Astragalus alopecurus (Fabaceae) is one of the most emblematic wild plant species of Aosta Valley, since its impressive aspect, historical reputation, biogeographical characteristics as well as its rarity. Indeed, this perennial species occurs rather restrictively in temperate Asia and in Southern Europe, where its distribution is mainly limited to the Western Alps with several fragmented sites in Italy, exclusively in Aosta Valley, and in France, i.e. Upper-Alps and Alps of Upper Provence. As a species of relevant conservation interest, A. alopecurus is listed in Annex II and IV of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC as well as in Appendix I of Bern Convention. Although in Aosta Valley A. alopecurus is a strictly protected plant species, a deeper knowledge of its genetic variability and population structure is essential to guide effective in situ and ex situ conservation actions. This study aimed at developing SSR-based molecular markers for A. alopecurus characterization to be applied for (i) population genetic studies in natural habitats and (ii) investigation on genetic resources within ex situ conserved accessions. Starting from 4.172 reads obtained through a partial whole genome sequencing of A. alopecurus 11 SSR markers were identified through in silico analysis and validated via PCR, then optimized for multiplex-PCRs. This molecular protocol, applied to 78 individuals collected from 11 sites of Aosta Valley and three outgroup samples from French Upper-Alps. A total of 88 alleles were detected, revealing the presence of two main populations, clearly distinguished by geographical distance and exposure, each comprising subpopulations with varying levels of genetic variability. Furthermore, the SSR markers proved to be useful for assessing whether genetic resources of five seed bank accessions were comparable to their respective source populations.
SSR-based molecular markers to improve conservation strategies of Astragalus alopecurus Pall. in Aosta Valley
Comino C.;Portis E.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Astragalus alopecurus (Fabaceae) is one of the most emblematic wild plant species of Aosta Valley, since its impressive aspect, historical reputation, biogeographical characteristics as well as its rarity. Indeed, this perennial species occurs rather restrictively in temperate Asia and in Southern Europe, where its distribution is mainly limited to the Western Alps with several fragmented sites in Italy, exclusively in Aosta Valley, and in France, i.e. Upper-Alps and Alps of Upper Provence. As a species of relevant conservation interest, A. alopecurus is listed in Annex II and IV of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC as well as in Appendix I of Bern Convention. Although in Aosta Valley A. alopecurus is a strictly protected plant species, a deeper knowledge of its genetic variability and population structure is essential to guide effective in situ and ex situ conservation actions. This study aimed at developing SSR-based molecular markers for A. alopecurus characterization to be applied for (i) population genetic studies in natural habitats and (ii) investigation on genetic resources within ex situ conserved accessions. Starting from 4.172 reads obtained through a partial whole genome sequencing of A. alopecurus 11 SSR markers were identified through in silico analysis and validated via PCR, then optimized for multiplex-PCRs. This molecular protocol, applied to 78 individuals collected from 11 sites of Aosta Valley and three outgroup samples from French Upper-Alps. A total of 88 alleles were detected, revealing the presence of two main populations, clearly distinguished by geographical distance and exposure, each comprising subpopulations with varying levels of genetic variability. Furthermore, the SSR markers proved to be useful for assessing whether genetic resources of five seed bank accessions were comparable to their respective source populations.
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