Dear Tom, I have received information about your project from Leszek Mackiewicz who cooperates with us. Justyna Żabicka’s PhD thesis under my supervision is focused on: Viola epipsila (2n=4x=24)-V. palustris (2n=8x=48) complex taxonomically very critical group of species in whole circumboreal range of distribution. The genetic diversity of this complex, in addition to the changing climate and habitat loss (these species occur in flooded forests) may also be influenced by hybridization. These two closely related species cross easily in nature due to weak isolation mechanisms. Hybridization could lead to loss of biodiversity (endangered species extinction in disturbed habitats due to anthropogenic and global environmental changes; rare, endangered species might be displaced by interspecific hybrids) or biodiversity enhancement (origin of new ecotypes, species). Results of genetic diversity of V. epipsila, V. palustris and hybrids with the use of ISSR markers and genome size evaluation from several Polish and European populations showed that ISSR and genome size value are good markers delimitating both species and hybrids. Selected qualitative and quantitative morphological traits along with embryological traits (pollen viability, set seeds) are good distinguishing characteristics of both species and hybrids. Results of genetic diversity of sympatric population from the Białowieża National Park evidently indicated the decreasing number of parental species and increasing number of hybrids caused by climate changes, lowering the water level, and the loss of alder forests and marshy meadows, habitats of both species. Loss of beat bogs reduce biodiversity of species occurring on these sites. Viola epipsila is endangered in Poland and other European countries. I am looking to hearing from you. My e-mail address is: [email protected] With best regards, Elzbieta Kuta