The effect of hosptlant and parasitoids on the reproductive success of the parthenogenetic gall wasp Diplolepis rosae (Hymenoptera,Cynipidae)

Summary The univoltine cynipid gall wasp Diplolepis rosae reproduces by an obligate homozygosity promoting system known as gamete duplication. The wasp is confined to roses (Rosa spp) on which it induces large, complex and multichambered galls. In southern Sweden, D. rosae was found to parasitize Rosa canina, R. dumalis, R. rubiginosa, R. villosa, R. sherardi and R. rubrifolia, but not R. majalis and R. rugosa. The distribution of galls shows that there are differences in the relation between wasp and hosplant with respect both to species and individual plants. There is a positive correlation between wasp size and gall (clutch) size. Parasitoid pressure was found to be high, causing D. rosae an estimated average larval loss of approximately 75%, mainly due to the attack of the ichneumonid wasp Orthopelma mediator. The very common cynipid inquiline Periclistus brandtii does not seem to have any negative effects. Overall parasitism and probability of no hatched offspring per gall decrease with increasing gall (clutch) size. The probability of loosing all of a given number of offspring decreases with the number of galls produced. It is suggested that D. rosae, in order to escape parasitoids, needs high ability to establish new colonies. Hence the production of many comparatively small galls, which increases the chance of leaving any offspring, rather than the production of few large galls, maximizing the number of offspring, should be favoured by selection.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the sugar beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii

We report the isolation of five microsatellites loci from the sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii). Multilocus genotypes were obtained on individual larvae freshly emerged from cysts. Allelic diversity ranged from four to 27 among the five loci. The primers were tested for cross‐species amplification in six other species of phytoparasitic nematodes of the Heterodera genus. Those molecular markers will be used to study the genetic structure of this obligatory parasite and how it is affected by the use of resistant plants.     

Unique arthropod communities on different host-plant genotypes results in greater arthropod diversity

Studies on the effect of plant-species diversity on various ecological processes has led to the study of the effects of plant-genetic diversity in the context of community genetics. Arthropod diversity can increase with plant-species or plant-genetic diversity (Wimp et al. in Ecol Lett 7:776–780, 2004). Plant diversity effects can be difficult to separate from other ecological processes, for example, complementarity. We asked three basic questions: (1) Are arthropod communities unique on different host-plant genotypes? (2) Is arthropod diversity greater when associated with greater plant-genetic diversity? (3) Are arthropod communities more closely associated with host-plant genetics than the plant neighborhood? We studied canopy arthropods on Populus fremontii trees randomly planted in a common garden. All trees were planted in a homogeneous matrix, which helped to reduce P. fremontii neighborhood effects. One sample was comprised of few P. fremontii genotypes with many clones. A second sample was comprised of many P. fremontii genotypes with few clones. A second data set was used to examine the relationships between the arthropod community with P. fremontii genetic composition and the neighborhood composition of the focal host plant. Unique arthropod communities were associated with different P. fremontii genotypes, and arthropod community diversity was greater in the sample with greater P. fremontii genotypic diversity. Arthropod community similarity was negatively correlated with P. fremontii genetic distance, but arthropod community similarity was not related to the neighborhood of the P. fremontii host plant.     

Genetic diversity of Typha latifolia (Typhaceae) and the impact of pollutants examined with tandem-repetitive DNA probes

