Molecular phylogeny of Elymus alaskanus complex

Abstract

Elymus species have been ideal candidates for studying the evolution and polyploidy in plants because it has a worldwide distribution, great economic value, and has a complex genetic composition. Many studies have been done as part of an investigation mapping the speciation and analyzing genetic diversity in Eurasian Elymus species. Studying the molecular phylogeny of Elymus alaskanus complex is one part of this program. Even though many studies have focused on the genetic diversity of E. alaskanus, the information on the origin and phylogeny of E. alaskanus complex is lacking. In this study, seven populations including thirty-four Elymus alaskanus individuals from Canada, USA, and Greenland were analyze for the two chloroplasts genes (RPS16, RPOA) and one nuclear gene (RPB2). The objectives of this study were: 1) to identify whether E. alaskanus has single or multiple origins; and 2) to identify the potential maternal donor species in E. alaskanus. As a result, the potential maternal donor species in E. alaskanus was identified. Phylogenetic relationships within these seven populations were characterized. The outcome of this study can provide information for efficiently conservation and utilization of this species.