Characterization and distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daucus</Emphasis> species in Syria

Syria is considered as one of the important centres for Daucus diversity including Daucus carota. Therefore, it is essential to study the distribution and characterization of these species in Syria. An exploration of plants belonging to the Apiaceae family was conducted on road and field sides in several areas of Syria. Seeds (fruits) from these plants have been also collected. The seeds were sown in pots containing peatmoss in a glasshouse and emerging plants were grown until flowering and seed formation. The plants were classified based on leaf, umbel, and seed shape. Proteins were extracted from the leaves and analysed using electrophoresis to establish genetic relationships among species. Seven Daucus species have been identified to grow in Syria. These are D. aureus, D. bicolor, D. carota, D. durieua, D. guttatus, D. littoralis, and D. muricatus. Isozyme and total protein analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation matrix have revealed considerable genetic variation among studied Daucus species. Wild carrot (D. carota) came in one group with its cultivated form (D. carota ssp. sativus) and the closest species to them was D. guttatus. Species D. bicolor and D. durieua were in the same group and D. aureus and D. littoralis were in another group farther from the previous groups. The farthest species on the genetic tree was D. muricatus.