Genetic diversity at variable-number-tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci was examined in the common cattail, Typha latifolia (Typhaceae), using three synthetic DNA probes composed of tandemly repeated “core” sequences (GACA, GATA, and GCAC). The principal objectives of this investigation were to determine whether: (1) the previously reported almost complete lack of polymorphism at allozyme loci in this species was indicative of a reduced amount of genetic diversity at VNTR loci as well; (2) VNTR markers were informative about possible clonal propagation; and (3) significant differences in genetic structure of sampling sites were associated with differences in environmental levels of pollutants at those sites. Previously, widespread sampling across the eastern United States, surveying across ten allozyme loci, has detected only two genotypes, involving a difference at a single locus, among 104 populations. In this study, the amount of genetic diversity detected at VNTR loci: (1) among ramets (N = 40; 40 genotypes detected) collected at ∼8-km intervals along a 320-km transect; (2) among ramets (N = 220; 117 genotypes detected) from five study sites separated by 50–3000 m; and (3) even among ramets within each study site [N = 44 per site; from 13 to 34 genotypes detected per site (270 m²)] exceeds that previously found in those more geographically widespread allozyme surveys. Among the 260 ramets analyzed here, the mean number of bands scored per individual was 48.61 (SD = 2.80). Mean genetic similarity among ramets collected along the 320-km transect was 0.91, which was within the range of mean genetic similarity within the five study sites (range: 0.89–0.95). Among the five study sites, 61% of the samples analyzed appeared to be clonal ramets, with up to 12 clones detected for 44 ramets sampled within a site. Clones grew intermingled and ranged up to 39 m in extent. Permutation tests of genetic similarity revealed significant genetic differentiation between each of the five study sites. Consistent with the previous allozyme studies, T. latifolia was characterized by extremely low genetic variation relative to levels of polymorphism detected at VNTR loci in other plant species. Estimated heterozygosity among ramets along the 320-km transect ranged from 0.11 to 0.13, while that within the five study sites ranged from 0.05 to 0.12. Estimates of F_st (0.32–0.41) also indicated considerable genetic subdivision among these stands. Significantly higher genetic diversity was detected at the two study sites that chemistry and toxicity data indicate to be the most severely impacted by pollutants. Although this correlation does not establish cause and effect, the results of this study indicate that the analysis of genetic diversity at VNTR loci may be a useful tool for monitoring anthropogenic-induced changes in the genetic structure of natural populations of plants.     

Genetic demography at the leading edge of the distribution of a rabies virus vector

The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, ranges from South America into northern Mexico in North America. This sanguivorous species of bat feeds primarily on medium to large‐sized mammals and is known to rely on livestock as primary prey. Each year, there are hotspot areas of D. rotundus‐specific rabies virus outbreaks that lead to the deaths of livestock and economic losses. Based on incidental captures in our study area, which is an area of high cattle mortality from D. rotundus transmitted rabies, it appears that D. rotundus are being caught regularly in areas and elevations where they previously were thought to be uncommon. Our goal was to investigate demographic processes and genetic diversity at the north eastern edge of the range of D. rotundus in Mexico. We generated control region sequences (441 bp) and 12‐locus microsatellite genotypes for 602 individuals of D. rotundus. These data were analyzed using network analyses, Bayesian clustering approaches, and standard population genetic statistical analyses. Our results demonstrate panmixia across our sampling area with low genetic diversity, low population differentiation, loss of intermediate frequency alleles at microsatellite loci, and very low mtDNA haplotype diversity with all haplotypes being very closely related. Our study also revealed strong signals of population expansion. These results follow predictions from the leading‐edge model of expanding populations and supports conclusions from another study that climate change may allow this species to find suitable habitat within the U.S. border.     

Population genetic analysis of Elliottiaracemosa (Ericaceae), a rare Georgia shrub

Genetic and genotypic diversity found within populations of threatened plant species can have important implications for their conservation and management. In this study we describe genetic and genotypic diversity found within 10 populations of the endemic shrub Elliottiaracemosa (Ericaceae), the Georgia plume. E. racemosa is a threatened species known from fewer than 50 locations, all within the state of Georgia, USA. Seedset is limited to nonexistent in some E. racemosa populations and sexual recruitment has not been documented. However, the species is known to spread vegetatively via root-sprouts. Twenty-one allozyme loci were resolved for E. racemosa, nine of which were polymorphic. Compared with other woody taxa, E. racemosa has low genetic (i.e. allelic) diversity within populations (H_ep = 0.063) and at the species level (H_es = 0.091). Most of the genetic variation (82%) was found within populations, and genetic identities between populations were high (mean I = 0.96). However, genotypic diversity (i.e. the number of multilocus genotypes) differed markedly among populations. Two of the 10 populations consisted almost entirely of single multilocus genotypes, whereas more than 20 multilocus genotypes (in samples of 48 stems) were detected at three sites. Sites in which few multilocus genotypes were detected have low seedset, suggesting that the lack of clonal diversity limits reproduction in some populations of this reportedly self-incompatible species.     

Genetic variation in Pueraria lobata (Fabaceae), an introduced, clonal, invasive plant of the southeastern United States

Pueraria lobata (kudzu), a clonal, leguminous vine, is invading the southeastern United States at a rate of 50 000 ha per year. Genetic variability and clonal diversity were measured in 20 southeastern U.S. populations using 14 allozyme loci. Within its U.S. range, 92.9% of the loci were polymorphic and overall genetic diversity was 0.290. Such high levels of genetic diversity are consistent with its history of multiple introductions over an extended period of time. The average proportions of polymorphic loci and genetic diversity within populations were 55.7% (range = 28.6–85.7%) and 0.213 (range = 0.114–0.317), respectively. The proportion of total genetic diversity found among populations was similar to species with equivalent life history characters (G_ST = 0.199). No regional patterns of variation were seen. The number of putative genotypes in each population ranged from 2 to 26. Mean genotypic diversity was 0.694, ranging from 0.223 to 0.955. Such high levels of genotypic diversity indicate that local sites are often colonized by several propagules (most likely seeds) and/or that sexual reproduction occurs within populations after establishment. An excess of heterozygosity was observed in populations with few unique genets, implying that selection for highly heterozygous individuals may occur in populations of P. lobata.     

Cross‐amplification of 10 new isolated polymorphic microsatellite loci for red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus)

Ten polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the red mullet (Mullus barbatus). Allele variability was tested on both the red mullet and its congener the striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus). Characterization of 30 individuals of both species from the western Mediterranean showed moderate to high allelic diversity ranging from two to 26 alleles per locus (mean 10.9). Three loci showed departures from Hardy–Weinberg proportions. No evidence of significant association between genotypes at pairs of loci was observed. These polymorphic loci could be suitable for population genetic assessments of both species.     

Microsatellite analysis of genetic diversity in the Chinese alligator (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alligator sinensis</Emphasis>) Changxing captive population

Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is a critically endangered species endemic to China. In this study, the extent of genetic variation in the captive alligators of the Changxing Reserve Center was investigated using microsatellite markers derived from American alligators. Out of 22 loci employed, 21 were successfully amplified in the Chinese alligator. Sequence analysis showed loci in American alligators had a bigger average size than that of the Chinese alligators and the longest allele of an individual locus almost always existed in the species with longer stretch of repeat units. Eight of the 22 loci were found to be polymorphic with a total of 26 alleles present among 32 animals scored, yielding an average of 3.25 alleles per polymorphic locus. The expected heterozygosity (H _E) ranged at a moderate level from 0.4385 to 0.7163 in this population. Compared to that in the American alligators, a lower level of microsatellite diversity existed in the Changxing population as revealed by about 46% fewer alleles per locus and smaller H _E at the homologous loci. The average exclusion power and the ability to detect shared genotypes and multiple paternity were evaluated for those markers. Results suggested that when the polymorphic loci were combined, they could be sensitive markers in genetic diversity study and relatedness inference within the Chinese alligator populations. The level of genetic diversity present in the current Changxing population indicated an important resource to complement reintroductions based on the individuals from the other population. In addition, the microsatellite markers and their associated diversity characterized in this population could be utilized to further investigate the genetic status of this species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Dendrobium officinale,an endangered herb endemic to China

As an invaluable herb, Dendrobium officinale has been in severe danger since 1950 because of human exploitation and habitat deterioration. In order to investigate the genetic diversity and structure of this species, we isolated and characterized 12 microsatellite loci derived from two microsatellite‐enriched libraries. Twenty‐two individuals from Leye population were analysed. These loci were polymorphic and displayed three to 12 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.150 to 0.624 and from 0.162 to 0.605, respectively. These are the first microsatellite loci characterized from D. officinale that will contribute to research on the conservation, genetic diversity, population structure and individual authentication.     

Microsatellite allele sequencing in population analyses of the South American cactophilic species Drosophila antonietae (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Drosophila antonietae belongs to the Drosophila buzzatii cluster, a cactophilic group of species naturally endemic to South America. Morphological and genetic analyses indicate that its populations are the most homogenous in the cluster and that the diversity observed is mainly a result of variation within populations. Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were described for this species and used in the present study to investigate the genetic diversity of natural populations of D. antonietae by both length and sequence variation. The study aimed to understand how homoplasy and null alleles affect inferences about the population history of this species and to obtain an accurate interpretation of population inferences where these loci could be applied. The results provide useful information on the interpretation of genetic data derived from the microsatellite loci described for D. antonietae and on evolutionary aspects of cactophilic Drosophila. Importantly, the results indicate that size homoplasy and null alleles do not represent significant problems for the population genetics analyses because the large amount of variability at microsatellite loci compensate the low frequency of these problems in the populations. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100 , 573–584.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Alasmidonta heterodon (Bivalvia: Unionidae)

We developed 13 species‐specific microsatellite markers for the federally endangered Atlantic slope unionid Alasmidonta heterodon. Four to 18 alleles per locus were observed among 30 individuals. Observed heterozygosity throughout the loci ranged from 26.9 to 86.2% and averaged 63.6%. Estimates of individual pairwise genetic distances indicated that levels of genetic diversity among loci were sufficient to produce unique multilocus genotypes for all animals surveyed. Randomization tests showed that genotypes for this collection were consistent with Hardy–Weinberg expectations, and no significant linkage disequilibrium was observed between loci. These loci therefore appear suitable for population surveys, kinship assessment and other such applications.     

Genetic diversity and multilocus genetic structure in the relictual endemic herb<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Japonolirion osense</Emphasis> (Petrosaviaceae)

Plant clonality may greatly reduce effective population size and influence management strategies of rare and endangered species. We examined genetic diversity and the extent of clonality in four populations of the monotypic herbaceous perennial Japonolirion osense, which is one of the most rare flowering plants in Japan. Allozyme analysis revealed moderate levels of genetic variation, and the proportion of polymorphic loci (P=66.7%) was higher than the value for species with similar life-history traits. With four polymorphic loci, 19 multilocus genotypes were observed among 433 aerial shoot samples and 10 (52%) were found only in single populations. The proportion of distinguishable genotypes (PD=0.10) and Simpson's index of diversity (D=0.52) also exhibited moderate levels of genotypic diversity compared to other clonal plants, with genotype frequencies at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The distributions of genotypes were often localized and they were mostly found within a radius of 5 m. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that shoot samples located 4 m apart were expected to be genetically independent. The results suggest that the spatial extent of genets was relatively narrow and thus the clonality was not extensive.     

Low Levels of Genetic Diversity within Populations of Hosta clausa (Liliaceae)

Abstract Genetic diversity of Korean populations in Hosta clausa was investigated using starch gel electrophoresis. Hosta clausa is widespread, grows only along streamsides, and has both sexual and asexual reproduction. Populations of the species are small and isolated. Thirty-two percent of the loci examined were polymorphic, and mean genetic diversity within populations (He_p=0.082) was lower than mean estimates for species with very similar life history characteristics (0.131), particularly for its congener H. yingeri (0.250). The mean number of multilocus genotypes per population was 8.7, and genotypic diversity index (D_G) was 0.84. Significant differences in allele frequencies among populations were found in all seven polymorphic loci (P < 0.001). About one-fifth of the total allozyme variation was among populations (G_ST=0.192). Indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation (Nm=0.48, calculated from mean G_ST) and nine private alleles found indicate that gene movement among populations was low. The low levels of genetic diversity within populations and the relatively high levels of genetic diversity among populations suggest that strong moist habitat preferences, clonal reproduction, low level of gene flow among populations, genetic drift, and historical events may have played roles in the genetic structuring of the species.     

