A chromatographic investigation of sub-speciation in Asclepias tuberosa

Abstract

A study was made of subspeciation in Asclepias tuberosa using descending paper chromatography. An attempt was made to characterize the three subspecies of Asclepias tuberosa on the basis of amino acid and phenolic patterns.The amino acid patterns were of little value for differentiating the subspecies.The fluorescent phenolic compounds of Asclepias tuberosa were analyzed by placing the chromatograms under longwave ultraviolet light and under longwave ultraviolet light in the presence of ammonia vapor.The patterns of the three subspecies produced under ultraviolet light and under ultraviolet light in the presence of ammomia vapor showed identifying markers for each of the three subspecies. Hybrid plants were also distinguished.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306