Population structure and genetic diversity of wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helianthus</Emphasis> species from Mozambique

The production of sunflower suffered a major decline in Mozambique after its independence in 1975. Civil war, human activities and environmental damage subjected the species to an ecological stress contributing to reduce the number and size of wild populations. As this reduction is often related to a loss of genetic variation we estimated the genetic diversity within and among populations of wild Helianthus from five districts of Mozambique using RAPD markers. The 44 accessions studied grouped into four major clusters exhibiting structured variability with regard to geographic origin. A high level of genetic diversity (He = 0.350 and I = 0.527) was retained at the population level. The genetic variation among populations was high (59.7%), which is consistent with low gene flow (Nm = 0.338). The proportion of total genetic diversity residing among these populations should be kept in mind to devise different conservation strategies in order to preserve these populations. Currently wild Helianthus genetic resources present in Maputo and Sofala are on the edge of extinction mainly due to excessive urbanization. Therefore, conservation of what remains of this plant genetic diversity is essential for sustainable utilization and can be useful for breeding programs.     

The effect of migratory behaviour on genetic diversity and population divergence: a comparison of anadromous and freshwater Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

The genetic diversity of anadromous and freshwater Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) populations from north-west Russia and other north European locations was compared using microsatellite variation to evaluate the importance of anadromous migration, population size and population glacial history in determining population genetic diversity and divergence. In anadromous Atlantic salmon populations, the level of genetic diversity was significantly higher and the level of population divergence was significantly lower than among the freshwater Atlantic salmon populations, even after correcting for differences in stock size. The phylogeographic origin of the populations also had a significant effect on the genetic diversity characteristics of populations: anadromous populations from the basins of the Atlantic Ocean, White Sea and Barents Sea possessed higher levels of genetic diversity than anadromous populations from the Baltic Sea basin. Among the freshwater populations, the result was the opposite: the Baltic freshwater populations were more variable. The results of this study imply that differences in the level of long-term gene flow between freshwater populations and anadromous populations have led to different levels of genetic diversity, which was also evidenced by the hierarchical analysis of molecular variance. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of taking the life history of a population into consideration when developing conservation strategies: due to the limited possibilities for new genetic diversity to be generated via gene flow, it is expected that freshwater Atlantic salmon populations would be more vulnerable to extinction following a population crash. Hence, high conservation status is warranted in order to ensure the long-term survival of the limited number of European populations with this life-history strategy.     

Stress tolerance and population stability of rock pool Daphnia in relation to local conditions and population isolation

Small fragmented populations can lose genetic variability, which reduces population viability through inbreeding and loss of adaptability. Current and previous environmental conditions can also alter the viability of populations, by creating local adaptations that determine responses to stress. Yet, most studies on stress tolerance usually consider either the effect of genetic diversity or the local environment, missing a more holistic perspective of the factors contributing to stress tolerance among natural populations. Here, we studied how salinity stress affects population growth of Daphnia longispina, Daphnia magna, and Daphnia pulex from rock pools with varying degrees of population isolation and salinity conditions. Standing variation of in situ rock pool salinity conditions explained more variation in salt tolerance than the standing variation of population isolation or genetic diversity, in both a pulse and a press disturbance experiment. This indicates that the level of stress, which these natural populations experience, influences their response to that stress, which may have important consequences for the conservation of fragmented populations. However, long-term population stability in the field decreased with population isolation, indicating that natural populations experience a variety of stresses; thus, population isolation and genetic diversity may stabilize population dynamics over larger spatiotemporal scales.     

