Some Aspects of the Importance of Genetic Diversity in <i>Phragmites australis</i> (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel for the Development of Reed Stands

Abstract

Abstract: Various sites of Phragmites australis in Germany (Uckermark and Mark Brandenburg) and sites in Hungary and Denmark were investigated by PCR fingerprinting in order to determine their genetic diversity. Genetic similarities were calculated and, based on this, a cluster analysis was performed. The genetic similarity of reed clones around one lake ranged from between 70 to 100%, that of clones from different lakes was clearly lower. The further apart the clones were situated from each other, the less similar they were. At a wetland site near the shore a sudden colonisation by several new Phragmites clones was observed. This site was located in front of a well established genetically almost homogenous stand within the eulittoral. All the results are discussed in connection with a proposed model of establishment and development of water reed stands: colonization, selection of best adapted clones by competition and the stability of stands.