The genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of the Corso-Sardinian endemic Ferula arrigonii Bocchieri (Apiaceae)

Corsica and Sardinia represent major hotspots of plant diversity in the Mediterranean area and are priority regions for conservation due to their high number of endemic plant species. However, information supporting human decision-making on the conservation of these species is still scarce, especially at the genetic level. In this work, the first assessment is reported of the species-wide spatial genetic structure and diversity of Ferula arrigonii Bocchieri, a Corso-Sardinian endemic located in a few coastal sites and on small islands. Nine populations covering the entire natural range of the species were investigated by means of AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers. Results indicate that this species is characterised by high levels of genetic polymorphism (92% polymorphic fragments) and of genetic diversity (Hw = 0.317) and by relatively low differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.057). PCoA, Bayesian analysis and neighbour-joining clustering were also employed to investigate the genetic structure of this species. Three genetically distinct groups were detected, although with considerable overlap between populations.