Fine-scale genetic structure of the common Primula elatior (Primulaceae) at an early stage of population fragmentation

Many rare species are threatened by habitat fragmentation; however, less is known about effects of fragmentation on common species, despite their potential role in ecosystem productivity and functioning. We identified key factors and processes influencing gene flow in a large population of Primula elatior, a common distylous perennial herb, at an early stage of the fragmentation process, i.e., when fragmentation is taking place. Using 19 allozyme loci, we investigated genetic variation and fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) at seedling and adult life stages in relation to fragmentation history (recent bottlenecks), selection, clonal propagation, sexual reproduction (seed and pollen dispersal, distyly), and patchy structure (patch size, plant density, and morph ratio). The main factors contributing to the strong SGS are seed and (to a lesser extent) pollen dispersal, through a spatial Wahlund effect and biparental inbreeding. Significant differences in allele frequencies between seedlings and adults indicate a temporal Wahlund effect. Patch plant density and biased morph ratio also affect the genetic patterns. Our results show that if P. elatior populations evolve into patchworks of small, isolated remnants, genetic erosion, reduced gene flow, and increased inbreeding can be expected, suggesting that such common plant species might require large population sizes to remain viable.     

Effect of plant traits and population structure on the female reproductive success of the endemic Primula elatior subsp. bergidensis (Primulaceae)

This study explores the possible causes of variation in female reproductive success of the subspecific taxon Primula elatior subsp. bergidensis, a distylic endemic to the north-western Iberian Peninsula, by analysing both vegetative and reproductive traits. In three populations, we marked vegetative and reproductive individuals either by mapping the spatial position of every individual (in one population), or by establishing permanent quadrats (in the remainder two populations). We recorded floral morph (pin or thrum), width and length of the largest leaf, scape length, and number of flowers produced; all individuals were monitored to estimate the number of fruits and seeds produced. The results show that the morph ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 in any of the populations. The number of flowers per plant varied between populations, and longer scape length was associated with higher fruit set in all populations. Plant size, scape length, and population spatial structure all had major effects on reproductive success, but the strength—and in some cases the direction—of the effects varied among populations.     

鄂报春(Primula obconica Hance)亲缘地理学的初步研究

为了获得鄂报春（Primula obconica Hance）的种内亲缘地理学信息,对叶绿体基因组上非编码区trnL-trnF的序列变异进行了分析.获得的20个单倍型具有一定的地理分布结构.对这些单倍型进行系统发育分析,得到了三个主要分支：东部分支广泛分布于中国东南部、湖南、湖北、四川和云南;四川分支分布于四川西部;云南分支分布于云南西北部.东部分支分布面积较后两个分支大,并且在东部分支中可以发现一定的演化关系.结合古气候学和地质学信息,推测东部分支中现存的单倍型由冰期时气候变冷导致鄂报春快速迁移而形成,云南、四川分支中的单倍型可能是在各自的避难所中得以保存.同时本文也简要地探讨了鄂报春几个亚种之间的分类学关系.     

The distyly in Primula elatior (L.) Hill (Primulaceae), with a study of flowering phenology and pollen flow

Flowers of Primula elatior exhibit all the dimorphic traits typical of distyly. The difference in pollen production between pin and thrum flowers is not thought to be caused by the pollen size dimorphism. The percentage of pin pollen which is probably viable exceeds that of thrum pollen. In the population studied the morph ratio is 1:1, and plants are randomly dispersed with regard to morph type. Bumblebees are the main pollinators, and analysis of the stigmatic pollen load in naturally |xjllinated flowers shows that pin stigmas receive many more pollen grains than thrum stigmas. Intramorph pollination is considerable in pins, while thrums are subject to some differential pollination. Emasculation experiments have shown that intraflower pollination in the thrum morph is negligible. Aging of pin flowers has a reducing effect on their total pollen loads, while in thrums there is no change in total pollen load after the first days of anthesis.     

Chromosomal variability in the genus Primula (Primulaceae)

Chromosome numbers and measurements were recorded in 47 individuals of ten taxa of Primula , representing eight species and two subspecies from ten populations. The basic numbers of chromosomes were x  = 8, 9 or 11, and they were mostly metacentric, medium-long to medium-small, ranging in length from c . 3.6 µm to 1.6 µm. Diploid chromosome numbers of 2 n  = 2 x  = 24 and 22 were scored for the first time in P. loeseneri Kitag. and P. prenantha Balf. & Sm., respectively. A new ploidy level of 2 n  = 4 x  = 44 was found in P. burmanica Balf. & King. The recorded diploid numbers of the remaining species confirmed earlier reports. Interspecific variability in chromosome numbers was correlated with heterogeneity in their mean length. Comparison of the data with those in the literature revealed that the observed variability of chromosomal characters was compatible with the other taxonomic criteria and supports the current taxonomic delimitation. Chromosomal variation at the diploid level is the predominant feature in Primula evolution, and allopatric speciation has played a major role in its specific diversity. Subgen. Aleuritia could represent the main clade from which the other subgenera have evolved. The origin of the chromosome numbers, geographical distribution and evolution of the species were assessed, and the parallel polyphyletic mode of evolution in the genus was confirmed.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 150 , 211–219.     

Primula cusickiana (Primulaceae) and its varieties

Primula domensis Kass & S. L. Welsh,P. maguirei L. O. Williams, andP. nevadensis N. H. Holmgren are reduced to varietal status underP. cusickiana (A. Gray) A. Gray.     

木里报春一新异名

将新近发表的Primula hongshanensis D. W. H. Rankin, Z. D. Fang &; H. Sun处理为木里报春P. boreiocalliantha的异名, 对近缘的几个种列出了检索表。     

High genetic diversity detected in the endemic Primula apennina Widmer (Primulaceae) using ISSR fingerprinting

Primula apennina Widmer is endemic to the North Apennines (Italy). ISSR were used to detect the genetic diversity within and among six populations representative of the species distribution range. High levels of genetic diversity were revealed both at population percentage of polymorphic band (PPB = 75.92%, H _S = 0.204, H _pop = 0.319) and at species level (PPB = 96.95%, H _T = 0.242, H _sp = 0.381). Nei gene diversity statistics (15.7%), Shannon diversity index (16.3%) and AMOVA (14%) detected a moderate level of interpopulation diversity. Principal coordinate and Bayesian analyses clustered the populations in three major groups along a geographic gradient. The correlation between genetic and geographic distances was positive (Mantel test, r = 0.232). All together, these analyses revealed a weak but significant spatial genetic structure in P. apennina, with gene flow acting as a homogenizing force that prevents a stronger differentiation of populations. Conservation measures are suggested based on the observed pattern of genetic variability.     

Effect of flowering phenology on pollen flow distance and the consequences for spatial genetic structure within a population of Primula sieboldii (Primulaceae)

To evaluate the effects of flowering phenology on pollen flow distance and spatial genetic structure in a population of a bumblebee-pollinated herb, Primula sieboldii, we investigated the flowering phenology of 1712 flowers of 97 genets in a population in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and constructed a mating model based on the observed mating pattern, which was revealed by paternity analysis using 11 microsatellite markers. The effects of flowering phenology were inferred by comparing estimated pollen flow distance and the level of heterozygosity in the next generation between two scenarios. In the first scenario, both the intergenet distance and flowering phenology influenced mating opportunity, while in the second scenario only intergenet distance influenced mating opportunity. Although the frequency distribution of pollen flow distance at the population level did not differ significantly between the two scenarios, the mean pollen flow distance of several flowers increased by more than 10 m as a result of variation in flowering phenology. Furthermore, accounting for flowering phenology predicted change in heterozygosity in the next generation from -0.04 to 0.07. The results showed that flowering phenology can affect pollen flow distance and spatial genetic structure.     

