Study of floristic-ecologic diversity and electrophoresis pattern of seed storage proteins in Artemisia spicigera L. in the North-West of Iran using D.S.S. method

The genus Artemisia (Asteraceae) with about 200-500 species، is one of the largest genus in Anthemidae. In order to study intraspecific diversity in Artemisia spicigera in the North-West of Iran، D. S. S. method was used in this research work. Eight special stations were determined using D. S. S. method for A. spicigera and floristic-ecologic data collected from each special station. In the survey of all special stations، 75 plant species were distinguished as associated species. As the result of analysis of floristic data، as floristic marker، 6 groups were determined. This groupment distinguished the existence of intraspecific diversity in A. spicigera. Analysis of ecologic data was also confirmed the above mentioned groupment. Seed storage proteins were subjected to electrophoresis to determine the level and kind of intraspecific diversity. The results were also in accordance with the results of floristic and ecological results. Existence of differences regarding number and density of the protein bands indicated the intraspecific diversity in the populations of A. spicigera. Therefore، in this species، the groupment that introduced by floristic marker، was confirmed by ecological and electrophoresis data as well. This means that floristic groupment can only be used as a cost-effective and efficient method to stud intraspecific diversity.