Sympatric diploid and hexaploid cytotypes of Senecio carniolicus (Asteraceae) in the Eastern Alps are separated along an altitudinal gradient

Author(s)
Peter Schönswetter, Margarita Lachmayer, Christian Lettner, David Prehsler, Stefanie Rechnitzer, Dieter Reich, Michaela Sonnleitner, Iris Wagner-Lücker, Karl Hülber, Gerald Schneeweiss, Pavel Travnicek, Jan Suda
Abstract

We explored the fine-scale distribution of cytotypes of the mountain plant Senecio carniolicus along an altitudinal transect in the Eastern Alps. Cytotypes showed a statistically significant altitudinal segregation with diploids exclusively found in the upper part of the transect, whereas diploids and hexaploids co-occurred in the lower range. Analysis of accompanying plant assemblages revealed significant differences between cytotypes along the entire transect but not within the lower part only, where both cytotypes co-occur. This suggests the presence of ecological differentiation between cytotypes with the diploid possessing the broader ecological niche. No tetraploids were detected, indicating the presence of strong crossing barriers.

Organisation(s)
Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research
External organisation(s)
Charles University Prague, Czech Academy of Sciences
Journal
Journal of Plant Research
Volume
120
Pages
721-725
No. of pages
5
ISSN
0918-9440
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10265-007-0108-x
Publication date
2007
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
106013 Genetics, 106008 Botany, 106030 Plant ecology
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/sympatric-diploid-and-hexaploid-cytotypes-of-senecio-carniolicus-asteraceae-in-the-eastern-alps-are-separated-along-an-altitudinal-gradient(e57a4aa9-240b-43f2-a126-02bdb2f0e0bc).html