Population structure and conservation genetics of wild rice Oryza rufipogon (Poaceae): a region-wide perspective from microsatellite variation

Oryza rufipogon Griff. is the most agriculturally important but seriously endangered wild rice species. To better estimate how genetic structure can be used to obtained a conservation perspective of the species, genetic variability at six polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci was examined. High levels of genetic variability were detected at six loci in 1245 individuals of 47 natural populations covering most of the species' range in China (overall RS = 3.0740, HO = 0.2290, HS = 0.6700). Partitioning of genetic variability (FST = 0.246) showed that most microsatellite variation was distributed within populations. Significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg expectations and very strong linkage disequilibrium indicate a high degree of inbreeding in the species and severe subdivision within populations. A mean Nm value of 0.7662 suggested a limited gene flow among the assayed populations. Our study suggests that conservation and restoration genetics should focus in particular on the maintenance of historically significant processes such as high levels of outbreeding and gene flow and large effective population size in the species.     

Geographic patterns in the reproductive ecology of Agave lechuguilla (Agavaceae) in the Chihuahuan desert. II. Genetic variation, differentiation, and inbreeding estimates

Plants with natural variation in their floral traits and reproductive ecology are ideal subjects for analyzing the effects of natural selection and other evolutionary forces on genetic structure of natural populations. Agave lechuguilla shows latitudinal changes in floral morphology, color, and nectar production along its distribution through north-central Mexico. Both the type and abundance of its pollinators also change with latitude. Using starch electrophoresis, we examined the levels and patterns of variation of 13 polymorphic allozyme loci in 11 populations of A. lechuguilla. The overall level of genetic variability was high (H(e) = 0.394), but the levels of genetic variation had no geographic pattern. However, the southern populations exhibited an excess of heterozygotes in relation to expectations for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, whereas the northern populations had an excess of homozygotes. Total differentiation among populations was low (θ = 0.083), although gene flow estimates (Nm) varied among groups of populations: southern populations had the lowest levels of genetic differentiation, suggesting high levels of gene flow; northern populations had greater levels of genetic differentiation (θ = 0.115), suggesting low gene flow among them. The patterns and inferences of the genetic structure of the population at the molecular level is consistent with variation in floral traits and pollinator visitation rates across the range of the species.     

Estimates of gene flow from rare alleles in natural populations of medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Gene flow based on the spatial distribution of rare alleles at 25 gene loci was estimated in 15 populations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) from different parts of the world. Estimates of Nm, the number of migrants exchanged per generation among populations in different regions of the world, appeared to be quite similar, ranging from 3.36 in tropical Africa to 2.94 in the New World and 2.72 in Mediterranean basin populations. This suggests that gene flow among neighbouring populations of medfly is quite extensive. The genetic differentiation in American, Mediterranean and African populations was related to major climatic differences between North and South. These differences arise mainly from five loci that showed gene frequency patterns suggestive of latitudinal clines in allele frequencies. The clinal variation was such that tropical-subtropical populations were more heterozygous than temperate populations. It was concluded that gene flow, counteracting the forces of natural selection and genetic drift, determines the extent to which geographical populations of C. capitata are differentiated.     

Genetic population structure in olive fly Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin): gene flow and patterns of geographic differentiation

Four wild Spanish populations of Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Dipt., Tephritidae) were studied by gel electrophoresis, in order to find out their population genetic structure and the relative importance of gene flow in that structure. A great amount of genetic variability was observed. In terms of the pattern of the genetic variability in our populations, the most noticeable characteristics were the similarity of the configuration of allelic frequencies from locality to locality, the existence of exceptions and quantitative differences within that similarity, and the heterogeneity among the variable loci. Gene flow estimated from Wright's method gave a value of Nm = 8.9. However, the F _ST statistic in three of the loci ranged from 0.0451 to 0.0620 indicating a substantial degree of differentiation among populations (P < 0.001). The present observations seem to support the hypothesis that although gene flow could be high ( Nm = 8.9), 'natural' selection, probably due to agricultural practices, may be the major factor responsible for the pattern of the genetic variability observed in B. oleae .     

