Implications from SDS-PAGE analyses of seed proteins in the classification of taxa of Festuca and Lolium (Poaceae)

Abstract Characters useful for considering taxonomic questions in Festuca and Lolium taxa were generated as the banding patterns of storage proteins using sodium dodecylsulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with extracts of bulked seeds. The results show Festuca arundinacea and F. pratensis clustering with species of Lolium and also with F. subverticillata ; they do not support the suggestion that F. kingii should be placed in a distinct genus, or separate section within Festuca subg. Leucopoa . Limited evidence indicates that F. subverticillata , subg. Subulatae , has a unique seed protein banding profile differing from most members of subgg. Leucopoa and Schedonorus , but with some affinities to members of subg. Festuca . The bunchgrasses F. arizonica and F. washingtonica have seed protein banding profiles similar to members of subg. Festuca . The bunchgrass F. viridula has a seed protein banding profile similar to taxa in subg. Leucopoa . Within subg. Festuca the results (i) support species status for F. arizonica , F. calligera , and F. idahoensis , (ii) suggest that the diploid F. lenensis is possibly a component of the higher polyploids F. arizonica , F. calligera , and F. saximontana , (iii) show that F. occidentalis has the characteristic F. ovina band but lacks close affinities with other species examined, and (iv) indicate that F. washingtonica has greater affinities to a member of the F. ovina complex than to F. rubra s.l. The evidence does not support species status for F. idahoensis subsp. idahoensis , subsp. roemeri , and var. oregona. Festuca seeds collected in Oregon from disturbed prairie sites have seed protein banding profiles similar to known commercial cultivars grown in the area.