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Genetic relationships in European and Asiatic Buxus species based on AFLP markers, genome sizes and chromosome numbers

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Abstract

The genetic relationships and diversity within the European and Asiatic Buxus species were analysed using AFLP, genome size analysis and chromosome counts. Based on these results two major clusters could be defined. One genetic cluster contained B. sempervirens and B. balearica, European species, and B. colchica, an Asiatic species but with leaf morphology similar to B. sempervirens. Species in this cluster were characterised by a genome size between 1.38 and 1.69 pg 2C−1 and a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 28 (diploid). Only four B. sempervirens cultivars within this cluster were triploid. A second cluster contained the Asiatic Buxus species B. microphylla, B. harlandii, B. hyrcana, B. myrica, B. henryi, B. bodinieri and B. wallichiana. Within this second genetic cluster three different ploidy levels could be observed. B. harlandii, B. hyrcana and nine B. microphylla cultivars were tetraploid (2n = 4x = 56) with a genome size of >2.5 pg 2C−1. Fifteen other B. microphylla cultivars were triploid (2n = 3x = 42). The other Asiatic Buxus species, B. henryi, B. bodinieri and eight B. microphylla cultivars, were diploid with a genome size of ca. 1.5 pg 2C−1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Sciences Unit, Applied Genetics and Breeding, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Caritasstraat 21, 9090, Melle, Belgium

    Katrijn Van Laere, Leen Leus & Johan Van Huylenbroeck

  2. Herplant NV, Lilsedijk 80, 2340, Beerse, Belgium

    Didier Hermans

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  1. Katrijn Van Laere
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  2. Didier Hermans
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  3. Leen Leus
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  4. Johan Van Huylenbroeck
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Correspondence to Katrijn Van Laere.

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Van Laere, K., Hermans, D., Leus, L. et al. Genetic relationships in European and Asiatic Buxus species based on AFLP markers, genome sizes and chromosome numbers. Plant Syst Evol 293, 1–11 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-011-0422-6

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