湖北河岸带植物中华蚊母树遗传多样性的SRAP分析

利用SRAP分子标记技术,对湖北省河岸带植物中华蚊母树的4个自然居群和1个迁地居群的遗传多样性和遗传结构进行了分析。结果表明,中华蚊母树物种具有较高水平的遗传多样性,7对SRAP引物进行PCR扩增的多态性位点百分率(PPF)为80.43%,每个位点的等位基因数(A)为2,有效等位基因数(Ae)为1.34,总遗传多样性Nei’s基因多样性指数(Hp)为0.215 9,Shannon信息多样性指数(I)为0.350 9。在居群水平上,5个居群总的遗传变异Ht为0.218 8,居群内的遗传变异Hs为0.193 4,居群间的遗传分化系数Gst为0.116 1,表明在总的遗传变异中有88.39%变异存在于居群内,仅11.61%存在于居群间,居群间的基因流Nm为3.807 2,表明居群间有较大程度的基因交流。UPGMA聚类分析和主成分分析显示中华蚊母树主要分为两个居群组,在长江三峡沿岸香溪和乐天溪由于遗传距离比较近聚为一小类再与高家堰聚为一大类,而沿渡河和三峡植物园居群聚为另一大类,表明迁地居群三峡植物园的中华蚊母树与来自巴东沿渡河居群的样本亲缘关系最近,且三峡植物园迁地保护居群基本保育了其遗传多样性总水平。同时在分析讨论了中华蚊母树遗传多样性与其繁育系统、生境及其起源进化的关系的基础上,评价了中华蚊母树的保护策略,并在评价保护成果的基础上,提出了今后进一步保育的策略。结果还表明SRAP标记是分析中华蚊母树遗传多样性和遗传结构非常可靠的一种标记,而且这是使用SRAP标记研究中华蚊母树的首次报道。     

通过遗传多样性探讨极小种群野生植物的致濒机理及保护策略: 以裸子植物为例

遗传多样性是生物多样性的重要组成部分, 然而由于资源的过度开发利用和生境的破碎化影响了物种的遗传多样性, 甚至威胁到物种的生存适应性和生物多样性。极小种群野生植物是亟待保护的国家重点保护濒危植物,遗传多样性研究对揭示极小种群致濒机理及保护策略具有重要意义。生境破碎化会造成物种遗传多样性降低、种群间分化增加、基因流减少等, 使种群濒危。但在某些物种中, 繁殖特征、进化历史等生物和生态因素的不同也可能造成近期生境破碎化后遗传效应的延迟。裸子植物进化历史悠久, 包含许多孑遗物种, 由于生活史周期长, 遭受生境破碎化后可能短期内显示不出遗传效应的改变, 但长期很难恢复。本文以裸子植物为例综述了濒危植物的遗传多样性研究的案例, 探讨了濒危裸子植物应对环境恶化的维持机制、致濒因素和保护方案, 旨在说明通过遗传多样性研究充分认识极小种群致濒机理对高效保护极小种群野生植物的重要性。     

线粒体DNA（mtDNA）多态性在动物保护生物学中的应用

本文从两个方面论述了mtDNA在动物保护生物学中的应用：一是对物种进行遗传多样性的检 测与管理,二是进行与种群统计学数据相关的遗传分析。前者与保护的长期效益（如进化） 密切相关,而后者则主要用于指导短期管理措施的制定。同时,本文重点论述了mtDNA在进 化显著单位(ESUs)和管理单位(MUs)的认定方面的作用。认定ESUs的目的是隔离管理遗传多 样性,它是一系列系统进化史独特的种群,这种独特性同时表现在mtDNA和核DNA上;MUs是 种群统计意义上的生殖隔离单位,具有独特的等位基因频率,与系统发生结构和遗传分歧水 平无关。ESUs与MUs都是保护生物学中保护与管理的重要基本单位。     

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.     

Mapping genetic diversity of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.): application of spatial analysis for conservation and use of plant genetic resources

There is a growing call for inventories that evaluate geographic patterns in diversity of plant genetic resources maintained on farm and in species' natural populations in order to enhance their use and conservation. Such evaluations are relevant for useful tropical and subtropical tree species, as many of these species are still undomesticated, or in incipient stages of domestication and local populations can offer yet-unknown traits of high value to further domestication. For many outcrossing species, such as most trees, inbreeding depression can be an issue, and genetic diversity is important to sustain local production. Diversity is also crucial for species to adapt to environmental changes. This paper explores the possibilities of incorporating molecular marker data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to allow visualization and better understanding of spatial patterns of genetic diversity as a key input to optimize conservation and use of plant genetic resources, based on a case study of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.), a Neotropical fruit tree species. We present spatial analyses to (1) improve the understanding of spatial distribution of genetic diversity of cherimoya natural stands and cultivated trees in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru based on microsatellite molecular markers (SSRs); and (2) formulate optimal conservation strategies by revealing priority areas for in situ conservation, and identifying existing diversity gaps in ex situ collections. We found high levels of allelic richness, locally common alleles and expected heterozygosity in cherimoya's putative centre of origin, southern Ecuador and northern Peru, whereas levels of diversity in southern Peru and especially in Bolivia were significantly lower. The application of GIS on a large microsatellite dataset allows a more detailed prioritization of areas for in situ conservation and targeted collection across the Andean distribution range of cherimoya than previous studies could do, i.e. at province and department level in Ecuador and Peru, respectively.     

