Pigments and genome size variation in Symphyandra hofmannii population

Abstract

Photosynthetic pigments, total anthocyanin content, and genome size were investigated across six natural populations of endemic Symphyandra hofmannii (Hoffman's ring bellflower) from Bosnia and Herzegovina under different environmental conditions. The interpopulation analysis of individuals developed under different environmental conditions had shown statistically significant differences for all investigated parameters (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio, carotenoids, anthocyanins and DNA amount). Statistically significant differences appeared within populations across different habitats for chlorophyll b, a/b ratio, and anthocyanins. Pigment variation correlated with combined environmental factors—geological substrate, altitude, anthropogenic influence—rather than light alone. Genome size significantly increased only in one serpentine population (Papratnica).