Microscale variation in alpine grasslands: AFLPs reveal a high level of genotypic diversity in Primula minima (Primulaceae)

The microscale variation and spatial genetic structure of the alpine plant species Primula minima L. was analysed using AFLPs. AFLP analysis based on three primer combinations and 123 fragments revealed no identical genotypes among the 86 studied samples from a 300 × 300 cm plot. Variation within the study plot was high: Nei's gene diversity was 0.22, Shannon's information index 0.33 and the percentage of polymorphic bands was 60.9. Cluster analysis revealed four main groups of genetically similar individuals and mapping these individuals resulted in a clear spatial pattern, with samples from the same group often located close together. The observed microscale structure was corroborated using a Mantel test, which revealed significant correlation of genetic and spatial distances, and by the results of a spatial autocorrelation analysis that indicated a high level of similarity between adjacent samples. An analysis of molecular variance revealed clear differentiation (18%) between the spatial groups. Overall gene flow within the plot was 1.11 and ranged from 0.33 between the spatially most distant groups to 2.33 between directly neighbouring groups. The extraordinary level of diversity detected in this study indicates an unexpectedly strong relevance of reproduction by seed for the species P. minima in alpine grasslands. The strong microscale variation suggests, however, that there is limited dispersal of seeds. Clonal reproduction is of subsidiary importance to sexual reproduction and seems to occur only over very small distances.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 155 , 549–556.     

Reproductive ecology in the endemic Primula apennina Widmer (Primulaceae)

Abstract

Disassortative mating in distylous self-incompatible species should result in the equilibrium of morph types in natural populations. Deviation from isoplethy may affect pollen transfer, and in isolated populations it could lead to Allee effect and genetic drift. Pollen limitation has been found to occur in several distylous species, for which mating opportunities are actually reduced to half population. In this study, we investigated the reproductive features and pollination ecology of the narrow endemic Primula apennina. We recorded equilibrium of morph frequencies in the studied population, reflecting the comparable fecundity found in the two morphs. Long-styled flowers produce more pollen grains of smaller size than short-styled ones: we hypothesize that in thrum flowers, pollen is more easily removed by the insect pollinator Macroglossum stellatarum, resulting in equal pollen amounts carried to both short styles and long styles. This lower pollen transfer efficiency from long-styled to short-styled flowers is also reflected in legitimate pollen–ovule ratio values. Despite results show no evidence of imminent threats to population persistence at study site, the strict dependence on one or very few pollinator species, and ecological traits, may increase extinction risks in the long-term period.     

九种报春花属植物的核形态学研究

对报春花属（Prinula)4个组9种植物进行了核形态学研究。这9个种的间期核构形均为复杂染色中心型,前期染色体属于中间型,体细胞有丝分裂中期染色体的数目及核型如下：中甸海水仙报表P.monticola(Hand.-Mazz.)Chen et C.M.Hu,K(2n)=16=12m 4sm;高穗花报春P.vialii Delavay ex Franch.,K(2n)=20=16m 2sm 2st;偏花报春P.secundiflora Franch.,K(2n)=22=18m 4sm;海仙花报春P.poissonii Fanch.,K(2n)=22=16m 6sm;霞红灯台报春P.beesiana Forr.,K(2n)=22=18m 4sm;桔红灯台报春P.bulleyana Forr., K(2n)=22=18m 4sm;橙红灯台报春P.aurantiaca W.W.Smith et Forr.,K(2n)=22=16m(sat) 6sm;粉被灯台报春P.pulverulenta Duthie,K(2n)=22=19m 2sm 1st;钟花报春P.sikkimensis Hook.,K(2n)=20=14m(1sat) 4sm 2T。其中,中甸海水仙报春和高穗花报春两种的染色体数目及核型为首次报道。同时,本文还将偏花报春与灯台组报春以及钟花组报春进行了细胞学的比较分析。     

Flavonoid diversification in different leaf compartments of Primula auricula (Primulaceae)

