Evidence of spatial genetic structure in a California bunchgrass population

We investigated the scale of genetic variation of purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), a species commonly used in California for grassland restoration. Common garden and field data revealed evidence of genetic differentiation between two intermixed microhabitats characterized by differences in soil depth and community composition. We assessed the genetic variation within a single population using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) data collected from clusters of five individuals in 40 locations. We found no evidence for genetic structure at the whole population level. At smaller spatial scales, however, we found strong evidence that genetic subdivision of the population occurs at the level of the maternal neighborhood. We suggest that the interaction between widespread pollen dispersal and restricted seed dispersal may be the primary factor generating these results; panmictic pollen dispersal will make detection of genetic patterning difficult at larger spatial scales while limited seed dispersal will generate local genetic structure. As a result, the detection of population genetic structure will depend on the spatial scale of analysis. Local selection gradients related to topography and soil depth are also likely to play a role in structuring local genetic variation. Since N. pulchra is widely used in California in grassland and woodland habitat restoration, we suggest that, as a general rule, care should be exercised in transferring germplasm for the purposes of conservation when little is known about the within-population genetic subdivision of a plant species. Received: 23 December 1996 / Accepted: 20 May 1997     

Genetic variability in the endemic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leucojum valentinum</Emphasis>

The genetic variability of Leucojum valentinum Pau (Amaryllidaceae), a vulnerable endemic species restricted to a small area in the region of Valencia (Eastern Spain), has been studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. A total of 197 individuals from eleven populations were studied using 13 RAPD primers. Our results show high variability for the species, low differentiation among populations and uncorrelated levels of genetic variability and population size. Four groups in which three populations (SAG, PUG and COL) are separated from all the others were found, but without connection to geographical location.     

Can a seed bank provide demographic and genetic rescue in a declining population of the endangered shrub <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia pinguifolia</Emphasis>?

Many threatened species suffer reduced genetic diversity as a result of small population size and isolation. However, species with a persistent seed bank may be buffered against genetic loss as seed banks are expected to accumulate the reproductive output of many seasons. For fire-dependent species in decline, prescribed ecological burning may be a means to stimulate germination and recover genetic diversity stored in the seed bank, providing a demographic and genetic rescue effect. Here we investigated the effectiveness of this strategy in a small, isolated and inbred population of the endangered shrub, Acacia pinguifolia. We surveyed genetic diversity and structure of remnant populations of A. pinguifolia and monitored regeneration before and after burning. Germination was stimulated by fire, but seedling numbers 18 months post-fire were low and barely above the number of adults killed by the fire. Genetic diversity was marginally higher in the post-fire seedling cohort than the pre-fire adults (H_E = 0.1 vs. 0.09, respectively). Outcrossing rates of open-pollinated seed from surrounding plants suggested moderately high levels of self-fertilisation (t _m  = 0.65) and analysis of fine-scale genetic structure implied pollen and seed dispersal over distances of several metres, suggesting that restricted gene flow and inbreeding may act to limit genetic diversity in the seed bank. We conclude that prescribed burning has not been immediately successful as a recovery strategy for this relictual population of A. pinguifolia, though future monitoring may detect additional recruits. Alternative conservation strategies, including performing inter-population crosses, may be required to restore genetic diversity and ameliorate extinction risks.     

Limiting inbreeding in disjunct and isolated populations of a woody shrub

Pollen movements and mating patterns are key features that influence population genetic structure. When gene flow is low, small populations are prone to increased genetic drift and inbreeding, but naturally disjunct species may have features that reduce inbreeding and contribute to their persistence despite genetic isolation. Using microsatellite loci, we investigated outcrossing levels, family mating parameters, pollen dispersal, and spatial genetic structure in three populations of Hakea oldfieldii, a fire‐sensitive shrub with naturally disjunct, isolated populations prone to reduction in size and extinction following fires. We mapped and genotyped a sample of 102 plants from a large population, and all plants from two smaller populations (28 and 20 individuals), and genotyped 158–210 progeny from each population. We found high outcrossing despite the possibility of geitonogamous pollination, small amounts of biparental inbreeding, a limited number of successful pollen parents within populations, and significant correlated paternity. The number of pollen parents for each seed parent was moderate. There was low but significant spatial genetic structure up to 10 m around plants, but the majority of successful pollen came from outside this area including substantial proportions from distant plants within populations. Seed production varied among seven populations investigated but was not correlated with census population size. We suggest there may be a mechanism to prevent self‐pollination in H. oldfieldii and that high outcrossing and pollen dispersal within populations would promote genetic diversity among the relatively small amount of seed stored in the canopy. These features of the mating system would contribute to the persistence of genetically isolated populations prone to fluctuations in size.     

