Biosystematics and Plant Genetic Resources: Example from the Genus Allium (Amaryllidaceae) of the Algerian Flora

摘要

The genus Allium is one of the most important genera of the Amaryllidaceae, (Asparagales). It includes more than 750 species distributed in temperate, arid and semi-arid regions of the northern hemisphere. Many of them are food crops such as onion {Allium cepa), leek (Allium porrum), shallots (A. ascalonicum) and garlic (Allium sativum). Since ancient times, these plants have been known for their multiple medicinal properties due to the presence of sulfur-containing substances (cysteine sulfoxides) and for their antioxidant powerful, rich in quercitin, kaempferol, polyphenol and selenium. The flora of Algeria is remarkable for a numerous spontaneous Allium species, sometimes rare and growing on sensitive habitats. Our biosystematics study reveals ahigh polymorphism of the species that is expressed at morphological and cytogenetic levels and shows a strong correlation with the eco-geographical parameters. Results are discussed in the context of the taxonomic updating of the flora of Algeria, and inthe framework of the strategy of management and conservation of plant genetic resources.