Relationships of Festuca-Lolium complex in Iran assessed using trnH-psbA sequences

The Festuca-Lolium complex refers to a group of closely relatad taxa within festucoids clade, including outbreeding species of the genus Lolium and the species of the genus Festuca subgenus Schedonorus. In this study, relationships among 6 species of Festuca-Lolium complex were assessed using trnH-psbA sequences. Based on the results of this study Lolium is monophyletic. Also, a cluster including Lolium and Festuca subgen. Schedonorus and F. gigantea can be monophyletic. The results support transferring Festuca subgen. Schedonorus into the genus Lolium as a new combination that was proposed by Darbyshire. The trnH-psbA sequences support transfering Festuca gigantea from Festuca subgen. Drymenthele into Festuca subgen. Schedonorus sect. Plantynia.