Conservation Genetics of Jacquemontia reclinata (Convolvulaceae), an Endangered Species from Southern Florida: Implications for Restoration Management

Guidelines designed to aid in the restoration of rare species have been previously proposed using two primary strategies to select individuals for augmentation and reintroduction: mixing progeny from different populations or separating individuals from different populations. Understanding the genetic structure and diversity of an endangered species can offer insights into conservation management strategies. We used random amplified polymorphic DNA markers to assess the genetic structure and diversity of Jacquemontia reclinata , a federally endangered species endemic to Southeastern Florida. We sampled 20 percent of total number of individuals from eight of the ten known wild populations. Across individuals high levels of polymorphic loci (94.7%) were found and larger populations had greater genetic diversity. Cluster and ordination analyses found that one population was genetically differentiated from all the others; this population grows in a unique habitat. Most genetic variation (77.5%) was found within populations, and genetic distances between populations were not explained by their geographic distances. We recommend the use of two management units in restoration programs for J. reclinata , one consisting of the genetically differentiated population and the second consisting of the other seven populations sampled.     

喜马拉雅旱獭线粒体DNA控制区遗传多样性及系统发育

喜马拉雅旱獭是青藏高原的优势种,数量多、分布广,全面了解其遗传背景对该地区旱獭资源的保护与合理利用具有重要的意义。本研究以青藏高原云南、西藏和青海三省区共13个地理种群计258只旱獭为研究对象,PCR扩增获得线粒体DNA控制区基因部分序列(887 bp),并运用种群遗传学方法进行遗传多样性分析。结果显示:258份样品共发现了84个变异位点(9.40%),定义了68种单倍型,其单倍型多样性(h)平均值为0.968±0.003、核苷酸多样性(π)平均值为0.017 25±0.016 37,种群总体遗传多样性较高。AMOVA方差分析显示13个地理种群间存在着明显的遗传分化(Fst=0.620 67,P<0.001),种群间基因交流多数较低(Nm<1)。基于单倍型构建的系统发育树中13个地理种群的喜马拉雅旱獭聚为两支,其中来自青藏高原西南地区(西藏安多、青海格尔木、青海囊谦、云南迪庆)的18个单倍型聚成一个大的分支(A支),其余50个单倍型聚为一个大的分支(B支),在NETWORK网络图中也可见到相似网络拓扑结构。研究结果显示青藏高原喜马拉雅旱獭种群以唐古拉山脉为界分为两个大的种群,说明地理隔离是影响喜马拉雅旱獭种群动态变化的主要因素。     

Genetic analysis of 50-year old Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia) plantations: implications for conservation planning

In order to determine the implications of including planted populations in conservation planning, we investigate the structure and genetic diversity, mating system, and effective population size within families in three planted and one natural Araucaria angustifolia populations. The study area is a Brazilian National Forest in southern Brazil, established in the 1950s. Genetic analysis was investigated using nine allozyme loci. Significant and positive fixation index was detected for the adults of all studied populations. Although we observed lower levels of genetic diversity and biparental inbreeding in some populations, their pattern of mating, similar to that expected in panmixia, indicates that all populations can be used in conservation planning. Furthermore, the presence of unique alleles and the significant genetic differentiation among all adult populations (F _ST = 0.404) reinforces that all populations are important conservation resources. The average paternity correlation was high in almost all populations, showing that open-pollinated families are composed of mixtures of half- and full-sibs. With regards to conservation strategies, our results suggest that seed collection from at least 133 seed trees is necessary to retain a reference effective population size of 500. Our results confirm that the planted Araucaria forests in southern Brazil can be useful as a genetic resource for conservation, breeding and reforestation strategies for this threatened species.     

