The evaluation of Dorystoechas hastata Boiss. & Heldr. ex bentham within the scope of landscape genetics and determination of propagation possibilities

Landscape genetics is a rather new discipline that aims at providing information about the interaction between landscape features and microevolutionary processes, such as gene flow, genetic drift and selection, changing with natural or artificial forces. Landscape genetics combine and relate population genetic data with that of landscape ecology. The aim of this study is to study genetic differences among relict endemic Dorystoechas hastata Boiss. & Heldr. ex Bentham populations and the effect of habitat connectivity shaped by landscape structure on variation in genetic structure of the species. Thus, determination of effective conservation strategy for D. hastata and integrating genetic structure into landscape planning and conservation studies are aimed with this study. Populations were determined by selecting 3-5 genotypes from each of 16 locations representing genetic diversity of the species in the area of Kemer-Kumluca-Korkuteli counties of Antalya province within which D. hastata naturally exists. With the use of satellite image of the study area, landscape features of the areas among the populations will be determined first (ArcGIS 10.1 software) and then habitat connectivity was revealed (CONEFOR 2.6 software). Morphological and ecological characteristics were measured for each population. Leaf samples were taken from each genotype to determine genetic structure. Total 56 samples (16 locations X 3 or 5 genotypes) were analyzed with SRAP (Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism) and iPBS (interpprimer binding sites) molecular markers. The morphological data and the markers generated were used to evaluate degree of genetic variation present in the population and was revealed by principle component analysis. Population genetics data was calculated/obtained with POPGENE software. Pairwise FST and AMOVA indices were calculated using ARLEQUIN software 3.1. Habitat connectivity data was correlated with genetic data using regression analysis. Results showed that D. hastata is the only species existing from sea level to the 1855 m elevation in the family of Lamiaceae. The species exhibits a wide range of adaptation in regard to elevation, aspects, soil characteristics (pH, mineral elements, organic matter etc.). The 357 markers were obtained with SRAP and iPBS. The species possessed a large morphological and genetic variation. AMOVA results showed that 51% and 49% of total variation resided among and within populations, respectively. Increased habitat connectivity reduced genetic differentiations among populations. Semi-wood cuttings taken in March rooted without the need for hormones. When the germination characteristics of the seeds are evaluated, it is determined that the pre-application of cold increases the germination depending on altitute and it is suggested that more comprehensive germination experiments are carried out by seed viability test trying and different preliminary treatments.