Clonal diversity and genetic differentiation revealed by SSR markers in wild Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos

American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a perennial, woody plant species, native to North American bogs and wetlands. Cranberries represent one of the few agriculturally important native plants in which wild gene pools are still readily available within the undeveloped wetlands of the northern US and Canada. Earlier studies have reported low genetic variation in V. macrocarpon at the species and population level. However, in this study, we characterised 229 individuals of wild V. macrocarpon and V. oxycoccos (small cranberry) from Wisconsin and 22 accessions using microsatellite markers and observed substantial genetic variation and differentiation within and among populations and species. While V. macrocarpon was analysed using 108 alleles from 11 microsatellite loci revealing 42 unique genotypes, V. oxycoccos was analysed using 156 alleles from eight loci revealing 28 unique genotypes. There were a total of 182 alleles found in both species combined with 156 of those alleles present in V. oxycoccos and 84 alleles found in V. macrocarpon. All eight loci possessed species‐specific alleles with V. oxycoccos possessing 98 private alleles versus 26 private alleles found V. macrocarpon, and 58 alleles were found in common between both species. Our data will be valuable not only for future wild cranberry diversity and population genetics research, but for other cranberry breeding and genetics studies.     

Comparison of the genetic diversity of common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) and cultivated rice (O. sativa L.) using RFLP markers

Forty fourth single-copy RFLP markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of 122 accessions of common wild rice (CWR, Oryza rufipogon Griff.) and 75 entries of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L. ) from more than ten Asian countries. A comparison of the parameters showing genetic diversity, including the percentage of polymorphic loci (P), the average number of alleles per locus (A), the number of genotypes (Ng), the average heterozygosity (Ho) and the average genetic multiplicity (Hs) of CWR and indica and japonica subspecies of cultivated rice from different countries and regions, indicated that CWR from China possesses the highest genetic diversity, followed by CWR from South Asia and Southeast Asia. The genetic diversity of CWR from India is the second highest. Although the average gene diversity (Hs)of the South Asian CWR is higher than that of the Southeast Asian CWR, its percentage of polymorphic loci (P), number of alleles (Na) and number of genotypes (Ng) are all smaller. It was also found that the genetic diversity of cultivated rice is obviously lower than that of CWR. At the 44 loci investigated, the number of polymorphic loci of cultivated rice is only 3/4 that of CWR, while the number of alleles, 60%, and the number of genotypes is about 1/2 that of CWR. Of the two subspecies studied, the genetic diversity of indica is higher than that of japonica. The average heterozygosity of the Chinese CWR is the highest among all the entries studied. The average heterozygosity of CWR is about two-times that of cultivated rice. It is suggested that during the course of evolution from wild rice to cultivated rice, many alleles were lost through natural and human selection, leading to the lower heterozygosity and genetic diversity of the cultivated rice. Received: 19 May 1999 / Accepted: 26 April 2000     

A comparison of the genetic diversity in Dipteronia sinensis Oliv. and Dipteronia dyeriana Henry