DIRECT AND INDIRECT ESTIMATES OF NEIGHBORHOOD AND EFFECTIVE POPULATION SIZE IN A TROPICAL PALM,ASTROCARYUM MEXICANUM

To estimate the relative importance of genetic drift, the effective population size ???(N_e) can be used. Here we present estimates of the effective population size and related measures in Astrocaryum mexicanum, a tropical palm from Los Tuxtlas rain forest, Veracruz, Mexico. Seed and pollen dispersal were measured. Seeds are primarily dispersed by gravity and secondarily dispersed by small mammals. Mean primary and secondary dispersal distances for seeds were found to be small (0.78 m and 2.35 m, respectively). A. mexicanum is beetle pollinated and pollen movements were measured by different methods: a) using fluorescent dyes, b) as the minimum distance between active female and male inflorescences, and c) using rare allozyme alleles as genetic markers. All three estimates of pollen dispersal were similar, with a mean of approximately 20 m. Using the seed and pollen dispersal data, the genetic neighborhood area (A) was estimated to be 2,551 m². To obtain the effective population size, three different overlapping generation methods were used to estimate an effective density with demographic data from six permanent plots. The effective density ranged from 0.040 to 0.351 individuals per m². The product of effective density and neighborhood area yields a direct estimate of the neighborhood effective population size (N_b). N_b ranged from 102 to 895 individuals. Indirect estimates of population size and migration rate (Nm) were obtained using F_st for five different allozymic loci for both adults and seeds. We obtained a range of Nm from 1.2 to 19.7 in adults and a range of Nm from 4.0 to 82.6 for seeds. We discuss possible causes of the smaller indirect estimates of Nm relative to the direct and compare our estimates with values from other plant populations. Gene dispersal distances, neighborhood size, and effective population size in A. mexicanum are relatively high, suggesting that natural selection, rather than genetic drift, may play a dominant role in patterning the genetic variation in this tropical palm.     

What are the consequences of ant–seed interactions on the abundance of two dry-fruited shrubs in a Mediterranean scrub?

Strong interactions between dry-fruited shrubs and seed-harvesting ants are expected in early successional scrubs, where both groups have a major presence. We have analysed the implications of the seed characteristics of two dry-fruited shrub species (Coronilla minima and Dorycnium pentaphyllum) on seed predation and dispersal mediated by harvester ants and the consequences of these processes on spatio-temporal patterns of plant abundance in a heterogeneous environment. We found that large C. minima seeds were collected much more (39%) than small D. pentaphyllum seeds (2%). However, not all of the removed seeds of these plant species were consumed, and 12.8% of the seeds were lost along the trails, which increased dispersal distances compared with abiotic dispersal alone. Seed dropping occurred among all microhabitats of the two plant species, but especially in open microhabitats, which are the most suitable ones for plant establishment. The two plant species increased their presence in the study area during the study period: C. minima in open microhabitats and D. pentaphyllum in high vegetation. The large size of C. minima seeds probably limited the primary seed dispersal of this species, but may have allowed strong interaction with ants. Thus, seed dispersal by ants resulted in C. minima seeds reaching more suitable microhabitats by means of increasing dispersal distance and redistribution among microhabitats. In contrast, the smaller size of D. pentaphyllum seeds arguably allows abiotic seed dispersal over longer distances and colonization of all types of microhabitats, although it probably also limits their interaction with ants and, consequently, their redistribution in suitable microhabitats. We suggest that dyszoochory could contribute to the success of plant species with different seed characteristics in scrub habitats where seeds are abundantly collected by seed-harvesting ants.     

