Genetic differentiation among populations of Sesleria albicans Kit. ex Schultes (Poaceae) from ecologically different habitats in central Europe

As observed for many other plant species, the populations of Sesleria albicans in Central Europe are located in habitats, which differ to a high degree from each other with regard to ecological factors such as nutrients, light and water as well as in type of land use. The species colonizes limestone cliffs, pavements, screes, grazed and mown grasslands, heaths, fens and open woodlands. In this study, we used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to investigate the genetic differentiation among 25 populations of S. albicans from six different types of habitat (beech forests, alpine and lowland rocky ridges, lowland screes, fens, calcareous grasslands). With RAPD analysis, 344 fragments could be amplified, of which 95.9% were polymorphic. The level of polymorphism ranged from 29.7 to 56.7% polymorphic bands per population and was correlated with population size. In an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), used to detect variation among individuals within populations, among populations from the same habitat and among different habitats, most of the genetic variation was found within populations (62.06%) and among populations from the same habitat (33.36%). In contrast, only a very low level of differentiation could be observed among different habitats (4.58%). The results of our study give only little evidence for an ecotypic differentiation of Sesleria albicans. This differentiation is principally conceivable, but obviously not related to the investigated RAPD loci.     

Low genetic variability and strong differentiation among isolated populations of the rare steppe grass Stipa capillata L. in Central Europe

Stipa capillata L. (Poaceae) is a rare grassland species in Central Europe that is thought to have once been widespread in post‐glacial times. Such relict species are expected to show low genetic diversity within populations and high genetic differentiation between populations due to bottlenecks, long‐term isolation and ongoing habitat fragmentation. These patterns should be particularly pronounced in selfing species. We analysed patterns of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) variation in the facultatively cleistogamous S. capillata to examine whether genetic diversity is associated with population size, and to draw initial conclusions on the migration history of this species in Central Europe. We analysed 31 S. capillata populations distributed in northeastern, central and western Germany, Switzerland and Slovakia. Estimates of genetic diversity at the population level were low and not related to population size. Among all populations, extraordinarily high levels of genetic differentiation (amova : φ_ST = 0.86; Bayesian analysis: θ^B = 0.758) and isolation‐by‐distance were detected. Hierarchical amova indicated that most of the variability was partitioned among geographic regions (59%), or among populations between regions when the genetically distinct Slovakian populations were excluded. These findings are supported by results of a multivariate ordination analysis. We also found two different groups in an UPGMA cluster analysis: one that contained the populations from Slovakia, and the other that combined the populations from Germany and Switzerland. Our findings imply that S. capillata is indeed a relict species that experienced strong bottlenecks in Central Europe, enhanced by isolation and selfing. Most likely, populations in Slovakia were not the main genetic source for the post‐glacial colonization of Central Europe.     

Genetic (RAPD) diversity in Peromyscus maniculatus populations in a naturally fragmented landscape

We assessed the effects of long-term habitat fragmentation on genetic (random amplified polymorphic DNA) diversity in 11 Peromyscus maniculatus populations in the Lake Superior watershed. We analysed genetic structure at two spatial scales and the effect of island size and isolation on genetic diversity. At the regional scale, island populations differed from mainland populations (FST = 0.36), but mainland populations did not differ from each other (FST = 0.01). At the local scale, populations of the main island of Isle Royale differed from adjacent islet populations (P < 0.001; Monte Carlo approximation of Fisher's exact test), but not from each other (combined P = 0.63). Although geographical distance and genetic distance were positively correlated (P < 0.01; Mantel test), cluster analysis revealed some inconsistencies. Finally, genetic diversity was inversely related to isolation (P = 0.01), but had an unexpectedly negative relationship with island area (P = 0.03). The genetic structure of P. maniculatus populations in portions of the Lake Superior watershed appears to have been affected by long-term habitat fragmentation.     

