Genome size in 21 Artemisia L. species (Asteraceae, Anthemideae): Systematic, evolutionary, and ecological implications

Genome size was estimated by flow cytometry in 24 populations belonging to 22 Artemisia taxa (21 species, 1 with two subspecies), which represent the distinct subgenera, life forms, basic chromosome numbers, and ploidy levels in the genus. 2C nuclear DNA content values range from 3.5 to 25.65 pg, wh ich represents a more than sevenfold variation. DNA content per haploid gen ome ranges from 1.75 to 5.76 pg. DNA amount is very well correlated with ka ryotype length and ploidy level. Some variations in genome size have system atic and evolutionary implications, whereas others are linked to ecological selection pressures.