Genetic variation of native grassland plants in Luxembourg, Belgium, N-France
In 2022, plant samples from Luxembourg were analysed, revealing that Luxembourg together with regions in western Germany is often part of a “Western group” (German perspective). The results underscore the close genetic proximity of geographically adjacent areas. Genetic comparison between all the species analysed therefore provides a robust approach to highlight genetic relationships between grassland species across borders.
In 2024, further samples will be collected in Luxembourg and neighbouring countries, in order to analyse the genetic relationships between plants and derive practical recommendations for the use of native seeds of wild plants. The aim is to compare collected leaf material of grassland species in Luxembourg, Belgium and Northern France through a genetic analysis using genome-representative SNP markers (single nucleotide polymorphism) and by analysing the population genetic structure of all species.
Are you interested to contribute by collecting plants ?
- Get in contact with the regional coordination team ( Vanessa Duprez , Max Oly ).
- You identify suitable sampling sites in your region (natural or semi-natural grasslands, margins, conservation areas).
- You receive a kit with necessary material.
- You collect in any number of sites in the region. At each site, you collect a single sample of each species you encounter. Collect a number of healthy green leaves per plant, depending on the size of the leaves, store in paper bags and dry.
- At the end, send the samples and sampling sheets to the coordination team.
- You enter your collection in the RegioDiv webGIS system.
- With the collection of samples, you are offered the right to co-author a project publication (depending on the extent of your participation in the project).
Download the RegioDiv protocol as pdf: RegioDiv_protocol_for_collectors_20240418.pdf
Data sheet for the field to enter site information for download Data_Form_RegioDiv_v4.0_EN_20240418.pdf .