Genetic diversity of Impatiens glandulifera in some Northern Europe sites estimated by ISSR markers

Abstract

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive alien annual up to 3 m height with pink or purple flowers plant [1]. Native to Himalayan region, I. glandulifera nowadays is among the most invasive plants in almost all Europe. Many introductions of the species are the result of their usage as decorative plant [2]. Till now little has been known about the genetic diversity of I. glandulifera in the northern parts of Europe. The objective of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity of I. glandulifera growing in Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 11 I. glandulifera populations were sampled. The plants were collected from 4 Lithuania, 4 Latvia and 3 Estonia populations (15 individuals in each population). Four ISSR markers (ISSR2, ISSR3, ISSR4, ISSR5) were used for analyses [3]. Size of the DNA fragments in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia was similar, ranging from 190 to 1300 bp. The highest number of fragments was estimated in Lithuania (18–21), less number of the fragments was obtained in Latvia plants (10–21) and the least – in Estonia (10–15). The UPGMA dendrogram revealed clear differentiation between the populations. ISSR analyses indicate that highest I. glandulifera genetic diversity was found in Lithuania as the most southern location country.