Genetic variability in populations of Elionurus muticus (Poaceae) from Corrientes, Argentina, based on molecular markers of nuclear and chloroplastic DNA.

Abstract

Genetic variability in populations of Elionurus muticus (Poaceae) from Corrientes, Argentina, based on molecular markers of nuclear and chloroplastic DNA. Elionurus muticus constitutes a valuable renewable resource; it is used as forage, soil fixer, clothing flavoring, to drive away moths, as antiseptic, against gonorrhea and urinary problems, for bronchitis, to cure leprosy, among other uses. In addition, due to its citral content, it has been proposed as a surrogate for essential oils, such as citronella. Despite its potential, there are few works of genetic characterization of this species. In this work, we genetically characterize populations of E. muticus from Corrientes (Argentina), using molecular markers RAPD and cpDNA. Results show genetic variability in populations, which would be the results of genetic drift, a history of population reduction and the reproduction types of the species. Since, in previous works in Argentinian populations, it was found morphological variability and in the ability to produce oils, a joint analysis of morphological, chemical and genetic variability, in a bigger number of populations, representative of the entire area of distribution of the species, will enrich the knowledge about the state of the current genetic resources of E. muticus, and will contribute to the enhancement of the species as a natural resource and as a potential crop for sustainable commercial use.