Molecular and Phytochemical Variability of Endemic Juniperus sabina var. balkanensis from Its Natural Range

Abstract

Juniperus sabina L. var. balkanensis R.P. Adams & Tashev is a recently described endemic variety from the Balkan Peninsula. Its strong sprouting ability and fast vegetative propagation, on one hand, and fragmented distribution, on the other, can lead to lower genetic diversity in local populations and to the differentiation of populations. As there has been no detailed investigation of this variety, we studied Balkan natural populations using phytochemical and molecular markers. Leaf essential oils (EOs) were chosen based on their proven usability in the population studies of Juniperus taxa, while ISSRs (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) have been used due to their high resolution. In addition, since this variety is best described using molecular markers, the chloroplast trnS-trnG region was amplified from individuals from different populations having different chemotypes. Based on the essential oil profile, three chemotypes could be identified with a difference in their distribution. The analysis of molecular variance showed moderate differentiation of populations and regions, attesting to the start of the separation of three regions in the Balkans: west, east and south. The bioclimatic and environmental parameters and sex of the individual did not influence the EO profile, although some of the compounds present in low-to-medium concentrations showed strong correlation with several bioclimatic parameters.

Phytochemistry and Micromorphology of Epicuticular Waxes in Four Juniper Species With Fragmented Distribution in the Balkans

“…balkanensis R.P.Adams & Tashev. [19][20][21][22][23] J. excelsa M. Bieb. (Grecian juniper, JEX) is a monoecious or dioecious tree with scaly adult leaves (decurrent juvenile) with a prominent glandular opening on the adaxial side and purplish-brown seed cones.…”

“…Adams has recently described a tetraploid variety of J. sabina present only in the Balkans and adjacent regions – J. sabina L. var. balkanensis R.P.Adams & Tashev [19–23] . J. excelsa M. Bieb.…”

Soil Requirements, Genetic Diversity and Population History of the Juniperus sabina L. Varieties in Europe and Asia

“…sabina extends from Spain in the west to Georgia in the east, whereas var. balkanensis is found in the Iberian, Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas and western Turkey [11][12][13][14][15]. The varieties sabina and balkanensis co-occur only in one locality in Spain, but hybrids were not found there [9].…”

“…It was shown that the midday leaf temperature of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) growing under drought stress was significantly lowered due to increased leaf water potential from the K supply [21]. The balkanensis variety of J. sabina exhibits a substantial drought tolerance [15]; however, factors enhancing its ability to cope with the water deficit have not yet been recognised. The range of var.…”

“…In var. balkanensis populations from the Balkan Peninsula, only three individuals per population were studied using the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers [15]. In the present study, the nuclear microsatellite and cpDNA markers were used to analyse genetic diversity and differentiation and the population history of the savin juniper in Europe and two Asian countries, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.…”