Relevance of genetics for conservation policies: the case of Minorcan cork oaks

Background and Aims

Marginal populations of widely distributed species can be of high conservation interest when they hold a significant or unique portion of the genetic diversity of the species. However, such genetic information is frequently lacking. Here the relevance of genetic surveys to develop efficient conservation strategies for such populations is illustrated using cork oak (Quercus suber) from Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) as a case study. Cork oak is highly endangered on the island, where no more than 67 individuals live in small, isolated stands in siliceous sites. As a consequence, it was recently granted protected status.

Methods

Two Bayesian clustering approaches were used to analyse the genetic structure of the Minorcan population, on the basis of nuclear microsatellite data. The different groups within the island were also compared with additional island and continental populations surrounding Minorca.

Key Results

Very high genetic diversity was found, with values comparable with those observed in continental parts of the species'' range. Furthermore, the Minorcan oak stands were highly differentiated from one another and were genetically related to different continental populations of France and Spain.

Conclusions

The high levels of genetic diversity and inter-stands differentiation make Minorcan cork oak eligible for specific conservation efforts. The relationship of Minorcan stands to different continental populations in France and Spain probably reflects multiple colonization events. However, discrepancy between chloroplast DNA- and nuclear DNA-based groups does not support a simple scenario of recent introduction. Gene exchanges between neighbouring cork oak stands and with holm oak have created specific and exceptional genetic combinations. They also constitute a wide range of potential genetic resources for research on adaptation to new environmental conditions. Conservation guidelines that take into account these findings are provided.     

Strategies for the conservation of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Margaritifera margaritifera</Emphasis> L.): a synthesis of Conservation Genetics and Ecology

Freshwater pearl mussels (Margartifera margaritifera L.) are among the most critically threatened freshwater bivalves worldwide. The pearl mussel simultaneously fulfils criteria of indicator, flagship, keystone and umbrella species and can thus be considered an ideal target species for the process conservation of aquatic ecosystem functioning. The development of conservation strategies for freshwater pearl mussels and for other bivalve species faces many challenges, including the selection of priority populations for conservation and strategic decisions on habitat restoration and/or captive breeding. This article summarises the current information about the species’ systematics and phylogeny, its distribution and status as well as about its life history strategy and genetic population structure. Based on this information, integrative conservation strategies for freshwater mollusc species which combine genetic and ecological information are discussed. Holistic conservation strategies for pearl mussels require the integration of Conservation Genetics and Conservation Ecology actions at various spatial scales, from the individual and population level to global biodiversity conservation strategies. The availability of high resolution genetic markers for the species and the knowledge of the critical stages in the life cycle, particularly of the most sensitive post-parasitic phase, are important prerequisites for conservation. Effective adaptive conservation management also requires an evaluation of previous actions and management decisions. As with other freshwater bivalves, an integrative conservation approach that identifies and sustains ecological processes and evolutionary lineages is urgently needed to protect and manage freshwater pearl mussel diversity. Such research is important for the conservation of free-living populations, as well as for artificial culturing and breeding techniques, which have recently been or which are currently being established for freshwater pearl mussels in several countries.     

ISSR variation in the endemic and endangered plant Cycas guizhouensis (Cycadaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cycas guizhouensis (Cycadaceae) is a rare and endangered species endemic to the southwest of China. An investigation was undertaken into the genetic variation of wild populations. METHODS: ISSR markers were used to determine the genetic variation within and between 12 extant populations of this species. KEY RESULTS: Low genetic diversity (at population level, P = 14.21 %, H(E) = 0.0597; at species level, P = 35.90 %, H(T) = 0.1082) and a high degree of differentiation among populations (G(ST) = 0.4321) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This genetic structure is considered to be due to the combined effects of slow biochemical evolution, genetic drift, inbreeding and limited gene flow between populations. Based on these findings, strategies are proposed for the genetic conservation and management of the species.     

