Schrank) could be identified based on phenotypical traits and ITS1 and 5.8S nrDNA sequences. S. × rubens revealed additivities at variable ITS1 and 5.8S positions as well as intermediate morphology and secondary compound pattern, but was characterised by significant earlier foliation start. This property leads to a better utilization of the vegetation period and may explain the detected better growth compared to the parent species and therefore also may have contributed to the widespread occurrence of S. × rubens in Central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
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