Extinction of the blue antelope Hippotragus leucophaeus: modeling predicts non-viable global population size as the primary driver

The extinction of the blue antelope Hippotragus leucophaeus in 1800 is poorly documented and understood, and has been ascribed to a combination of habitat loss and overhunting by early European colonists with firearms. We modeled the distribution and abundance of this species to gain insight into the extinction process. Model outputs indicate that prior to the arrival of European colonists, blue antelope were restricted to a small area (c. 4,300 km²), with an estimated population of only 370 individuals. We conclude that the historical population of blue antelope was functionally an island population in terms of demographic and genetic processes, by virtue of its limited distribution, small size and lack of metapopulation processes. The small population (effective population size ~100 individuals) would have been vulnerable to stochastic effects and was probably trapped in an extinction vortex. Hunting pressure by European colonists merely provided the coup de grace to a species already on the brink of extinction.     

Population size,center–periphery,and seed dispersers’ effects on the genetic diversity and population structure of the Mediterranean relict shrub Cneorum tricoccon

The effect of population size on population genetic diversity and structure has rarely been studied jointly with other factors such as the position of a population within the species’ distribution range or the presence of mutualistic partners influencing dispersal. Understanding these determining factors for genetic variation is critical for conservation of relict plants that are generally suffering from genetic deterioration. Working with 16 populations of the vulnerable relict shrub Cneorum tricoccon throughout the majority of its western Mediterranean distribution range, and using nine polymorphic microsatellite markers, we examined the effects of periphery (peripheral vs. central), population size (large vs. small), and seed disperser (introduced carnivores vs. endemic lizards) on the genetic diversity and population structure of the species. Contrasting genetic variation (H_E: 0.04–0.476) was found across populations. Peripheral populations showed lower genetic diversity, but this was dependent on population size. Large peripheral populations showed high levels of genetic diversity, whereas small central populations were less diverse. Significant isolation by distance was detected, indicating that the effect of long‐distance gene flow is limited relative to that of genetic drift, probably due to high selfing rates (F_IS = 0.155–0.887), restricted pollen flow, and ineffective seed dispersal. Bayesian clustering also supported the strong population differentiation and highly fragmented structure. Contrary to expectations, the type of disperser showed no significant effect on either population genetic diversity or structure. Our results challenge the idea of an effect of periphery per se that can be mainly explained by population size, drawing attention to the need of integrative approaches considering different determinants of genetic variation. Furthermore, the very low genetic diversity observed in several small populations and the strong among‐population differentiation highlight the conservation value of large populations throughout the species’ range, particularly in light of climate change and direct human threats.     

The effects of pollen limitation on population dynamics of snow lotus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saussurea medusa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. laniceps</Emphasis>, Asteraceae): Threatened Tibetan medicinal plants of the eastern Himalayas

Pollen limitation reduces seed production and may reduce plant population growth rate. Plants may be particularly prone to pollen limitation if they require pollinators, occur at high elevation, and have human-mediated reductions in plant density due to harvesting. We found that two rare monocarpic Tibetan plant species, known as the Himalayan Snow Lotus, both require pollinators and that seed production in Saussurea medusa (Asteraceae) but not S. laniceps is limited by pollen receipt. We created deterministic and stochastic stage-structured matrix models for S. medusa, and found that pollen supplementation significantly increases population growth rate. However, even when pollen is not limiting, S. medusa is likely at risk for extinction in the next 50 years. Our results for this monocarpic plant differ from other population studies on pollen limitation in polycarpic plant species since the magnitude of pollen limitation for seed production was relatively low, and yet the sensitivity of population growth to changes in seed production was relatively high.     

Microsatellite diversity and genetic structure of fragmented populations of the rare,fire-dependent shrub Grevillea macleayana

