Linear landscape elements in an Austrian viticultural landscape have limited effects on spatial patterns of plant genetic diversity

A study on the Wachau Cultural Landscape, a biodiversity hotspot along the Danube in Austria, reveals that linear landscape elements, such as vineyard terraces, have limited effects on the spatial distribution of plant genetic diversity. Researchers used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to analyze four open grassland plant species—Aster amellus, Gentianella aspera, Pulsatilla grandis, and Stachys recta—and found low correlation between genetic variation and geographic distances along terrace slopes. The findings suggest that gene flow between adjacent terraces is efficient enough to counteract the linear distribution of genetic diversity, indicating that these landscape features do not significantly fragment plant genetic patterns in this viticultural region.

Koch, M. A., Barman, J., Greimler, J., & Bernhardt, K.-G. (2011). Linear landscape elements in an Austrian viticultural landscape have limited effects on spatial patterns of plant genetic diversity. Plant Ecology & Diversity, 4(2-3), 167–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/17550874.2011.616545