Limited gene flow in adjacent valleys and genetic introgression in a mountain hybrid zone between Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) species

Abstract

The number of polyploid plants in angiosperms is estimated at about 30–80%, depending on the study, but hybridization between diploids and tetraploids is not a common phenomenon. In this study, our aim was to determine the extent of hybridization and introgression between Aconitum species in a mountainous hybrid zone in the Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians). We hypothesized that topography would affect their populations’ genetic structure. For this purpose, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA, region trnL(UAG)–ndhF) sequencing were used. The results revealed that diploid and tetraploid Aconitum species had specific cpDNA haplotypes, while the spontaneous hybrid species harbored a cpDNA haplotype typical for tetraploids. Bayesian STRUCTURE analysis showed that introgression occurred between diploid and tetraploid species above the tree line, where a spontaneous hybrid, a putative triploid A. ×berdaui, originated, probably via the triploid bridge mechanism. Molecular analysis of variance, principal coordinate analysis, and neighbor-net clustering revealed different genetic profiles of the diploids between neighboring mountain valleys. Hence, mountain topography, ridges, and valleys can form an effective geographical barrier, preventing gene flow over longer distances. Introgression happens near or above the tree line, where the hybridization zone is formed. In the introgressants, however, no morphological alterations were discernible.