Conservation genetics of endangered medicinal plant Commiphora wightii in Indian Thar Desert

To ascertain the conservation priorities and strategies for Commiphora wightii, an endangered medicinal plant of Indian Thar Desert, genetic diversity was estimated within and among different populations. The total of 155 amplification products were scored using ten each of RAPD and ISSR primers, exhibiting an overall 86.72% polymorphism across 45 individuals representing eight populations. The cumulative data of two markers were used to compute pair-wise distances. The Neighbor-Joining tree revealed high genetic differentiation among populations except Kiradu population. Nei's gene diversity (h) ranged between 0.082 and 0.193 with total diversity at species level is 0.294. Shannon's information index (I) ranged between 0.118 and 0.275 with an overall diversity of 0.439. Analysis of molecular variance showed more diversity among population level (56.65%) than at within population level (43.35%). The low gene flow value (Nm = 0.349) and high coefficient of genetic differentiation (G_ST = 0.589) and high fixation index (F_ST = 0.566) demonstrated elevated genetic differentiation among the population and can be predicted that these populations are not in Hardy–Weinberg proportions. Principal Co-ordinate Analysis confirms that Akal population has become phylogenetically more distinct and less diverse than the rest of the samples. Mantel's test revealed no correlation between genetic and geographical distances of populations (R² = 0.122). Overall highest diversity was observed in the population of Machiya Safari Park and Kiradu, while lowest in Akal population, later may constitute an evolutionary significant unit, having merit for special management.     

Genetic structure at range edge: low diversity and high inbreeding in Southeast Asian mangrove (Avicennia marina) populations

Understanding the genetic composition and mating systems of edge populations provides important insights into the environmental and demographic factors shaping species' distribution ranges. We analysed samples of the mangrove Avicennia marina from Vietnam, northern Philippines and Australia, with microsatellite markers. We compared genetic diversity and structure in edge (Southeast Asia, and Southern Australia) and core (North and Eastern Australia) populations, and also compared our results with previously published data from core and southern edge populations. Comparisons highlighted significantly reduced gene diversity and higher genetic structure in both margins compared to core populations, which can be attributed to very low effective population size, pollinator scarcity and high environmental pressure at distribution margins. The estimated level of inbreeding was significantly higher in northeastern populations compared to core and southern populations. This suggests that despite the high genetic load usually associated with inbreeding, inbreeding or even selfing may be advantageous in margin habitats due to the possible advantages of reproductive assurance, or local adaptation. The very high level of genetic structure and inbreeding show that populations of A. marina are functioning as independent evolutionary units more than as components of a metapopulation system connected by gene flow. The combinations of those characteristics make these peripheral populations likely to develop local adaptations and therefore to be of particular interest for conservation strategies as well as for adaptation to possible future environmental changes.     

Population structure of the wild soybean (Glycine soja) in China: implications from microsatellite analyses

Background and Aims Wild soybean (Glycine soja), a native species of East Asia, is the closest wild relative of the cultivated soybean (G. max) and supplies valuable genetic resources for cultivar breeding. Analyses of the genetic variation and population structure of wild soybean are fundamental for effective conservation studies and utilization of this valuable genetic resource. Methods In this study, 40 wild soybean populations from China were genotyped with 20 microsatellites to investigate the natural population structure and genetic diversity. These results were integrated with previous microsatellite analyses for 231 representative individuals from East Asia to investigate the genetic relationships of wild soybeans from China. Key Results Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 43·92 % of the molecular variance occurred within populations, although relatively low genetic diversity was detected for natural wild soybean populations. Most of the populations exhibited significant effects of a genetic bottleneck. Principal co-ordinate analysis, construction of a Neighbor-Joining tree and Bayesian clustering indicated two main genotypic clusters of wild soybean from China. The wild soybean populations, which are distributed in north-east and south China, separated by the Huang-Huai Valley, displayed similar genotypes, whereas those populations from the Huang-Huai Valley were different. Conclusions The previously unknown population structure of the natural populations of wild soybean distributed throughout China was determined. Two evolutionarily significant units were defined and further analysed by combining genetic diversity and structure analyses from Chinese populations with representative samples from Eastern Asia. The study suggests that during the glacial period there may have been an expansion route between south-east and north-east China, via the temperate forests in the East China Sea Land Bridge, which resulted in similar genotypes of wild soybean populations from these regions. Genetic diversity and bottleneck analysis supports that both extensive collection of germplasm resources and habitat management strategies should be undertaken for effective conservation studies of these important wild soybean resources.     