Genetic variation of Saxifraga paniculata Mill. (Saxifragaceae): molecular evidence for glacial relict endemism in central Europe

Saxifraga paniculata Mill. is an amphi-atlantic species that is widely distributed in the Alps but also occurs with disjunct populations in central Europe. These isolated populations are considered to be glacial relicts. In the study presented here, we analysed the genetic variation within and between populations of Saxifraga paniculata in central Europe to test whether the molecular data give evidence for the supposed relict endemism. We used RAPD analysis and the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) technique to investigate 30 populations of Saxifraga paniculata from different locations in central Europe and adjacent geographical areas. In the RAPD analysis, 319 fragments could be amplified of which 91.2% were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands within populations correlated significantly with population size, indicating a higher level of inbreeding in small populations. AMOVA revealed 43.60% of the variation within populations, only 15.45% between populations within locations, and 40.95% between locations. Genetic distance between locations (Φ_ST) correlated significantly with the geographical distance between locations, giving evidence for geographical isolation. In an UPGMA cluster analysis, based on RAPD data, the populations were grouped together according to their location. The results exhibit a strong genetic differentiation which is obviously due to genetic drift in the isolated populations. Our study therefore gives evidence for glacial relict endemism of Saxifraga paniculata in central Europe.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 80, 11–21.     

Glacial history of Saxifraga paniculata (Saxifragaceae): molecular biogeography of a disjunct arctic-alpine species from Europe and North America

The molecular biogeography of the disjunctly distributed and morphologically highly variable species Saxifraga paniculata Mill. was analysed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and chloroplast microsatellites. The study comprised 77 samples from mountain regions in Europe and North America throughout the complete range of distribution. AFLP data revealed clear genetic differentiation between samples from the Arctic, the Caucasus, and the eastern European mountains. Samples from the Alps were divided into two groups. One group clustered with the samples from central Europe and the Pyrenees, whereas another group with individuals from southern Norway. AFLP diversity was lowest in the Arctic and highest in the Alps. Chloroplast microsatellite analysis revealed eight haplotypes but no unequivocal phylogeographical pattern. However, haplotype diversity was highest in the Alps and central Europe whereas, in the Arctic, only few widespread haplotypes could be found. The results indicate in situ survival of S. paniculata in the Caucasus, the eastern European mountains, and the Alps. The Arctic has presumably been colonized postglacially from North American refugia south of the ice shield. Southern Norway and the Pyrenees have most likely been colonized from two phylogeographically different groups in the Alps. The origin of the central European samples remains ambiguous. In situ survival seems to be as possible as several postglacial recolonization events from the Alps. The obtained molecular data clearly support the subdivision of S. paniculata into three subspecies: ssp. cartilaginea from the Caucasus, ssp. laestadii from northern Norway, Iceland, and North America, and ssp. paniculata from the other geographical regions.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 93 , 385–398.     

Genetic Variation in Fragmented Forest Stands of the Andean Oak Quercus humboldtii Bonpl. (Fagaceae)1

Quercus humboldtii is a montane forest dominant species in Colombia, which has experienced significant habitat loss. Using three microsatellite loci, we compared the genetic diversity of adults and seedlings in fragments of small and large size. Results show high genetic diversity, comparable to other temperate oak species (H_o= 0.813, H_e= 0.780, and f=?0.044). However, allelic richness reduction in seedlings of the most fragmented part of the landscape, suggested restricted gene flow and risk of future genetic bottlenecks, if larger tracts of forest disappear.     

真鲷自然群体和人工繁殖群体的遗传多样性

采用RAPD技术对真鲷野生群体及人工繁殖群体各23个个体进行了DNA多态性检测。实验选取OPK组16个10 bp随机引物用于两群体的遗传多样性分析。在野生群体和人工繁殖群体中分别获得131和123条扩增片段,两群体的多态片段比例分别为62.60%和54.47%,平均杂合度分别为0.4786和0.3633,可见真鲷野生群体及人工繁殖群体的遗传多样性较为丰富,在选择育种和遗传改良方面具有较大的潜力。人工繁殖群体的多态片段比例和平均杂合度都低于野生群体,意味着在生产过程中要采取行之有效的管理保护措施以避免或减少遗传多样性水平的降低,确保真鲷增养殖业的可持续发展。     

No obvious genetic erosion,but evident relict status at the westernmost range edge of the Pontic‐Pannonian steppe plant Linum flavum L. (Linaceae) in Central Europe