Recent habitat loss and fragmentation superimposed upon ancient patterns of population subdivision are likely to have produced low levels of neutral genetic diversity and marked genetic structure in many plant species. The genetic effects of habitat fragmentation may be most pronounced in species that form small populations, are fully self-compatible and have limited seed dispersal. However, long-lived seed banks, mobile pollinators and long adult lifespans may prevent or delay the accumulation of genetic effects. We studied a rare Australian shrub species, Grevillea macleayana (Proteaceae), that occurs in many small populations, is self-compatible and has restricted seed dispersal. However, it has a relatively long adult lifespan (c. 30 years), a long-lived seed bank that germinates after fire and is pollinated by birds that are numerous and highly mobile. These latter characteristics raise the possibility that populations in the past may have been effectively large and genetically homogeneous. Using six microsatellites, we found that G. macleayana may have relatively low within-population diversity (3.2-4.2 alleles/locus; Hexp = 0.420-0.530), significant population differentiation and moderate genetic structure (FST = 0.218) showing isolation by distance, consistent with historically low gene flow. The frequency distribution of allele sizes suggest that this geographical differentiation is being driven by mutation. We found a lack mutation-drift equilibrium in some populations that is indicative of population bottlenecks. Combined with evidence for large spatiotemporal variation of selfing rates, this suggests that fluctuating population sizes characterize the demography in this species, promoting genetic drift. We argue that natural patterns of pollen and seed dispersal, coupled with the patchy, fire-shaped distribution, may have restricted long-distance gene flow in the past.     

Genetic variation in Scandinavian Anthericum liliago (Anthericaceae): allopolyploidy, hybridization and immigration history

 We investigated patterns of isozyme variation and the hierarchic structure of genetic diversity in 25 Scandinavian populations of the lilioid herb, Anthericum liliago. Isozyme data suggest that tetraploid A. liliago has an allopolyploid origin and that A. ramosum may be one of its diploid progenitors. Two populations contained known or suspected hybrids between A. liliago and A. ramosum. Isozymes show that one population from S Sweden contains both triploid (hybrid) and tetraploid individuals whereas a putatively hybrid Danish population represents diploid A. liliago. There is an overall northward and eastward decline in allelic richness in the tetraploid populations, with the highest numbers of alleles in Denmark and SW Sweden. This pattern is consistent with a progressive loss of allelic variation during the species' postglacial colonization of Scandinavia. The between-population component of genetic diversity is 4% (compared with 12% in diploid A. ramosum), the between-region diversity component is 7% and 89% of the total diversity is stored within populations. Received March 13, 2002; accepted September 24, 2002 Published online: December 11, 2002     

Genetic drift drives evolution in the bird‐pollinated,terrestrial island endemic Grevillea georgeana (Proteaceae)

Plant species distributed across terrestrial islands can show significant genetic divergence among populations if seed and pollen dispersal are restricted. We assessed the genetic connectivity between populations of Grevillea georgeana, restricted to seven disjunct inselbergs in semi‐arid Western Australia. The phylogeographical pattern and population genetics of populations were determined using sequence data from two plastid DNA intergenic spacers and ten nuclear microsatellite loci. The plastid DNA markers indicated high genetic differentiation among the majority of populations. Haplotypes were restricted to individual inselbergs, with the exception of two that were shared among three isolated populations that formed part of an elongated greenstone belt and that may be connected via inaccessible populations of G. georgeana. There was also strong differentiation within some of the populations, suggesting long‐term isolation and persistence of G. georgeana on these terrestrial islands. Overall, the genetic patterns suggest limited seed dispersal, with differentiation in the plastid DNA genome being driven by genetic drift. In contrast, pollen movement, although generally restricted, may occur between neighbouring populations, resulting in a pattern of isolation by distance in the nuclear markers. This potential for limited or no seed dispersal, but connectivity via pollen flow, should be considered, given that many of the inselbergs are under consideration for resource development. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 178 , 155–168.     

Conservation genetics of endangeredBrasenia schreberi based on RAPD and AFLP markers

Brasenia schreberi J.F. Gmelin is a declared endangered species found in the lakes and ponds of South Korea. For planning its conservation strategy, we examined the genetic diversity within and among six populations, using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Polymorphisms were more frequently detected per loci with AFLP (69.3%) than RAPD (36.8%). High genetic diversity was recognized within populations: polymorphic loci (PPL) values ranged from 36.3% in the CJM population to 74.5% in the GGT population, with a mean value of 47.8% based on AFLP markers. Great genetic differentiation (θ^B) was detected among the six populations (0.670 on RAPD and 0.196 on AFLP), and we calculated a low rate of gene flow (N_em), i.e., 0.116 on RAPD and 0.977 on AFLP. Furthermore, a Mantel test revealed that no correlation existed between genetic distances and geographical distances among the six local populations, based on RAPD or AFLP markers. These results are attributed to a number of factors, including an insufficient length of time for genetic diversity to be reduced following a natural decline in population size and isolation, adaptation of the genetic system to small population conditions, and a restricted gene flow rate. Based on both its genetic diversity and population structure, we suggest that a strategy for conserving and restoringB. schreberi must focus on maintaining historical processes, such as high levels of outbreeding, while monitoring increased gene flow among populations. This is because a reduction in genetic diversity as a result of genetic drift is undesirable.     

