[Phylogenetic relationships of the species of Oxytropis DC. subg. Oxytropis and Phacoxytropis (Fabaceae) from Asian Russia inferred from the nucleotide sequence analysis of the intergenic spacers of the chloroplast genome].

The nucleotide sequence analysis of trnH­psbA, trnL­trnF, and trnS­trnG intergenic spacer regions of chloroplast DNA performed in the representatives of the genus Oxytropis from Asian Russia provided clarification of the phylogenetic relationships of some species and sections in the subgenera Oxytropis and Phacoxytropis and in the genus Oxytropis as a whole. Only the section Mesogaea corresponds to the subgenus Phacoxytropis, while the section Janthina of the same subgenus groups together with the sections of the subgenus Oxytropis. The sections Chrysantha and Ortholoma of the subgenus Oxytropis are not only closely related to each other, but together with the section Mesogaea, they are grouped into the subgenus Phacoxytropis. It seems likely that the sections Chrysantha and Ortholoma should be assigned to the subgenus Phacoxytropis, and the section Janthina should be assigned to the subgenus Oxytropis. The molecular differences were identified between O. coerulea and O. mandshurica from the section Janthina that were indicative of considerable divergence of their chloroplast genomes and the species independence of the taxa. The species independence of O. czukotica belonging to the section Arctobia was also confirmed.

[Genetic variation of the relict species Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem. (Araliaceae) in Primorsky Krai].

Based on the analysis of 17 genes encoding the allozyme diversity of 12 enzyme systems, data were obtained on the genetic variation of a relict of the Tertiary flora, a valuable medicinal plant Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem. (Araliaceae) in the Russian area of its habitat. Indicators of polymorphism for populations had rather high values on average (P95 = 42.4%, A = 1.55, H(o) = 0.211, and H(e) = 0.168), which are comparable with the known data for populations of A. sessiliflorus from the peninsula of Korea. The level of genetic diversity and its distribution among populations reflects the interaction of several factors, among which the most important are the historical past of the species, genetic drift, and the plasticity of the reproduction system. The obtained data can serve as a basis for the conservation of genetic resources of Far Eastern Araliaceae species.

[Genetic variation in six species of the genus Oxytropis DC. (Fabaceae) from Kamchatka Peninsula].

Using the isozyme analysis, genetic variations in six species of the genus Oxytropis DC. (Fabaceae) from Kamchatka was assessed. It was demonstrated that diploid species from the section Arctobia were characterized by a low level of variations typical of endemic plant species. At the same time, polyploid species from the Orobia section demonstrated very high values of the heterozygosity parameters (H(o) varied from 0.200 to 0.274). It has been suggested that the level of polymorphism of the oxytropes from Kamchatka was shaped as a result of the interaction of a number of factors, among which the most important are the ecological confinedness of the species, the specific features of the reproductive system, and gene drift. In the species of Orobia section, it is also the presence of the polyploid genome.

[Genetic diversity of a rare species Aristolochia contorta bungae (aristolochiaceae) in Primorsky Krai].

The herbaceous vine, twisted birthwort Aristolochia contorta Bunge, is a rare species listed in the Red Data Book of Primorsky krai (2008). On the northern boundary of its range (south of the Russian Far East), the species is represented by small isolated populations confined to the river drainages. Using allozyme analysis, genetic variation of nine natural populations ofA. contorta (247 accessions), which represented the main part of the species range in Russia, was examined. The values of genetic variation indices (P = 22.7%; A = 1.28; Ho = 0.129; He = 0.101) were low and comparable with the data obtained for other rare plants. The proportion of unique genotypes (G/N) and Simpson's genotypic diversity index (D) ranged from 0.32 to 0.64 and from 0.60 to 0.98, respectively. This means that A. contorta is characterized by sexual and asexual reproduction. Moreover, the ratio between these types of reproduction varied among the populations. Complete absence of inbreeding and excess of heterozygotes (F(IS) = -0.282), which was low probable in case of free mating, was observed. Evidently, clonal growth and (or) apomixis enables the species to maintain certain level of heterozygosity despite of small population sizes and non-regular gene exchange.

