Darnel (Lolium temulentum L.) is a mimic weed associated with wheat and barley cultivation. Mimic weeds have evolved along with cultivated crops. Human impact on the genetic diversity of agricultural weeds was elucidated using darnel as a model. Three strains in each field in Gaitza village, Malo region, Ethiopia were randomly sampled, and the genetic composition of 120 samples was analyzed using RAPD analysis. Genetic diversity and distances were calculated using Nei's analysis, and cluster analysis was performed. These results indicated the occurrence of seed migration among the fields and a high genetic diversity of darnel in this region. Crop seed exchange and contamination of crop seeds with darnel seeds lead to the unintended artificial gene flow of darnel. Because darnel seeds and seedlings resemble their associated crop seeds and seedlings, traditional methods of crop cultivation have the unintended consequence of conserving the genetic diversity of darnel.
Translator Disclaimer
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.