Populations of Primula auricula L. subsp. auricula from Austrian Alps were studied for flavonoid composition of both farinose exudates and tissue of leaves. The leaf exudate yielded Primula-type flavones, such as unsubstituted flavone and its derivatives, while tissue flavonoids largely consisted of flavonol 3-O-glycosides, based upon kaempferol (3, 4) and isorhamnetin (5–7). Kaempferol 3-O-(2″-O-β-xylopyranosyl-[6″-O-β-xylopyranosyl]-β-glucopyranoside) (3) and isorhamnetin 3-O-(2″-O-β-xylopyranosyl-[6″-O-β-xylopyranosyl]-β-glucopyranoside) (6) are newly reported as natural compounds. Remarkably, two Primula type flavones were also detected in tissues, namely 3′-hydroxyflavone 3′-O-β-glucoside (1) and 3′,4′-dihydroxyflavone 4′-O-β-glucoside (2), of which (1) is reported here for the first time as natural product. All structures were unambiguously identified by NMR and MS data. Earlier reports on the occurrence of 7,2′-dihydroxyflavone 7-O-glucoside (macrophylloside) in this species could not be confirmed. This structure was now shown to correspond to 3′,4′-dihydroxyflavone 4′-O-glucoside (2) by comparison of NMR data. Observed exudate variations might be specific for geographically separated populations. The structural diversification between tissue and exudate flavonoids is assumed to be indicative for different ecological roles in planta.     

Pollination ecology in the narrow endemic winter-flowering Primula allionii (Primulaceae)

Reduction of pollen flow can affect plant abundance and population viability and cause selection on plant mating system and floral traits. Little is known on the effect of this phenomenon in species naturally restricted to small and isolated habitats, that may have developed strategies to cope with long-term isolation and small population size. We investigated the pollination ecology of the endemic distylous winter-flowering P. allionii to verify the possible limitation of female fitness due to reduced pollinator visits. We recorded a higher production of pollen grains in long-styled morph, and a higher seed set in short-styled morph. The high intra-morph variability of sexual organ position may explain the hybridization phenomena allowing and easier intra-morph pollination. The fruit set is constant, although its winter-flowering period might decrease pollen transfer. Nevertheless, the lower competition for pollinators with neighbouring plants and the long-lasting anthesis may offset its reproductive success. Even if our results show no evidence of imminent threats, changes in plant–pollinator interactions might increase inbreeding, resulting in an increased extinction risk.     

Primula alcalina (Primulaceae): A new species from Idaho

Brittonia - Primula alcalina, endemic to east-central Idaho, is described and illustrated. Closely related toP. incana, it differs in having smaller flowers that are white instead of lilac, and a...     

横断山地区海仙报春的谱系地理学研究

由于横断山地区特殊的地理效应,第四纪冰期气候的反复变化对该地区植物的地理分布和居群遗传结构产生重要影响。为了揭示该地区分布的物种的谱系地理结构,检测了该地区特有的、生于湿地环境的植物海仙报春（Primula poissonii）的叶绿体trnL—F和trnT—L两个序列变异。共对13个居群167个个体的两个叶绿体片段进行测序,共发现11个单倍型。三种单倍型被共享,其他单倍型都只存在于单个居群内。分子变异分析（AMOVA）结果表明分布区内海仙报春的遗传变异主要存在于居群间（99．08％）,且居群间的遗传分化很高（GST=0．916,FST=0．99077,NST=0．973）,有着极显著的谱系地理学结构（NST〉GST,P〈0．01）和较低的居群间平均基因流（Nm=0．08）。结合嵌套分支分析（NCA）,本文的研究结果推测该物种在冰期可能存在多个避难所,并没有表现出大多数温带植物在第四纪冰期所经历过的种群集体扩张和迁移的现象,异域片段化被认为是该物种现有单倍型分布格局形成的主要原因。海仙报春的谱系地理结构是气候的反复波动和横断山特殊的地理环境互相作用的结果。     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in Primula modesta Bisset et Moore (Primulaceae)

Eleven microsatellite loci were isolated from alpine plant Primula modesta. Enriched repeat libraries were constructed and screened by colony hybridization. Forty‐eight polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs were designed, of which 11 pairs producted successful amplification. A total of 31–35 adult individuals were genotyped for allelic diversity. The polymorphism ranged from three to 14 alleles, and the heterozygosity ranged from 0.161 to 0.828. No linkage disequilibrium was found between these 11 loci.     

Rapid loss of genetic variation in an endangered possum

The endangered mountain pygmy possum is the only Australian marsupial that hibernates under snow cover. Most of its alpine habitat was burnt by a rare fire in 2003, and habitat loss and disturbance have also occurred owing to ski resort development. Here we show that there has been a rapid loss of genetic variation following habitat loss associated with resort development, but no detectable loss of alleles or decrease in heterozygosity following the fire.