Morphological and environmental variability ofDianthus sylvestris(Caryophyllaceae) in the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract

Species with wide ranges often exhibit morphological variability that is mostly shaped by ecological and evolutionary processes, and the resulting diversity is frequently reflected in intraspecific taxonomy. Dianthus sylvestris in the Balkan Peninsula encompasses six subspecies (D. sylvestris subspp. alboroseus, bertisceus, kozjakensis, nodosus, sylvestris and tergestinus), the identification of which is problematic due to a great morphological variability and complex patterns of environmental variation. To explore morphological variation of described subspecies and to investigate how their morphology varies in relation to environmental variations across their geographical distribution, we evaluated 97 populations of D. sylvestris for variability in 25 morphological characters and 20 environmental variables. Number and shape of epicalyx scales, calyx length and petal denticulation captured the greatest extent of morphological variability between populations. Morphometric analyses revealed a continuous variability in quantitative morphological characters and an absence of clear morphological differentiation between the investigated subspecies. However, two main morphologically distinct entities, the north-western Balkan populations and the south-eastern Balkan populations, were identified and they were split approximately along the Neretva River valley. In addition, our results indicate that environment, rather than geography, plays a potentially more important role in shaping the morphological variability of this taxon. Overall, our results do not support the recognition of the described subspecies or the currently accepted taxonomic concept, instead pointing to a continuous morphological variability of D. sylvestris in the Balkan Peninsula.

Phenotypic correlates of genetic divergence suggest at least three species in the complex of Dianthus virgineus (Caryophyllaceae)

“…Similarly, while trying to unravel morphological relationships among six Balkan taxa included in the D. virgineus complex, Terlević & al. (2023) found two main morphological units, incongruent with traditional taxonomy, that were mainly differentiated by the shape of their epicalyx scales and their calyx length (along with some petal features that are not considered in the present work). Furthermore, the combination of different shape and length of calyx teeth has been strictly linked to the diverse shape of floral buds found between D. virgineus and D. inodorus from type localities (Domina & al., 2021b).…”

“…Terlević & al. (2023) showed that petals size and shape varied significantly along the Balkan Peninsula, but without fully mirroring current taxonomy. However, difference in petal denticulation allowed a discrimination between D. sylvestris subsp.…”

“…Measurements were performed on herbarium specimens, which did not allow to collect reliable data for corolla features, as most of the flower features are lost in dried plants. However, calyx measurements can provide a proxy for petal size, since the two structures are correlated in this complex (Terlević & al., 2023). Overall, 33 morphological characters were measured, including those previously used to discriminate taxa belonging to the Dianthus virgineus complex (Tutin & Walters, 1993; Bacchetta & al., 2010; Brullo & Guarino, 2017).…”

“…This seemingly clear delimitation based on morphological variation is in contrast with the results by Terlević & al. (2023), who quantitatively demonstrated that features previously used for taxa recognition in the Balkan peninsula were unreliable, as they varied according to geographical and environmental gradients rather than taxonomic attribution.…”

Genetic diversity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala) using agro-morphological and SSR markers

“…Detailed agro-morphological characterization and assessment of patterns of genetic variability based on quantitative and qualitative traits is the rst and crucial step in describing available genetic resources and their e cient use in breeding programs (Balkaya and Yanmaz 2005;Oumata et al 2023). However, although agro-morphological traits can be controlled at the genetic level, they may be nonspeci c and non-polymorphic, and their variation could be strongly in uenced by environmental factors (Choudhury et al 2022;Petit et al 2020;Terlević et al 2023). In contrast, DNA-based molecular markers are stable, intact, abundant in the genome, and free from environmental in uences.…”