We investigate patterns of genetic variation along an east–west transect of Central European populations of Linum flavum and interpret the Quaternary history of its peripheral populations, especially those at the westernmost isolated range edge, discussing their migrations and possible relict status. We defined our peripheral transect across three study regions from Central Hungary, eastern Austria to southwestern Germany. Using AFLP fingerprinting and cpDNA sequence variation (rpL16 intron, atpI‐H), we analyzed 267 and 95 individuals, respectively, representing each study region by four populations. Hierarchical AMOVA (AFLPs) indicated significant variation among study regions (12% of total variance) and moderate differentiation between populations (10%). Population differentiation was high at the westernmost range edge (11.5%, Germany), but also in the east (13.4%, Hungary), compared to the Austrian study region (8.6%). Correspondingly, AFLP diversity was highest in the center of the study transect in eastern Austria. CpDNA haplotypes support a pattern of regional structuring with the strongest separation of the westernmost range edge, and some haplotype sharing among Austrian and Hungarian individuals. Equilibrating nucleotide versus haplotype diversity patterns, the highly diverse populations at the Pannonian range edge (Austria) indicate long‐term persistence, while Central Pannonian populations are obviously effected by recent bottlenecks. Intermediate nucleotide, but high haplotype diversity within the westernmost exclave (Swabian Alb), is indicative of a founder bottleneck during its pre‐LGM or early postglacial migration history, followed by sufficient time to accumulate cpDNA variation. The not obviously reduced genetic diversity and distinctiveness of L. flavum at the westernmost range edge suggest a long‐term persistence (relict status) of populations in this region, where the species has survived probably even the Würm glaciation in extra‐Mediterranean refugia. This genetic relict variation represents an important part of the overall genetic diversity found in the western periphery of this steppe plant and highlights the high conservation priority of respective gene pools.     

Genetic diversity and microgeographic differentiation of Yushan cane (Yushania niitakayamensis; Poaceae) in Taiwan

Yushan cane ( Yushania niitakayamensis ) is distributed in southeast Asia. In Taiwan, the species occurs in mountains 1000–3600 m above sea level. The species appears to spread mainly by rhizomes and flowers only rarely. Nine locations across its distribution range in Taiwan were sampled. Locations at higher altitudes generally consist of grassland and forest undergrowth habitats while those of lower altitudes generally consist of forest undergrowth only. Thus two sampling sites (montane grassland and forest undergrowth) were selected from each location at higher altitudes while only one sampling site was selected from each location at lower altitudes, resulting in a total of 13 sampling sites. Within each sampling site, 20 individual plants were sampled. The results of the cluster analysis and the principal coordinate analysis based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) indicated that the populations are generally differentiated according to geographical separation and altitudinal differences that interrupt gene flow. The populations at higher altitudes, where the species is distributed somewhat contiguously, were found to be more similar genetically. Analysis of molecular variance ( AMOVA ) revealed that the among-location, between sampling sites within location, and among individuals within sampling site components accounted for 15.27%, 4.80% and 79.93% of the total variance, respectively. For locations with two sampling sites, two-level AMOVA revealed that the diversities between sampling sites (sun and shade habitats) within locations ranged from 2.91% to 7.99% of the total diversity. Random permutation tests revealed that these diversities were significant, implying that there is microgeographic differentiation due to habitat differences.     

Genetic Variation Within and Among Metal-Tolerant and Non-Tolerant Populations of Armeria maritima (Mill.) Willd. s.l. (Plumbaginaceae) in Central and Northeast Germany

Abstract: Six metal-tolerant populations and sub-populations of Armeria maritima ssp. halleri, ssp. hornburgensis, and ssp. bottendorfensis and two non-tolerant populations of ssp. elongata in Central and Northeast Germany have been analysed using RAPD markers. The populations show very strong genetic differentiation (Φ_ST = 0.46), corresponding gene flow between them is low (N_em = 0.29). A moderate positive correlation between the matrices of genetic and geographical distances was found between the seven populations and sub-populations of central Germany (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Calculated parameters of genetic variability are molecular variance, percentage of heterozygosity and percentage of polymorphic loci. A significant correlation between population size and parameters of genetic variability was not recognisable. Genetic structure was investigated by an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The studied populations show strong genetic differentiation. Genetic variation within populations ("normal" as well as metalliferous) is higher (53.9 %) than among them (46.1 %). Six hypotheses of possible genetic relatedness between the studied populations have been tested by AMOVA. A data set structure above the populational level is hardly recognisable. It was impossible to combine the populations to edaphic (tolerant and "non-tolerant") or taxonomic groups. A. maritima ssp. halleri of the north Harz mountains and ssp. hornburgensis are clearly separated from a geographical group containing all other populations (across taxonomic and edaphic boundaries). These results are a further indication for a polyphyletic origin of metal-tolerant populations of A. maritima s.l. by multiple colonizations of metalliferous sites from neighbouring populations on non-metalliferous soil.     

Genetic diversity and heavy metal tolerance in populations of Silene paradoxa L. (Caryophyllaceae): a random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

Metal-contaminated sites can occur naturally in serpentine outcrops or as consequence of anthropogenic activities, such as mining deposits, aerial fallout from smelters and industrial processes. Serpentine outcrops are characterized by high levels of nickel, cobalt and chromium and present a typical vegetation which includes endemisms and plants which also live in uncontaminated soils. These latter metal-tolerant populations provide the opportunity to investigate the first steps in the differentiation of plant populations under severe selection pressure and to select plants to be used in the phytoremediation of industrially contaminated soils. In this report eight populations of Silene paradoxa L. (Caryophyllaceae) growing in copper mine deposits, in serpentine outcrops or in noncontaminated soil in central Italy, were analysed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to investigate the pattern of genetic variation. The genetic diversity observed in populations at copper mine deposits was found to be at least as high as that of the neighbouring serpentine populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) of the RAPD markers gave high statistical significance to the groupings of populations according: (i) with their geographical location; and (ii) with the metals present in the soil of origin (copper vs. nickel), indicating that RAPD markers detected a polymorphism related to the soil contamination by copper. Finally, two RAPD bands exclusive to copper-tolerant populations were identified.     

Genetic diversity of the green spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum Walker) in north-west Europe

Abstract 1 The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to investigate genetic diversity of anholocyclic populations of the green spruce aphid, Elatobium abietinum Walker, in north‐west Europe. 2 The results showed that the aphid in this region was divided genetically into three major groups. Aphids from the British Isles and north‐west France comprised the first group, the second group consisted of aphids from Denmark and Iceland, and the third group consisted of aphids from Norway. 3 The results indicated a significant level of gene flow within and between sites and geographical regions, especially in the British Isles and north‐west France. Lateral migration of the aphid and/or sexual reproduction is likely to have facilitated the gene flow. 4 The implications of these findings on management of the green spruce aphid are discussed.     

RAPD Study on Inter species Relationships in Roegneria (Poaceae: Triticeae)

To assess the relationships among 26 species in Roegneria C. Koch, 34 random decamer primers were screened for RAPD fragments. 28 primers produced polymorphic RAPD products. Data from 16 primers were used for RAPD assay. By NTSYS-pc program, Jaccard' s genetic similarity coefficients were generated and dendrogram was constructed using UPGMA. It is concluded as follows: (1) Distinct genetic differences and extensive genetic diversity were present among the species. (2) There were some genetic differences between StY and StYH genomes, and StY and StYH had a certain degree of differentiations respectively which were related to geographic regions, the farther the geographic distribution between species, the less the similarity to each other. (3) When different accessions in a species, such as species with similar morphological characters, homologous genomes and similar geographic distribution, were clustered together respectively, it suggusted that they had closer relationships. (4) The awnless species R. alashanica Keng and R. magnicaespes (D. F. Cui) L. B. Cai, in Roegneria, were separated from the other species analysed in this study, indicating that these two species had intensive genetic differences from the others. (5) R. caucasica C. Koch, a species from Western Asia, was quite different from the other species contained StY genomes in Roegneria from Eastern Asia and Central Asia. (6) The results were in consistance with that of the analysis of morphology and chromosome pairing in the taxonomic treatments for R. ciliaris (Trin) Nevski and R. japonensis (Honda) Keng, R. tenuispica J. L. Yang et Y. H. Zhou and R. pendulina Nevski, and R. tsukushiensis (Honda) Ohwi and R. kamoji Ohwi. The present study discussed the usefulness of RAPD markers in the systematic study of Roegneria.     

Genetic diversity and genetic structure of populations of Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. (Ranunculaceae)

Abstract In order to clarify the genetic diversity and population structure of Ranunculus japonicus , allozymic analysis was conducted on 60 populations in southwestern Japan. Considerable genetic variati ons were detected among the populations of R. japonicus . The genetic diversities within species ( H _es = 0.215) and within populations ( H _ep = 0.172) were slightly higher than those of other perennial herbs with widespread distribution and outcrossing plants. Significantly higher values of fixation index were detected in some populations, which might have arisen from restricted mating partners. The majority of genetic variation (approx. 80%) resided within a population and a moderate level of genetic differentiation ( G _ST = 0.203) was observed among populations. The F _ST value (0.203) suggests the existence of a substantial population structure in this species. The highly significant correlation between geographic distance and F _ST values indicates that isolation by distance has played an important role in the construction of the genetic structure of this species.     

中国食用向日葵种质资源遗传变异的RAPD及AFLP分析

本研究采用RAPD和AFLP方法对23个中国不同地区的食用向日葵(Helianthus annuus L.)骨干品种进行了遗传变异分析,同时对两种标记系统进行了比较.26个RAPD引物产生了总计192条DNA条带,大小分布于0.26 kb～1.98 kb之间,其中165条(86.12%)具有多态性,每条引物产生DNA条带的平均数为7.38.8对AFLP引物组合共产生了576条带,分布于100 bp～500 bp之间,其中的341条具有多态性,多态百分率为76.00%,每对引物组合产生DNA条带的平均数为72.RAPD方法检测到的每位点有效等位基因数(1.76)大于AFLP(1.65),AFLP标记位点的平均多态性信息量(PIC)(0.38)低于RAPD标记位点的PIC(0.41),但AFLP标记具有很高的多态性检测效率(Ai=38.52).用RAPD标记分析23个食用向日葵材料的亲缘关系,Nei氏相似性系数分布在47.84%～82.06%,平均相似性系数为0.649 5, 而采用AFLP的Nei氏相似性系数分布在54.15%～83.52%,平均相似性系数为0.688 4.RAPD数据的标准差为0.13,而AFLP数据的标准差为0.08.因此,采用RAPD和AFLP方法分析食用向日葵遗传变异,RAPD标记具有较低相似性系数和较高方差而AFLP则相反.源于两种不同标记的遗传相似性矩阵的相关系数为0.51,说明采用RAPD和AFLP系统分析食用向日葵遗传变异得到的结果有一定的相关性.无论采用RAPD还是AFLP标记进行聚类分析,都将23个不同基因型的食用向日葵材料分成了三个类群.     

利用RAPD分析披碱草属、鹅观草属和猬草属模式种的亲缘关系

利用随机扩增多态性DNA（RAPD）技术对小麦族披碱草属、鹅观草属和猬草属3个属的模式种进行了基因组DNA多态性分析。42个引物产物的290条谱带中,257条（88.62%)表现出多态性,说明披碱草属、鹅观草属和猬草属3个属的模式种间具有丰富的遗传多样性。利用290个RAPD标记,计算材料间Nei氏遗传相似性系和遗传距离,在NTSYS程序中利用UPGMA进行聚类。结果表明,Elymus sibiricus种不同居群间的遗传差异较小,遗传距离在0.097-0.180之间。E.sibiricus,Roegneria caucasica和Hystrix patula的种间遗传差异明显,遗传距离在0.458-0.605之间。H.patula与E.sibiricus的亲缘关系较近。R.caucasica与E.sibiricus的亲缘关系较远。     

Genetic Variation in Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. sinensis (Elaeagnaceae) Revealed by RAPD Markers

Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. sinensis is endemic to China, and it is a dioecious, outcrossing plant. Although many studies have been undertaken mainly on its agricultural, nutritional, medical, and ornamental value, little is known about its population genetics. This study uses random amplified polymorphic DNA to investigate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 13 natural populations of the subspecies sinensis. Fifteen primers amplified 107 reproducible bands, with 95 (88.79%) being polymorphic. The gene diversity within population was 0.168, considerably lower than that of tree species and most perennial, outcrossing species, but higher than that of annual or short-lived, selfing species. The Gst value showed that 18.3% of the total genetic variation resided among populations, a little lower than that of outcrossing species. The present results are quite similar to those previously reported in another subspecies, H ssp. . rhamnoides rhamnoides. The low genetic differentiation among populations in ssp. sinensis may be attributed to the long-distance dispersal of seeds facilitated by birds, in addition to its characteristics of outcrossing, wind pollination, and widespread distribution. No association between genetic distance and geographical distribution was found. The population relationships revealed by the UPGMA dendrogram parallel this result, in that genetic distance did not increase with geographic separation. This pattern of population differentiation may imply the adaptation of ssp. s populations to the local environment, given that its habitats vary greatly across its distribution.     