Genetic variability and level of differentiation among Brazilian pantanal wood stork populations

The Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) is a colonial wading bird of the tropical and lower subtropical zones. We assessed genetic structure within and among five stork colonies from the Brazilian Pantanal and compared our data with those from North American populations. Samples of 234 individuals were studied using protein electrophoresis to evaluate genetic variability and interpopulation differentiation. Of 22 loci examined, 7 were polymorphic (mean heterozygosity = 0.068). The low Fst value (0.005) indicated little intraspecific variation among breeding colonies. Estimated number of migrants per generation based on private alleles (Nm = 11.3) and on Fst (48.8) suggests high gene flow. Nei's genetic distance values among Pantanal colonies ranged from 0.0001 to 0.0034, demonstrating low genetic divergence among populations. Our data can be explained by supposing high gene flow levels among Pantanal colonies, and between North and South American populations, intermediated by a probable interbreeding population in Central America.     

苹果属山荆子遗传多样性的RAPD分析

采用RAPD分子标记对东北、华北地区山荆子8个天然居群的137株个体进行了遗传多样性研究,10个引物共得到72个扩增位点,其中多态性位点63个.多态位点百分率为87.50%,有效等位基因数(Ne)为1.602 1,Nei's基因多样性(H)为0.338 6,Shannon信息指数(J)为0.496 1,表明山荆子遗传多样性水平较高.基因流(Nm)为1.735 3,说明山荆子各居群间存在一定的基因交流.居群间基因分化系数(Gst)值为0.223 7,说明虽然山荆子居群的遗传变异主要存在于居群内,但各居群间也存在着较高的遗传分化.     

A population genetics study of Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) from Colombia based on random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction and amplified fragment lenght polymorphism markers

The genetic variation and population structure of three populations of Anopheles darlingi from Colombia were studied using random amplified polymorphic markers (RAPDs) and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers (AFLPs). Six RAPD primers produced 46 polymorphic fragments, while two AFLP primer combinations produced 197 polymorphic fragments from 71 DNA samples. Both of the evaluated genetic markers showed the presence of gene flow, suggesting that Colombian An. darlingi populations are in panmixia. Average genetic diversity, estimated from observed heterozygosity, was 0.374 (RAPD) and 0.309 (AFLP). RAPD and AFLP markers showed little evidence of geographic separation between eastern and western populations; however, the F ST values showed high gene flow between the two western populations (RAPD: F ST = 0.029; Nm: 8.5; AFLP: F ST = 0.051; Nm: 4.7). According to molecular variance analysis (AMOVA), the genetic distance between populations was significant (RAPD:phiST = 0.084; AFLP:phiST = 0.229, P < 0.001). The F ST distances and AMOVAs using AFLP loci support the differentiation of the Guyana biogeographic province population from those of the Chocó-Magdalena. In this last region, Chocó and Córdoba populations showed the highest genetic flow.     

Estimates of gene flow, genetic substructure and population heterogeneity in bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)

Bracken [ Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn] is a cosmopolitan species and is a noxious weed in many areas. Because of its abundance, particularly in Britain, bracken affords an ideal system for investigating various aspects of population genetics and evolution. High mobility of dispersal units (spores) suggests that rates of gene flow among distant populations should be high. Gene flow is a major evolutionary force that influences the genetic structure of populations. To examine the effects of gene flow on population heterogeneity and population substructuring in bracken, starch gel electrophoresis of enzymes was used to provide the necessary genetic database. Allele frequency data at 21 loci were obtained for seven British populations, one Majorcan and one from the eastern United States. A model was employed to estimate the amount of gene flow ( Nm ) at several levels. Gene flow among British populations was extremely high ( Nm = 36.51), one of the highest estimates reported for plants. Among eight European populations gene flow was lower (but still considered high) at Nm = 2.47. Trans-Atlantic gene flow was low ( Nm = 0.0926).
F -statistics were used to assess population heterogeneity and substructuring. The data indicate that, compared with other species, there is very little genetic differentiation among British populations of bracken. Indeed, it appears that the whole island is behaving as a single randommating population. This result is consistent with high levels of gene flow. Only one population (on the Isle of Arran) showed statistically significant genetic substructuring. Habitat heterogeneity on the island and age structure are hypothesized as possible causes of this result.
The data reported here support previous studies demonstrating that bracken is genetically polymorphic and is an outcrossing species.     