Dipteronia is an endemic genus to China and includes only two species, Dipteronia sinensis and D. dyeriana. Based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, a comparative study of the genetic diversity and genetic structure of Dipteronia was performed. In total, 128 and 103 loci were detected in 17 D. sinensis populations and 4 D. dyeriana populations, respectively, using 18 random primers. These results showed that the proportions of polymorphic loci for the two species were 92.97% and 81.55%, respectively, indicating that the genetic diversity of D. sinensis was higher than that of D. dyeriana. Analysis, based on similarity coefficients, Shannon diversity index and Nei gene diversity index, also confirmed this result. AMOVA analysis demonstrated that the genetic variation of D. sinensis within and among populations accounted for 56.89% and 43.11% of the total variation, respectively, and that of D. dyeriana was 57.86% and 42.14%, respectively. The Shannon diversity index and Nei gene diversity index showed similar results. The abovementioned characteristics indicated that the genetic diversity levels of these two species were extremely similar and that the interpopulational genetic differentiation within both species was relatively high. Analysis of the genetic distance among populations also supported this conclusion. Low levels of interpopulational gene flow within both species were believed to be among the leading causes for the above-mentioned phenomenon. The correlation analysis between genetic and geographical distances showed the existence of a remarkably significant correlation between the genetic distance and the longitudinal difference among populations of D. sinensis (p < 0.01), while no significant correlation was found between genetic and geographical distances among populations of D. dyeriana. This indicated that genetic distance was correlated with geographical distances on a large scale rather than on a small scale. This result may be related to differences in the selection pressure on species by their habitats with different distribution ranges. We suggest that in situ conservation efforts should focus on establishing more sites to protect the natural populations and their habitats. Ex situ conservation efforts should focus on enhancing the exchange of seeds and seedlings among populations to facilitate gene exchange and recombination, and to help conserve genetic diversity. __________ Translated from Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2005, 29(5): 785–792 [译自: 植物生态学报, 2005, 29(5): 785–792]     

Characterization of dinucleotide microsatellite markers in the parthenogenetic mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris)

We present 16 variable dinucleotide microsatellite markers to quantify genetic variation in the parthenogenetic gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris. Genetic diversity at these loci was unusually high for an asexual species. Subsets of individuals produced identical genotypes across all loci. Individual loci revealed evidence of polyploidy and marked differences between observed and expected heterozygosity, indicating the presence of null alleles. These patterns conform to prior expectations based on the distant genetic relationships between the presumed sexual progenitors of L. lugubris. Comparisons with sexual relatives will be required to determine the sources of the observed genetic variation.     

GENETIC DIVERSITY AND CLONAL STRUCTURE IN A COLUMNAR CACTUS,LOPHOCEREUS SCHOTTII

In southern Arizona the columnar cactus, Lophocereus schottii, inhabits desert riparian environments. Reproduction in this part of its range is predominantly asexual and occurs by either the dispersal of stems in the immediate vicinity of parents or the long-distance transport of detached stem pieces downstream by floodwaters. Genetic diversity and clonal structure of eight populations of L. schottii in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona, were examined. In all populations ramets were mapped and stem tissue from each ramet was examined electrophoretically. At the species level, 44.4% of the loci were polymorphic and the genetic diversity was 0.145. Within populations, the mean proportion of polymorphic loci and genetic diversity were 34.4% and 0.126%, respectively. Although most of the allozyme variation was within populations, appreciable heterogeneity was found among populations (G_ST = 0.130). Genetic and genotypic diversity was greatest in three of the four populations located in the principal area of L. schottii occurrence in the monument. Genotypic diversity was lowest in the smallest population and in the most isolated population. Ramets in all populations were spatially aggregated. Plant pairs with identical multilocus genotypes were usually ≤ 10 m apart, but some widely separated individuals had identical genotypes. Occasional long-distance dispersal of stems and the periodic recruitment of seedlings have caused genets to intermingle, promoting outcrossing and maintaining genetic diversity.     

Resistance of roses to pathotypes of Diplocarpon rosae

Colonies of Diplocarpon rosae derived from single conidia were isolated on malt extract agar, multiplied (at 23°C) and stored (at ?20°C) on surface‐sterilised leaf discs of a universally susceptible rose, ‘Frensham’. The resistance of 16 species and cultivars of Rosa to different isolates of D. rosae was assessed using surface‐sterilised leaf discs. Four pathotypes of D. rosae were distinguished on the basis of host range. One species and one hybrid were resistant to all pathotypes. Two species and two cultivars were susceptible to all pathotypes. Four species and six cultivars were interpreted as having vertical resistance because they were strongly resistant to some but not all pathotypes. Only species and hybrids of the section Cinnamomeae were resistant to the pathotype identified as CW1 whereas only roses of other origins were resistant to the pathotype DA2.