[Specific features of plants at early stages of the colonization of loose volcanic matter].

Plant morphology and seed germination have been studied in several species joining monodominant beds of pioneer plant species on loose volcanic matter on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands. The competition of these species is discussed.

High chloroplast haplotype diversity in the endemic legume Oxytropis chankaensis may result from independent polyploidization events.

Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae) is an endangered perennial tetraploid species endemic to the Khanka Lake coast. In Russia, O. chankaensis is distributed across a very restricted zone along the western shore of this lake. To characterise all known populations of this species, we assessed the genetic diversity of four noncoding regions of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). Variable sites detected within the trnL-trnF, the petG-trnP, and the trnS-trnG regions allowed the identification of seven haplotypes. On the other hand, no variation was found in the trnH-psbA region. O. chankaensis exhibited an overall low level of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00052) but a marked haplotype diversity (h = 0.718). A combination of three or four haplotypes was found in each population, and most of the cpDNA variation (above 90%) was distributed within populations. The level of genetic structure that we detected in O. chankaensis using maternal plastid DNA markers was much lower (G (ST) = 0.037) than the average that is estimated for angiosperms. We found no evidence for isolation by distance or for phylogeographic structuring in O. chankaensis. Our data suggest that autopolyploidy has arisen more than once in the evolutionary history of this species. Repetitive expansion and contraction during past and ongoing demographic events both seem to be involved in shaping the current genetic structure of O. chankaensis. This study provides valuable information for developing the most appropriate strategy for conserving this endemic species with a narrow habitat range.

[Conservation of endemic species from the Russian Far East using seed cryopreservation].

A seed response to cryopreservation has been studied in 11 endemic plant species from the Russian Far East to determine the possibility of their long-term storage. It has been shown that the cryogenic treatment does not kill seeds. The viability of 10 species did not decrease (or even increased) after their cryogenic storage. We have not revealed any deviations in the development of plants germinated from seeds stored at an extremely low temperature (-196 degrees C). To monitor germination after long-term storage, procedures of seed germination under laboratory conditions have been developed. The results of this study contribute to the creation of low-temperature seed banks, able to conserve and restore a floral biological diversity.

[Genetic variation of Oplopanax elatus (Nakai) Nakai (Araliaceae)].

Using allozyme analysis, genetic and genotypic variation of rare relict species, a member of one of ancient angiosperm families, Araliaceae, the clone-forming plant Oplopanax elatus (Nakai) Nakai, was evaluated. Electrophoretic separation of the enzymes is described, and genetic interpretation of the enzymes variation patterns is presented. The values of genetic variation indices obtained were low (P = 25%; A = 1.45: Ho = 0.131; He = 0.113) and comparable with the data reported for the rare plant species and the representatives of the family Araliaceae. The main factors responsible for the polymorphism level observed might be the evolutionary history of the species and gene drift. The level of genotypic diversity (G/N = 0.76; D = 0.97) was substantially higher, compared to the values reported for species with vegetative reproduction (D = 0.62). These results suggest certain contribution of the propagation by seeds in the formation of the species of interest.

[Characteristics of gene pools of three Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel populations at the range margins].

Genetic variation of Siberian dwarf pine Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel was characterized in three marginal populations in southwestern, southern and eastern parts of the natural species range (Transbaikalia, Primorye, Kamchatka) using isozyme analysis. Analysis involving 16 isozyme loci encoding ten enzyme systems was conducted. Our results confirm that P. pumila is among the most polymorphic species in the family Pinus. Three marginal populations exhibited high genetic variation (P95 = 68.8%, Ho = 0.247, He = 0.291). Populations heterogeneity and significantly high level of divergence in coniferous (F(ST) = 0.050, D(N) = 0.044) reflect their genetic originality. In summary, it was shown that the level of genetic variation characteristic for P. pumila in other parts of the not only is reproduced in the populations examined but even is close to maximum there.

