Molecular diversity of local Norwegian meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) populations and Nordic cultivars-consequences for management and utilisation.

Genetic diversity and relatedness were studied in 30 Norwegian local populations of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The populations were also compared with 13 Nordic meadow fescue cultivars in order to analyse the distribution of variation in local populations and cultivars and to elucidate relationships between local populations and cultivars. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA: ) analysis showed that most of the variation was present within populations and that little variation was found between local populations and cultivars. Separate AMOVA: analyses of local populations and cultivars revealed a higher level of variation within registered cultivars than within local populations. A cluster analysis based on corrected average pairwise differences between populations showed that the populations could be divided into three clusters, of which one also contained the cultivars. These results were supported by principal coordinates analysis. The results indicate that the Norwegian meadow fescue has a narrow genetic basis and that the local populations in Norway can be divided into three groups following the most probable routes of introduction of the species into Norway. The inland populations are closely related to the cultivars and have most probably been established as a result of migration from sown meadows. The western and southern populations probably originate from human activity-for example, trade-to the coastal western and northern parts of the country and to the central parts of southern Norway.