Intraspecific Studies - Plants

Use of the AFLP technique to study genetic variation in Arthropodium cirratum

Identification of Magnolia hybrids and cultivars using DNA fingerprinting

Genetic variation in Aciphylla glaucescens

Use of the AFLP technique to study genetic variation in Arthropodium cirratum

P. Heenan, A. Mitchell, I.. Breitwieser,
P. DeLange, P. Lockhart
Prepared for submission to the
New Zealand Journal of Botany.

Abstract: Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) were used to generate informative DNA fingerprints from 15 representatives of Arthropodium cirratum. Preliminary comparison of DNA data with distribution information suggests there may be distinct geographic forms of A. cirratum. Anatomical and morphological work is ongoing. Refer to molecular techniques page for information on the AFLP technique.

Identification of Magnolia hybrids and cultivars using DNA fingerprinting

A. Mitchell , R. Edwards.
Prepared for submission to
Environmental Horticulture

Abstract: With the increasing number of Magnolia hybrids and cultivars that are becoming available it is necessary to be able to precisely identify individuals. It may be impossible to identify the parental combination and exact cultivar from morphological characters alone. Use of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP) allows exact identification of hybrid origin and through comparison with known fingerprints from a range of cultivars we can determine which cultivar the individual represents. Application of this method decreases the error associated with the identification of plant material.

Genetic variation in Aciphylla glaucescens

A. Mitchell, K. Hogan, and H. Chapman
New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 23: 61-67.

Abstract: Population structure, diversity and gene flow in four populations of Aciphylla glaucescens were studied using allozymes. Six of the 7 putative loci were polymorphic in at least one population. Within populations the mean percentage of polymorphic loci was 68%. Gene diversity for Aciphylla glaucescens was greater at the species level compared with other outcrossing, wind and animal pollinated species plant species (He = 0.257 versus 0.162). The mean diversity (FST = 0.256) among populations of A. glaucescens was also greater than that reported for most other species with similar breeding systems. Estimated gene flow (Nm) between populations was low, with only 0. 72 migrants per generation. The high gene diversity of A. glaucescens may be due to the a widespread distribution, obligate outcrossing and high fecundity of this species.