[Genetic structure and differentiation of populations of the tetraploid species Oxytropis chankaensis (Fabaceae)].

The population genetic variation of the tetraploid species Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae), a local endemic of the western coast of Khanka Lake (Primorye), was examined. Five populations were analyzed using 28 isozyme loci encoding 16 enzyme systems. Significant allelic heterogeneity among the populations was found for six out of twelve polymorphic loci. The heterozygosity of the samples (total sample size 294 plants) He = 0.301 was considerable higher than the mean values in populations of endemic species (0.076). Based on the results of this study, we identified two groups of O. chankaensis populations (southern and northern), in spite of the absence of marked hiatus between them. Of special interest is the population from Przhewalski Spit, which is a natural reserve of genetic diversity of the species and the putative center of formation of the autotetraploid O. chankaensis.

[Conserving the gene pool of Far Eastern plants by means of seed cryopreservation].

Cryotolerance of seeds has been studied in 103 plant species of 33 families from five regions of the Russian Far East. In 89.1% of these species, seed viability has not decreased in the course of cryogenic storage. Six species have shown interpopulation variation in the seed response to extremely low temperature (-196 degrees C). Freezing in liquid nitrogen, which results in deep anabiosis, can be used as a means for long-term seed storage. A preliminary assessment of genetic diversity at the population level provides for the maximum possible mobilization of the species gene pool. The results of this study contribute to the development of a scientific basis for creating a seed bank of the Far Eastern flora with the purpose to conserve and restore biological resources of the region.

[Plant biomorphology and seed germination of pioneer species of the Kamchatka volcanoes].

Biomorphology, quantitative characters and seed germination of 17 pioneer plant species friable materials of volcanic eruptions (Kamchatka Peninsula) were studied. Adaptive trends in survival stress conditions are discussed. To evaluate a possibility of the cryogenic seed storage, their response to ultra low temperatures (-196 degrees C) was determine.

[Analysis of genetic variation in rare endemic species Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae) using RAPD markers]. / Analiz geneticheskoi izmenchivosti redkogo épidemichngo vida Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae) na osnove RAPD-markerov.

The method of polymerase chain reaction with random primers (RAPD) was used to assess genetic variation and population differentiation in the rare endemic plant Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae). DNA samples from plants of two isolated populations were compared at 133 loci detected by use of ten primers. Both populations examined were characterized by high polymorphism levels (P95 = 72.9%, A = 1.92 and P95 = 74.4%, A = 1.88, respectively). They were also statistically significantly different in the frequencies of most of the amplicons. For each of the plants, unique multilocus RAPD phenotype was established using 17 to 20 RAPD markers. Diagnostic markers were not revealed. The populations were poorly differentiated. On average, the between-population component accounted for about 8% of the variation, while 92% of the variation was detected within populations. High variation along with the low degree of differentiation characteristic of two most geographically remote populations of O. chankaensis can have several explanations, among which a polyploid origin of the species seems to be most important.

[High level of polymorphism and autotetraploid origin of rare endemic species of Fabaceae, Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz., inferred from allozyme data]. / Vysokii uroven' polimorfiszma i avtotetrapolidnoe proiskhozhednie redkogo éndemicheskogo vida ostrolodochnika khankaiskogo Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae): dannye allozimnogo analiza.

Using starch electrophoresis, we examined 19 enzyme systems presumably controlled by 35 loci in the rare endemic tetraploid species Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae). Electrophoretic patterns and their genetic interpretation are presented. The isozyme data suggest tetrasomic inheritance in O. chankaensis. Three or four alleles at a particular locus were found in a number of individual plants, which indicate the autotetraploid origin of this species. Seventeen loci were shown to be polymorphic. As reliable gene markers for population systems, we recommend highly active polymorphic systems showing good allozyme separation (Ce-2, Gpi-2, Gpt-2, Idh-2, Lap, Mdh-2, and Mdh-3). Parameters of allozyme variability proved to be very high for a rare species with a restricted range: P = 48.6%, Ap = 3.06, Hob = 0.173.