Geographical distribution of wild Daucus species in the natural grasslands of the Argentinian pampas

• Published in: Genetic resources and crop evolution 2007-06, Vol.54 (4), p.855-863
• Main Authors: Camadro, E. L, Cauhépé, M. A, Simon, P. W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: carrots; chromosome number; Chromosomes; Daucus; Daucus montanus; Daucus montevidensis; Daucus pusillus; Flora; Geographical distribution; Grasslands; Morphology; Pampas; Phenotypes; phytogeography; plant morphology; Plant species; Populations; Species; wild relatives
• ISSN: 0925-9864; 1573-5109
• DOI: 10.1007/s10722-006-9162-9

Three wild carrot species have been reported in the Argentinian flora: Daucus montanus Humb. et Bonpl. ex Schult., D. montevidensis Link ex Sprengel and D. pusillus Michx. There is a discrepancy among authors about the distinctive morphological traits of the last two species; thus, it is difficult to ascertain if they are truly two distinct taxa. Based on the available literature and in the search of a paradigmatic site, four collection trips were carried out in 2004 and 2005 in Buenos Aires and Southern Entre Ríos provinces. Populations were sampled at 30 sites, and local environmental parameters and associated plant species were recorded. Morphological observations and chromosome counts were carried out on 10 plants/population. Three morphological phenotypes were distinguished: one in 18 populations, all with 2n = 2x = 18, and two in the remaining 12, with 2n = 2x = 22 or aneusomaty (2n = 2x = 20, 22). Populations of the first phenotype were assigned to wild D. carota and the rest, tentatively, to D. pusillus (D. montevidensis?), till further evaluations are carried out in test sites to verify this tentative conclusion.