Genetic diversity and spatial correlation patterns unravel the biogeographical history of the European sweet vernal grasses (Anthoxanthum L., Poaceae)

Different processes have contributed to shaping the present distribution of the European biotas. Up to three different tertiary- to quaternary- time-scale evolutionary scenarios have been proposed to interpret the divergence and genetic structuring of plant species in Europe. In the present study, the Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms technique has been used to unravel the species and regional phylogeography of the European sweet vernal grasses (Anthoxanthum L. Poaceae). Forty-six populations belonging to all seven European species of Anthoxanthum and covering a broad geographical and ecological range were selected. Different phylogeography and population genetics diversity and structure estimates indicated a clear divergence of old Messinian Mediterranean lineages, followed by a pre-Pliocene split between Mediterranean annuals and Eurosiberian perennials and a more recent Pleistocene differentiation of Arctic–Alpine, Atlantic and Submediterranean diploid to polyploid landraces. Regional and population correlation tests between geographical and genetic distances allowed to postulate distinct pre- and post-glacial colonization pathways across Europe for the taxa of this widespread genus.