Genetic Diversity in Marginal Populations of Nitraria schoberi L. from Romania

Nitraria schoberi L. (Nitrariaceae) is a halophytic plant with continuous range in Central Asia and only two populations the westernmost distribution limit of species, Romania. Currently, there no documented explanation for species’ presence Europe, outside main area. Considering that marginal genetics are important establishing limits species adaptative potential, genetic diversity was assessed using Inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR). Both Shannon’s Information Index (I) Expected Heterozygosity (He) suggested relatively low level within populations. However, Unweighted Pair Group Method Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram Principal Coordinates Analysis clearly distinguished Our presumptions, based on current results, population N. established due to unique conditions from “islands desert” developed temperate continental climate. The European establishment this likely accidental probably ornithochory. Genetic relatedness between could be consequence their common origin, presumably proximal Asian populations, while separation can explained by lack material exchange