微卫星DNA标记探讨镜鲤的种群结构与遗传变异

采用30个微卫星分子标记, 对5个镜鲤群体的观测杂合度(^H_o)、期望杂合度(^H_e)、多态信息含量(PIC)和有效等位基因数(^A_e)等进行了遗传检测, 根据基因频率计算遗传相似系数和Nei氏标准遗传距离, 以c2检验估计Hardy-Weinberg平衡, 以近交系数(FST)和基因流(Nm)分析群体的遗传分化。同时, 使用PHYLIP3.63软件绘制基于Nei氏标准遗传距离的UPGMA聚类图, 并进行bootstrap自举检验验证进化树的可靠性。在德国镜鲤选育系(Scattered Cyprinus carpio L.)和来自4个不同养殖场(松浦、东岗、奉城和辽中)的德国镜鲤群体中共检测到7 083个扩增片段, 长度在102 ~ 446 bp之间, 在群体内扩增出等位基因1~16个不等, 共计356个等位基因。结果表明: (1)5个群体检测的有效等位基因数在1.07~12.30个不等, 平均多态信息含量为0.74、0.74、0.69、0.75和0.75, 无偏期望杂合度的平均值为0.74、0.78、0.70、0.76和0.78, 说明这几个群体属于高度多态, 遗传多样性水平较高。(2)群体间相似系数在0.52以上, 相似性较高。聚类分析显示, 东岗、奉城和辽中3个养殖场的德国镜鲤群体聚类成一个分支, 而德国镜鲤选育系与松浦群体聚类成另一分支。聚类的先后与它们在地理分布上距离远近有一定的相关性。(3)在与功能基因相关的多个微卫星基因座位上, 扩增产物呈现不同程度的缺失现象, 这些无效等位基因的产生可能与结构基因在育种中受到人工选择的影响较大有关。     

Genetic diversity in populations of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from distant localities in Brazil assessed by RAPD-PCR markers

Populations of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) from the northeastern and central-southern regions of Brazil differ morphologically, suggesting that they could be genetically isolated. Here we used the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to estimate genetic structuring of this leafhopper species among five geographically distant localities across those regions and to estimate gene flow between populations. Ten specimens were sampled per population and genotyped with RAPD markers generated from amplification with nine oligonucleotides. The percentage of polymorphic loci was 78% in relation to the total number of amplified loci, and genetic similarity either between or within populations was higher than 0.72. Cluster analysis grouped specimens from the northeastern population (Mossoró/RN) into a single group, whereas central-southern specimens were not grouped in relation to their places of origin. Overall, the genetic subdivision index (Fst) was low (or= 0.192 and Nm 相似文献   

Population genetic study of allozyme variation in natural populations of Drosophila antonietae (Insecta, Diptera)

Drosophila antonietae is an endemic South American cactophilic species found in relictual xerophytic vegetation, mostly associated with Cereus hildmaniannus cactus. Low differentiation among populations of this species has been detected using several markers. In this work, we performed an allozyme genetic variability analysis of 11 natural populations of D. antonietae and included a discussion about the possible influences of several evolutionary processes that might be acting to maintain the pattern observed. The genetic variability of 14 isoenzyme loci was analysed and showed a high genetic diversity (average observed heterozygosity = 0.319) and a moderate genetic differentiation among populations ( F statistics = 0.0723). A correlation between genetic and geographical and ecological distances was detected among pairs of populations and the regional equilibrium analysis was thus applied. This analysis resulted in Nm (number of migrants) of approximately 3.21, indicating that moderate levels of both gene flow and genetic drift occur in this species, with gene flow overlapping genetic drift. However, considering ecological features of drosophilids, we propose a hypothesis to explain the moderate differentiation encountered as a result of three different processes, or a combination of them: (1) gene flow; (2) a short period of differentiation, i.e. maintenance of ancestral polymorphism; and (3) action of natural selection. Moreover, if gene flow is present, the high genetic diversity compared with other cactophilic and non-cactophilic species could be due to differential selection in different populations followed by gene exchange among them. These factors are discussed in the light of D. antonietae 's historical and evolutionary association with the host cactus.     

Low genetic structure in an epiphytic Orchidaceae (Oncidium hookeri) in the Atlantic rainforest of South-eastern Brazil

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oncidium hookeri is a neotropical species of epiphytic Orchidaceae found in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest at the top of the Mantiqueira Range of mountains. The genetic variation of O. hookeri was studied to assess the distribution of genetic variability within and among six populations localized in Atlantic rainforest remnants. Gene flow among populations and the occurrence of recent bottlenecks were investigated in order to infer the degree of isolation of these populations. METHODS: Thirteen polymorphic loci were used for allozyme electrophoresis. The data were analysed by means of standard statistical approaches, to estimate gene diversity and the genetic structure of the populations. KEY RESULTS: The mean gene diversity and allelic richness were H(e) = 0.099 and A = 1.75, respectively. F-statistics revealed high heterozygote deficiencies in all populations (F(IS) = 0.43-0.82). Several rare alleles were found in all the populations, and three populations presented private alleles. Low genetic differentiation among O. hookeri populations was detected (F(ST) = 0.029); natural selection may be involved in PGM locus differentiation among populations. The genetic differentiation between paired populations was low, bearing no correlation with geographic distance (Mantel test: r = -0.34, P = 0.72). Only two populations showed signs of recent bottlenecks. CONCLUSIONS: The heterozygote deficiency found seems to be caused by pollinator behaviour; the low frequencies of several alleles of different loci can be maintained due to clonal propagation. Despite the stochastic nature of the wind-dispersal of seeds to long distances, this process may promote an effective gene flow among populations, thus avoiding genetic differentiation.     

Spatial genetic structure and clonal diversity of island populations of lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) from the Biebrza National Park (northeast Poland)

Three populations of the rare and endangered plant species Cypripedium calceolus were included in a study of genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure in the Biebrza National Park, northeast Poland. Analysis of 11 allozyme loci indicate that the populations of this species contained high genetic variability (P = 45.5%, A= 1.73). On the other hand, the genetic differentiation (FST = 0.014, P < 0.05) among C. calceolus populations was very low when compared to other species with similar life history characteristics. The observed high rate of gene flow (Nm = 18) may suggest that the populations studied derived from each other in the recent past. Five polymorphic allozyme markers identified 109 multilocus genotypes in three populations and the majority of them (67%) were population-specific. One of the populations studied, characterized by particularly extensive vegetative reproduction, showed the lowest clonal diversity (G/N = 0.15) and heterozygosity (HO = 0.111) values and the highest FIS(0.380), when compared to other two populations (G/N = 0.26-0.27, HO= 0.166-178, FIS = 0.024-0.055). This may indicate that clonal reproduction has an important influence on the genetic structure of C. calceolus populations. The longevity of genets, the out-crossing breeding system and the presence of recruitment from seeds are factors maintaining genetic diversity in C. calceolus.     

Allopolyploid origin and population genetics of the rare orchid Spiranthes diluvialis

The process of becoming and the attributes of being polyploid play a major role in the development and maintenance of genetic variation in allopolyploid species. A genetic survey employing protein electrophoresis on 12 populations of S. diluvialis, as well as on populations of eight congeneric species, was conducted to assess the putative allopolyploid origin of S. diluvialis and to determine the genetic variability within and among populations. Genetic identity values indicated S. diluvialis was more similar to S. magnicamporum (0.619) and S. romanzoffiana (0.727) than to any of the other congeneric species assayed. Similar to most allopolyploids, S. diluvialis showed high levels of fixed, or nearly fixed, heterozygosity and a high percentage of polymorphic loci (57.1-71.4%). The mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus in populations of S. diluvialis (2.6-3.3), however, was similar to mean values for both animal-pollinated, outcrossing, diploid species, and geographically restricted, diploid species (2.6 and 2.5, respectively). Genetic divergence among populations (mean Fst = 0.083) was low, leading to relatively high estimates of interpopulational gene flow (mean Nm = 5.41). Thus, each population harbors most of the genetic variability found within the species. The genetic variation observed within S. diluvialis supports the occurrence of at least two separate hybridization events giving rise to S. diluvialis.     

大别山山核桃天然群体遗传结构的初步分析

利用RAPD分子标记技术检测了大别山山核桃3个天然居群的遗传多样性和遗传结构。20条10 bp随机引物共检测到238个扩增位点,其中多态性位点162个,多态位点百分率(PPB)为68.1%。居群水平Shannon’s多态性信息指数(I)介于0.2651~0.2801之间;居群水平Ne i’s基因多样性指数(H)介于0.1789~0.1890之间。遗传变异计算显示大别山山核桃居群间基因分化系数(Gst)为0.4063,分子方差分析(AMOVA)表明居群间基因分化水平为0.4177,居群间基因流(Nm)为0.7306,说明大别山山核桃大部分变异存在于居群内,居群间基因交流相对较少。这一结果符合大别山山核桃风媒、异交的繁育系统特点,但其居群间基因分化程度明显高于异交植物的平均水平(Gst=0.1930)。地理隔离、居群内近交及居群间基因流受阻可能是形成目前大别山山核桃天然群体遗传结构的主要因素。     

Does the Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae) fit the one-dimensional stepping-stone model of gene flow?

Five samples (30 individuals each) of the Mediterranean cyprinodontid fish, Aphanius fasciatus, were analysed by allozyme electrophoresis for a study concerning genetic structure and gene flow among populations. Forty-three loci, twelve of which were polymorphic at P_0.99 level, were analysed. A. fasciatus showed low levels of genetic polymorphism, with expected heterozygosity values ranging from 0.027 (SE = 0.013) to 0.064 (SE = 0.023). The modified Rogers' genetic distances ranged from 0.053 to 0.202. The observed pattern of genetic differentiation among populations, obtained by multidimensional scaling of the modified Rogers' genetic distances, was consistent with geographic distribution. Coancestry coefficient ( = 0.302, SE = 0.045) indicated a very high degree of genetic subdivision among populations and the estimate of gene flow (the effective number of migrants per generation, Nm = 0.445), computed by Wright's method, showed very restricted gene flow among populations. The regression analysis carried out using log-transformed values of geographic distance against M^ (pairwise values of Nm) gave a regression coefficient, b = –1.03, indicating that a restricted migration rate among populations can occur according to the one-dimensional stepping-stone model. The amount and modality of gene flow in A. fasciatus inferred from the results of the present study are consistent with the absence of dispersal stages and with the fragmented nature of brackish-water habitats along the coasts.     

Genetic variability in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana in northern Europe

Ten populations of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana were collected along a north-south gradient in Norway and screened for microsatellite polymorphisms in 25 loci and variability in quantitative traits. Overall, the average levels of genetic diversity were found to be relatively high in these populations, compared to previously published surveys of within population variability. Six of the populations were polymorphic at microsatellite loci, resulting in an overall proportion of polymorphic loci of 18%, and a relatively high gene diversity for a selfing species (HE = 0.06). Of the overall variability, 12% was found within populations. Two of six polymorphic populations contained heterozygous individuals. Both FST and phylogenetic analyses showed no correlation between geographical and genetic distances. Haplotypic diversity patterns suggested postglacial colonization of Scandinavia from a number of different sources. Heritable variation was observed for many of the studied quantitative traits, with all populations showing variability in at least some traits, even populations with no microsatellite variability. There was a positive association between variability in quantitative traits and microsatellites within populations. Several quantitative traits exhibited QST values significantly less than FST, suggesting that selection may be acting to retard differentiation for these traits.     

