To the importance of genetic diversity of Phragmites australis in the development of reed stands

Reed stands in Germany and Europe were investigated with respect to their genetic diversity by means of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) via the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR-fingerprinting). Different types of clonal distribution could be distinguished: monoclonal reed stands and polyclonal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wetlands ecology and management 2000, Vol.8 (6), p.403-414
Main Authors: Koppitz, H, Kuehl, H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Phragmites australis
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Summary:Reed stands in Germany and Europe were investigated with respect to their genetic diversity by means of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) via the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR-fingerprinting). Different types of clonal distribution could be distinguished: monoclonal reed stands and polyclonal reed stands, and among the latter, stands with low or high numbers of different clones as well as stands with mosaic-like coexisting or intermingling clones. Furthermore, clonal distribution and the expansion of different clones was observed within a newly developing reed population. The findings appear to support a model of colonization postulating that populations initiated by seeds are initially genetically diverse, but over time become dominated by one or a few clones adapted to the prevailing site conditions. Thus, low genetic diversity seems to be the result of a natural selection process. Clonal diversity within a reed population and the type of clonal distribution are discussed with regard to their importance for the reed stand's ability to adapt to changing site conditions and eventually for its survival or die-back.
ISSN:0923-4861
DOI:10.1023/a:1026557901479