Molecular (RAPD) analysis of some taxa of the Ophtys bertolonii aggragate (Orchidaceae)

The RAPD methodology was utilized for analyzing the genetic material of four allopatric populations of the Ophrys bertoloniiformis type, as well as of two populations of O. bertolonii s.str., together with O. fuciflora as outgroup. Significant gene diversity was observed for all six taxa under examination, thus suggesting their separation at specific (or subspecific) level. Comparison with other methods (biostatistical analysis and pollination biology) is also reported.