Experimental populations evolving under natural selection represent an interesting tool to study genetic bases of adaptation. Evolution of genes possibly involved in adaptive response can be followed together with the corresponding phenotypic traits. Using experimental populations of hexaploid wheat, we studied the evolution of flowering time, a major adaptive trait that synchronizes the initiation of reproduction and the occu...

The population structure of the pseudo‐metallophyte herb, Arabidopsis halleri , was studied using Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) on chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). The history of metallicolous (M) populations showing increased zinc tolerance was investigated. Eight primer‐enzyme combinations out of 72 tested were applied to a total of 625 individuals from 28 widespread populations, 14 of...

Arabidopsis halleri , a close wild relative of A. thaliana , is a clonal, insect‐pollinated herb tolerant to heavy metals (Zn, Pd, Cd) and a hyperaccumulator of Zn and Cd. It is of particular interest in the study of evolutionary processes and phytoremediation. However, little is known about its population gene flow patterns and the structure of its genetic diversity. We used five microsatellite loci to investigate the genetic...

In endangered species, it is critical to analyse the level at which populations interact (i.e. dispersal) as well as the levels of inbreeding and local adaptation to set up conservation policies. These parameters were investigated in the endangered species Parnassia palustris living in contrasted habitats. We analysed population structure in 14 populations of northern France for isozymes, cpDNA markers and phenotypic traits re...

In order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the large amount of RAPD polymorphism found in 1990 in a population of the selfing annual Medicago truncatula GAERTN. (Fabaceae), we have analysed most of the individuals ( n = 363) from the same population 6 years later using microsatellite loci. We confirm the result of the earlier study, namely that this population is very polymorphic and highly subdivided, with approximately...