Integrating approaches towards the conservation of forest genetic resources: a case study of Araucaria angustifolia

In the past years the conservation of forest genetic resources has been widely recognized because of the risk of adverse effects associated with global changes in the environment. Since little effort has been made towards conservation of these resources, the assessment and the integration of information and knowledge so far generated are valuable tools in order to promote their conservation. In the present work the Brazilian conifer Araucaria angustifolia was used as a case study, integrating information, published between 1980 and 2007, about genetics, biotechnology, palaeobotany, and archeology. These studies were interpreted towards the conservation needs and strategies of the species germplasm. The main conclusions for the conservation of A. angustifolia genetic resources are: (1) despite the reduction of genetic diversity by unsustainable forest exploitation, the genetic system of A. angustifolia seems to be efficient to protect this species against rapid losses of its genetic diversity; (2) conservation measures starting now may be efficient, since the genetic structures of existing populations is more largely influenced by the past evolutionary process than by human disturbance occurred in the last century; (3) there are opportunities to save the genetic resources of the species, if simple measures are taken to safeguard the continued existence of the few remaining araucaria forests. Emerged as a general conclusion that the use of sound scientific arguments supported by different areas of the science could be a very powerful instrument in persuading decision-makers, also by governments, taking into account forest genetic resources as a primary issue for the future.     

湖北野生春兰资源遗传多样性的ISSR分析

近年来,由于过度采挖和生境片断化,湖北野生春兰(Cymbidiumgoeringii)资源正面临着灭绝的危险。本文采用ISSR分子标记技术对湖北省内的11个春兰野生居群共325个个体的遗传多样性水平及居群遗传结构进行了研究。11个引物共检测到127个位点,其中112个为多态位点,占88.19%。POPGENE分析结果表明:与其他兰科植物相比,春兰具有丰富的遗传变异(在物种水平上,He=0.2628,Ho=0.4037;在居群水平上,PPL=63.06%,He=0.1945,Ho=0.2958)。Nei's遗传多样性分析和AMOVA分析表明,各居群间产生了一定程度的遗传分化(GST=0.2440,FST=0.2207)。居群间一定程度的遗传分化可能是由生境破坏和基因流障碍(Nm=0.8828)引起。UPGMA聚类分析可知,与其他居群相比,恩施地区的5个居群,即巴东(BD)、福宝山(FBS)、宣恩(XE)、毛坝(MB)、来凤(LF)优先聚成一支,而大悟(DW)居群单独聚为一支。同时本研究也表明,虽然春兰自交亲和,但在自然界中其繁育系统还是以异交为主。鉴于春兰资源的遗传多样性现状和其相应的居群遗传结构,我们建议在遗传多样性较高的来凤(LF)、京山(JS)、大悟(DW)居群设立保护点进行就地保护;而对资源破坏最为严重的毛坝(MB)和宣恩(XE)居群要实行迁地保护。     

Effect of Biodiversity Changes in Disease Risk: Exploring Disease Emergence in a Plant-Virus System

The effect of biodiversity on the ability of parasites to infect their host and cause disease (i.e. disease risk) is a major question in pathology, which is central to understand the emergence of infectious diseases, and to develop strategies for their management. Two hypotheses, which can be considered as extremes of a continuum, relate biodiversity to disease risk: One states that biodiversity is positively correlated with disease risk (Amplification Effect), and the second predicts a negative correlation between biodiversity and disease risk (Dilution Effect). Which of them applies better to different host-parasite systems is still a source of debate, due to limited experimental or empirical data. This is especially the case for viral diseases of plants. To address this subject, we have monitored for three years the prevalence of several viruses, and virus-associated symptoms, in populations of wild pepper (chiltepin) under different levels of human management. For each population, we also measured the habitat species diversity, host plant genetic diversity and host plant density. Results indicate that disease and infection risk increased with the level of human management, which was associated with decreased species diversity and host genetic diversity, and with increased host plant density. Importantly, species diversity of the habitat was the primary predictor of disease risk for wild chiltepin populations. This changed in managed populations where host genetic diversity was the primary predictor. Host density was generally a poorer predictor of disease and infection risk. These results support the dilution effect hypothesis, and underline the relevance of different ecological factors in determining disease/infection risk in host plant populations under different levels of anthropic influence. These results are relevant for managing plant diseases and for establishing conservation policies for endangered plant species.