Genetic Diversity in \u3cem\u3eFestuca\u3c/em\u3e Species as Shown by AFLP

Fescues (Festuca spp.) are widely occurring temperate grasses with more than 450 species that represent a vast resource for genetic improvement of turfgrass and forage cultivars. Fescues are normally outcrossing species and exhibit many ploidy levels(x=7). Much of the work in classification of Festuca is predominantly based on morphological and cytological features. Difficulties in morphological characterization, which are largely subjected to environmental influences, have resulted in many synonymous species and uncertainties in phylogenetic relationships. DNA fingerprinting is considered a more stable and reliable technique to explore genetic diversity and relationships