Molecular diversity among Turkish oaks (<i>QUERCUS</i>) using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis

Abstract

The genus Quercus (Fagaceae) includes the most important woody plants with decidious and evergreen species in Northern hemisiphere. They have a problematic taxonomy because of widespread hybridization between the infrageneric taxa. Turkey is one of the most important region of the world according to oak species number and variation. In this study, species belonging to evergreen oaks in Turkey were investigated to solve taxonomic problems and to design the limit of taxa by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) data. Here, three species of evergreen oaks known as Quercus coccifera, Quercus ilex and Quercus aucheri were studied in all area located and made the comparison within and among species studied using ten RAPD markers. As a result; it can be stated that the presence of the three species in Ilex section is clear. Furthermore, existence of two infraspecific taxa or two seperate taxa in species level within Q. coccifera may be quite possibly considered.

Key words: Quercus ilex, Quercus coccifera, Quercus aucheri, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD).