The determination of genetic diversity of Centaurea nivea by using microsatellit baset markers

Centaurea nivea is rare endemic species that have a narrow distribution area in Eskişehir region and represented by only five populations. According to Red Data Book of Turkish Plants, this species is categorised as critically endangered. In this study, genetic diversity of Centaurea nivea belonging to Compositae family and Cheriolepis section was analysed by using microsatellite markers.Firstly, the usability of ten SSR markers developed for C. corymbosa and C. stoebe & diffusa was tested in Centaurea nivea. Template, Mg+2 and annealing SSR-PCR method. As a result of analysing 150 individuals belonging to total five populations with three SSR primers, temperature optimization were undertaken for each SSR primer and the primers worked in C. nivea were determined. At the end of optimization studies in total three of SSR primers, 13D10, 13A9 and CM15, worked in C. nivea were detected.By using these primers, the intra and inter population genetic diversity levels of Centaurea nivea were studied with SSR-PCR method. As a result of studying 150 individuals belonging to total 5 population with 3 SSR primers, twenty-one alleles were detected. The all SSR loci were polymorphic. The average of expected heterozygosity (He) was found as 0.7298, FST value that is used to determine the level of genetic differentiation between populations as 0.1322 and the value of gene flow (Nm) as 1.6411. The results obtained from this study showed that the level of genetic diversity within subpopulations was higher than that of among populations. Suitable conservation stratejies were suggested for endemic C. nivea