Characterization of twenty‐four microsatellite markers for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Twenty‐four new microsatellite markers were developed for genome mapping and population genetics studies in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The amount of polymorphism, percentage heterozygosity and ability of each marker to amplify genomic DNA from other salmonids were recorded. Seven markers were observed to be duplicated in the rainbow trout genome by containing more than one allele in homozygous (clonal) fish.     

How Many Seed Transfer Zones Are Necessary for the Preservation of the Genetic Identity of Austrocedrus chilensis Natural Populations in Argentina?

Two different studies based on isozymes that include genetic structure analysis have arrived at contrasting conclusions regarding the minimum number of seed transfer zones for Patagonian cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis) in Argentina that are required in order to avoid genetic contamination in restoration programs. Unfortunately, the more recent article lacks discussion on these controversial results, which is, therefore, the purpose of this article. The reliability of the markers used and the sampling performed in these studies are evaluated comparatively. The later study found higher levels of diversity and differentiation but paradoxically suggested that only two seed transfer zones would be enough to preserve the genetic identity of the natural populations of the species, whereas the earlier study concluded that at least five are necessary. Arguments are presented here for the case that definition of fewer than five genetically homogeneous groups is absolutely inappropriate and implies a probable risk of genetic contamination and maladaptation.     

Inverted patterns of genetic diversity in continental and island populations of the heather Erica scoparia s.l.

Aim Using the heather Erica scoparia s.l. as a model, this paper aims to test theoretical predictions that island populations are genetically less diverse than continental ones and to determine the extent to which island and continental populations are connected by pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow. Location Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Atlantic fringe of Europe. Methods Patterns of genetic diversity are described based on variation at two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) loci and one nuclear DNA (nDNA) locus for 109 accessions across the entire distribution range of the species. Global patterns of genetic differentiation were investigated using principal coordinates analysis. Genetic differentiation between island and continental areas, estimations of pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow, and the presence of phylogeographical signal were assessed by means of F_st /N_ST (continental scale) and F_ij/N_ij (local scale). Extant and past distribution ranges of the species were inferred from niche modelling using layers describing present and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) macroclimatic conditions. Results The Azores exhibited a significantly higher genetic diversity than the continent. The lowest levels of genetic differentiation were observed between the Azores and the western Mediterranean, and the diversity observed in the Azores resulted from at least two colonization waves. Within the Azores, kinship coefficients showed a significant and much steeper decrease with geographical distance in the cpDNA than in the nDNA. The distribution predicted by LGM models was markedly different from the current potential distribution, particularly in western Europe, where no suitable areas were predicted by LGM models, and along the Atlantic coast of the African continent, where LGM models predicted highly suitable climatic conditions. Main conclusions The higher diversity observed in Azorean than in continental populations is inconsistent with MacArthur and Wilson’s equilibrium model and derived theoretical population genetic expectations. This inverted pattern may be the result of extinction on the continent coupled with multiple island colonization events and subsequent allopatric diversification and lineage hybridization in the Azores. The results highlight the role of allopatric diversification in explaining diversification on islands and suggest that this process has played a much more significant role in shaping Azorean biodiversity than previously thought.     

Genetic analysis of seven Italian horse breeds based on mitochondrial DNA D‐loop variation

To understand the origin and genetic diversity of Italian horses, mitochondrial DNA D‐loop sequences were generated for 163 horses from seven breeds. Sequence analysis of a 480‐bp segment revealed a total of 84 haplotypes with 57 polymorphic sites, indicating multiple maternal origins and high genetic diversity. Comparison of the haplotypes with the equine mtDNA haplotype/haplogroup nomenclature showed a haplogroup distribution in the Italian breeds more similar to that found in the Middle East breeds than in the European breeds, probably due to the economic and cultural relationship with the Middle East in the past centuries.     

A second‐generation genetic linkage map for bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) based on microsatellite markers

Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) is an important aquaculture fish worldwide. Genetic linkage maps for the species were previously reported, but map resolution remained to be improved. In this study, a second‐generation genetic linkage map was constructed for bighead carp through a pseudo‐testcross strategy using interspecific hybrids between bighead carp and silver carp. Of the 754 microsatellites genotyped in two interspecific mapping families (with 77 progenies for each family), 659 markers were assigned to 24 linkage groups, which were equal to the chromosome numbers of the haploid genome. The consensus map spanned 1917.3 cM covering 92.8% of the estimated bighead carp genome with an average marker interval of 2.9 cM. The length of linkage groups ranged from 52.2 to 133.5 cM with an average of 79.9 cM. The number of markers per linkage group varied from 11 to 55 with an average of 27.5 per linkage group. Normality tests on interval distances of the map showed a non‐normal marker distribution; however, significant correlation was found between the length of linkage group and the number of markers below the 0.01 significance level (two‐tailed). The length of the female map was 1.12 times that of the male map, and the average recombination ratio of female to male was 1.10:1. Visual inspection showed that distorted markers gathered in some linkage groups and in certain regions of the male and female maps. This well‐defined genetic linkage map will provide a basic framework for further genome mapping of quantitative traits, comparative mapping and marker‐assisted breeding in bighead carp.     

Unequivocal determination of sire allele origin for multiallelic microsatellites when only the sire and progeny are genotyped

The effect of a segregating economic trait locus (ETL) can be detected with the aid of a linked genetic marker, if specific alleles of each locus are in association among the individuals genotyped for the genetic marker. For dairy cattle this can be achieved by application of the ‘granddaughter design’. If only the sires and their sons are genotyped for the genetic markers, then the allele origin of sons having the same genotypes as their sires cannot be determined. Seven sires and 101 sons were genotyped for five microsatellites. The mean frequency of heterozygous sires was 77%. The mean number of alleles per locus was 8.2. Frequency of informative sons per locus ranged from 60% to 80% with a mean of 72%. With highly polymorphic microsatellites, at least 60% more grandsire families can be included in the analysis, and the number of sons assayed can be reduced by 40%, as compared to diallelic markers.     

Reproduction of the rare monocarpic species Saxifraga mutata L.

The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of reproduction and genetic variation on the persistence of populations of the prealpine, monocarpic Saxifraga mutata L. The species grows on erosion slopes or rocks, and its local populations are often small and isolated. Crossing experiments resulted in better seed-set than selfing, but both yielded viable seeds. Agamospermy did not occur. In an early-successional species like S. mutata , successful selfing is important in the colonization of new habitats. Flowers of S. mutata were visited by Syrphidae and unspecialized Hymenoptera. A germination rate of 40% was reached in cultivation after 20 weeks but germination continued until the end of the experiment after 92 weeks. Seeds stored dry for 30 months at room temperature mostly lost their germinability. In natural habitats, seedlings were found almost throughout the year with a peak in spring. Suitable safe sites were small patches of open soil, bare marl on erosion slopes, and rock crevices. AU individuals investigated were diploid with 2n = 26. Allozyme electrophoresis showed a lack of segregation within the populations. Intra- and interpopulation genetic variation was low. These results were in partial disagreement with theoretical expectations in a mixed mating species. It is concluded that demographic rather than genetic processes are the main cause of extinction of populations of S. mutata , at least in the short-term.