Genetic characterization of Myrtus communis L. wild genotypes using AFLP markers

Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that variability within populations represented the greatest source of variation. This result was confirmed by UPGMA cluster analysis, which did not resolve a clear grouping of most genotypes by their region of origin or specific population. Nevertheless, genotypes coming from Apulia and part of Sicily were resolved clearly in a specific sub-cluster. Such individuals are characterized by a particular branch and leaf morphology.