Differentiation of Juniperus deltoidеs R.P. Аdams in the Crimean-Caucasian Region according to the Variability of Microsatellite DNA Markers

The structure of genetic variability of the prickly juniper Juniperus deltoides R.P. Adams (family Cupressaceae), an important component of Mediterranean arid and semiarid ecosystems, was studied. We genotyped samples from five populations of J. deltoids located at the northeastern limit of the range in Eurasia (Western Crimea, Transcaucasia) and one Balkan population (Bulgaria) using five nuclear microsatellite loci developed for Juniperus cedrus Webb & Berthel. Average values of intrapopulation genetic diversity were found (He varies from 0.428 to 0.602) with the lowest values in the Crimean populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the populations were assigned into three genetic groups: Western Crimea, Caucasus (Krasnodar krai), and Balkans (Bulgaria). Application of AMOVA to these groups showed statistically significant differentiation (9.9% of total variability, P < 0.001). The first two groups correspond to the previously identified Asian group of J. deltoides, and the third group corresponds to the Balkan group. The differentiation of the Crimean populations from geographically close Caucasian populations is shown for the first time.