Genetic diversity in fragmented populations of Berchemiella wilsonii var. pubipetiolata (Rhamnaceae)

BACKGROUD AND AIMS: Berchemiella wilsonii var. pubipetiolata (Rhamnaceae) is distributed in fragmented habitat patches in eastern China. It is highly endangered because of severe disturbance by anthropogenic activities. Information on genetic variation and structure is critical for developing successful conservation strategies for this species. METHODS: Allozyme variation of population genetic diversity and structure was investigated for a total of 98 individuals sampled from four extant populations using isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide slab gels. KEY RESULTS: Based on 20 loci scored from the nine enzymes examined, a high genetic diversity was detected at both the species and population level, while there was a loss of low frequency alleles (<0.1) in all populations. Most loci showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to excess of heterozygotes in all populations, suggesting that selection for heterozygotes has occurred in this species. The genetic diversity was mainly found within populations with a moderate genetic differentiation (F(ST) = 0.13), but the two geographically discontinuous population groups showed significant differences, with F-statistic values of 0.078 for the Zhejiang populations and 0.014 for the Anhui populations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It appears most likely that this species has experienced a recent decrease in population size, and genetic drift in small populations has resulted in a loss of alleles occurring at low frequency. The differentiation into two population groups reflects a population genetic consequence that has been influenced by the different land-use in the two regions. Some conservation concerns are discussed together with possible strategies for implementing in situ and ex situ conservation.     

中国食用向日葵种质资源遗传变异的RAPD及AFLP分析

本研究采用RAPD和AFLP方法对23个中国不同地区的食用向日葵（Helianthus annuus L.)骨干品种进行了遗传变异分析,同时对两种标记系统进行了比较。26个RAPD引物产生了总计192条DNA条带,大小分布 于0.26kb-1.98kb之间,其中165条（86．12％）具有多态性,每条引物产生DNA条带的平均数为7．38。8对AFLP引物组合共产生了576条带,分布于100bp-500bp之间,其中的341条具有多态性,多态百分率为76．00％,每对引物组合产生DNA条带的平均数为72。RAPD方法检测的每位点有效等位基因数（1．76）大于AFLP（1．65）,AFLP标记位点的平均多态性信息量（PIC）（0．38）低于RAPD标记位点PIC（0．41）,但AFLP标记具有很高的多态性检测效率（Ai=38．52）。用RAPD标记分析23个食用向日葵材料的亲缘关系,Nei氏相似性系数分布在47．84％－82．06％,平均相似性系数为0．6495,而采用AFLP的Nei氏相似性系数分布在54．15％－83．52％,平均相似性系数为0．6884。RAPD数据的标准差为0．13,而AFLP数据的标准差为0．08。因此,采用RAPD和AFLP方法分析食用向日葵遗传变异,RAPD标记具有较低相似性系数和较高方差而AFLP则相反。源于两种不同标记的遗传相似矩阵的相关系数为0．51,说明采用RAPD和AFLP系统分析食用向日葵遗传变异得到的结果有一定的相关性,无论采用RAPD还是AFLP标记进行聚类分析,都将23个不同基因型的食用向日葵材料分成了三个类群。     

On the verge of extinction: genetics of the critically endangered Iberian plant species, Borderea chouardii (Dioscoreaceae) and implications for conservation management

Borderea chouardii is a relictual and dioecious, strictly sexually reproducing, long-living geophyte of the Dioscoreaceae family. Previous biological and demographic studies have indicated the existence of a uniformly distributed panmictic population of this taxon at the southernmost Spanish pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges where it occurs in rather inaccessible crevices of a single limestone cliff. However, individuals of B. chouardii are spatially subdivided into two subpopulations located, respectively, on the upper and lower parts of the cliff, and vertically separated 150 m. Because of its extreme rarity, B. chouardii was the first Iberian taxon to have a specific conservation plan and has been included in several red lists under the category of critically endangered (CR). However, no previous attempts have been conducted to analyse the fine scale evolutionary mechanisms involved in its present microspatial distribution. Genetic diversity and population structure have been investigated through the analysis of neutral hypervariable markers such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) to unravel the impact of life history traits in the differentiation of the two subpopulations. Both types of molecular markers were unequivocal in distinguishing two genetically distinct groups of individuals corresponding to their spatial separation. However, SSRs detected a higher level of subpopulation differentiation (F(ST) = 0.35, R(ST) = 0.32) than RAPDs (F(ST) = 0.21). SSR data indicated significant deviation from random dispersal of genes and genotypes between the two groups, suggesting that mating occurs mainly among individuals within subpopulations, thus, favouring the divergence between the two groups. This microevolutionary differentiation scenario might have been caused by a coupled effect of past genetic drift and reproductive isolation, as a result of strong glacial age bottlenecks and inefficient dispersal system of pollen and seeds, respectively. The identification of such genetic structure in this narrow endemic prompts a modification of the management strategies of its single extant population.