雌雄异株稀有植物伞花木(Eurycorymbus caraleriei)自然居群的等位酶遗传多样性研究

伞花木（Eurycorymbus caraleriei）为中国特有的第三纪孑遗单种属植物,雌雄异株。采用超薄平板微型聚丙烯酰胺等电聚焦电泳方法对其5个自然居群和1个人工迁地保护居群的等位酶变异进行了初步研究。对7个酶系统中14个位点的等位酶居群遗传多样性及遗传结构分析结果表明：伞花木具有较高水平的遗传多样性,其每位点平均等位基因数A=1．6,平均多态位点比率P=42．9％,平均预期遗传杂合度Hr=0．216;各居群的遗传多样性无显著性差异,但都表现为严重偏离Hardy-Weinberg平衡的杂合子过量;其遗传变异主要发生在居群内（93．1％）,居群间分化较小（Gst=0．069）,居群问遗传一致度较高（I=0．965～1．000）。推断这可能是由于其古老孑遗性、雌雄异株、混和传粉方式的生物学特性以及其长寿命的生活史等原因所导致;同时,居群间的较高基因流（Nm=3．128）也可能起到很大的作用。还使用UPGMA聚类方法推断了武汉植物园迁地保护的野外居群来源,在对迁地保护居群的评价中发现迁地保护居群仅保存了该物种基因型多样性的16％,在此基础上提出了今后进一步的保育策略。     

Genetic diversity and the mating system of a rare Mexican pinon, Pinus pinceana, and a comparison with Pinus maximartinezii (Pinaceae)

Weeping pi?on (Pinus pinceana) has a restricted and fragmented range, trees are widely scattered within populations, and reproduction is limited. Nevertheless, genetic diversity was high; based on 27 isozyme loci in 18 enzyme systems, unbiased expected heterozygosity averaged 0.174. Differentiation also was high (F(ST) = 0.152), reflecting isolation between southern, central, and northern fragments of the range. Among populations in the northern fragment, F(ST) was only 0.056, and the number of migrants per generation (Nm) was 4.21, which should preclude fixation. Nm between central and southern populations or between them and populations in the northern fragment was lower, 0.99-1.66, indicating a degree of genetic isolation. Multilocus outcrossing rates (t(m)) ranged from 0.836 in the south to 0.897 in the north. Therefore, selfing is low but statistically significant. The equilibrium inbreeding coefficient (F(e)) calculated from t(m) was in good agreement with observed inbreeding coefficients, suggesting that weeping pi?on may be near equilibrium with respect to inbreeding and selection against selfed trees. Weeping pi?on was variable at all loci polymorphic in maxipi?on (Pinus maximartinezii) and, therefore, qualifies as a possible progenitor of maxipi?on. Because of the high level of diversity, reasonable levels of gene flow within the northern fragment of weeping pi?on's range, high rates of outcrossing, and, perhaps, only weak selection against inbred trees, protection in reserves would be a viable option for conservation.     

High levels of genetic polymorphism in the insular endemic herb Jepsonia malvifolia.

Jepsonia malvifolia is a long-lived perennial herb endemic to the Channel Islands of southern California and Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Twelve populations of J. malvifolia on San Clemente Island were surveyed for their genotype at 21 allozyme loci, revealing high levels of genetic polymorphism. For all individuals across San Clemente Island, 95.2% of loci are polymorphic with A(p) = 2.90 and H(e) = 0.179. Populations averaged 60.2% polymorphic loci with A(p) = 2.42 and H(e) = 0.158. Most variation is found within rather than among populations (G(ST) = 0.101), although differentiation among populations is significant. Genetic identities range from 0.936 to 0.999 with mean I = 0.975. There is no significant relationship between genetic and geographic distance. Gene flow among populations is Nm = 9.5 based on private alleles and Nm = 2.2 based on F(ST). Outcrossing rates based on fixation indices average t = 0.753, indicating a primarily outcrossed mating system. The genetic variation observed is unusually high for an insular endemic herb and indicates that J. malvifolia is unlikely to be endangered by genetic factors.