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Population genetics study reveals subspecies differentiation and chemical divergence in Satureja subspicata, highlighting molecular and phytochemical tools for conservation and breeding.
Satureja subspicata Bartl. ex Vis. (Lamiaceae) is an endemic species distributed along the Dinaric mountain range, used in traditional medicine. Due to its medicinal and aromatic properties, this plant is exploited in its natural habitat. This work aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of natural populations of both S. subspicata subspecies using essential oils (EO) variability and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. Also, to develop tools and biomarkers for the authentication of subspecies. The EO profile showed an abundance of sesquiterpenes and the absence of a single dominant compound. Based on α -pinene, γ -muurolene, caryophyllene oxide, and viridiflorol populations belonging to different subspecies could be differentiated. Additionally, higher amounts of caryophyllene oxide were characteristic of subsp. liburnica . Analysis of ISSR markers showed differentiation of populations and two subspecies due to the isolation by distance model, and revealed two populations with mixed ancestry in parts where the distribution areas of the two subspecies overlap. The observed genetic variability and consistency of traits give a basis for breeding strategies, domestication of specific EO profiles. Both markers can be used in assessing genetic diversity, hybrid detection between two subspecies, as well as between other sympatric Satureja species in natural populations.
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Dodoš et al. (2025) studied this question.
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