Genotype relationships inMicroseris elegans (Asteraceae, Lactuceae) revealed by DNA amplification from arbitrary primers (RAPDs)

The genetic relationships among 10 inbred lines representing 10 populations of the autogamous annualMicroseris elegans from throughout California has been determined using random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). Seventeen arbitrary 10 base pair primers produced 134 amplification products; 81 of these were shared by two or more strains. The 3 genotypes from Northern California are closely related as are 3 genotypes from Middle Californian populations which are not nearest neighbors. DNA fingerprinting with the oligonucleotide (GATA)₄ gave compatible results, but the comparison was limited to samples run on one gel. Isoenzyme patterns are compatible with the DNA results, but limited by the very low number of informative polymorphisms. The clustered relationship among genotypes within a species and their geographic distribution suggests very restricted genetic recombination and an origin of new populations from randomly dispersed achenes within the range of the species.