PDFStoyanov I., Vasileva P., Stoyanov K., Raycheva T. 2026.
Comparative analysis of the genetically determined isoenzyme polymorphism in populations of selected Crocus species distributed in Bulgaria
Ecologia Balkanica, pp. 267-279 Article № eb20261267
Abstract: The genus Crocus is represented by 15 species in the flora of Bulgaria. The present research is based on isoenzyme analysis, and the genetic heterogeneity in populations of selected species was studied: C. adamioides, C. chrysanthus, C. flavus, C. olivieri, C. pallasii, C. pulchellus, and
C. randjeloviciorum. The probable genetic control of four polymorphic enzyme groups – nonspecific esterases (EST), malate dehydrogenases (MDH), malic enzymes (ME), and superoxide dismutases (SOD) was established, which appear as suitable markers for characterizing intraand inter-population genetic variability. Fourteen variable loci were analyzed, and specific biochemical markers were established for distinguishing Crocus species. A comparative analysis of the studied populations’ gene pool and genotypic structure was conducted. The results show that malate dehydrogenases, malic enzymes, superoxide dismutases, and non-specific esterases are polymorphic biochemical genetic markers suitable for inter-population comparisons and for studying intra-population heterogeneity in Crocus species.
Keywords: Iridaceae, Crocus, polymorphic enzymes, EST, MDH, ME, SOD.