Fragmentation reduces regional‐scale spatial genetic structure in a wind‐pollinated tree because genetic barriers are removed

Gene flow strongly influences the regional genetic structuring of plant populations. Seed and pollen dispersal patterns can respond differently to the increased isolation resulting from habitat fragmentation, with unpredictable consequences for gene flow and population structuring. In a recently fragmented landscape we compared the pre‐ and post‐fragmentation genetic structure of populations of a tree species where pollen and seed dispersal respond differentially to forest fragmentation generated by flooding. Castanopsis sclerophylla is wind‐pollinated, with seeds that are dispersed by gravity and rodents. Using microsatellites, we found no significant difference in genetic diversity between pre‐ and post‐fragmentation cohorts. Significant genetic structure was observed in pre‐fragmentation cohorts, due to an unknown genetic barrier that had isolated one small population. Among post‐fragmentation cohorts this genetic barrier had disappeared and genetic structure was significantly weakened. The strengths of genetic structuring were at a similar level in both cohorts, suggesting that overall gene flow of C. sclerophylla has been unchanged by fragmentation at the regional scale. Fragmentation has blocked seed dispersal among habitats, but this appears to have been compensated for by enhanced pollen dispersal, as indicated by the disappearance of a genetic barrier, probably as a result of increased wind speeds and easier pollen movement over water. Extensive pollen flow can counteract some negative effects of fragmentation and assist the long‐term persistence of small remnant populations.     

Consequences of prolonged clonal growth on local and regional genetic structure and fruiting success of the forest perennial Maianthemum bifolium

The balance between clonal propagation and sexual reproduction varies among species. Although theory predicts an impact of clonal growth on both‐ within‐ and between population genetic structure, most empirical evidence available to date does not reveal sharp differences between sexually reproducing and clonal species. This has been attributed mainly to the fact that even low levels of sexual recruitment can maintain high levels of genetic diversity. Here we study the effects of prolonged clonal growth and very low rates of sexual recruitment on the genetic structure of the perennial Maianthemum bifolium, an outcrossing understorey species of temperate forests. Average genotypic diversity (0.37) of the populations, as revealed by AFLP, was above the average values reported for species of similar characteristics, but some populations were extremely poor in genotypes. Fruiting success was positively correlated with genotypic diversity, probably as a result of shortage in mating types and compatible pollen in populations poor in genotypes. This was confirmed by a pollination experiment. Fruiting success increased by a factor three when individuals were hand‐pollinated with pollen from a nearby population compared to hand‐pollinations with pollen from the own population. Furthermore, the fruiting success after natural pollination (control individuals) was positively related to number of nearby populations which could act as pollen sources. Given the limited colonization capacity of the species (no seed flow), and the long time since fragmentation of the forest fragments studied, between‐population genetic differentiation was relatively low (Φ_st=0.14). Lack of genetic drift due to long generation times and very limited sexual recruitment is probably responsible for this. Our results show that prolonged clonal growth and lack of sexual recruitment may affect within‐ and between‐ population genetic structure and the capability for sexual reproduction.     

Comparative Genetic Structure of the Threatened Tenebrionid Beetle Oplocephala haemorrhoidalis and its Common Relative Bolitophagus reticulatus

We used RAPD and allozyme genetic markers to compare the genetic structures of a threatened saproxylic tenebrionid beetle, Oplocephala haemorrhoidalis, and its common relative (different subfamilies), Bolitophagus reticulatus, to evaluate the relative importance of habitat fragmentation on the occurrence of the two species. O. haemorrhoidalis showed significantly higher levels of genetic differentiation between sites than B. reticulatus for both types of genetic marker. Patterns of isolation by distance were consistent with (B. reticulatus) or close to (O. haemorrhoidalis) theoretical expectations for equilibrium between gene flow and genetic drift. For O. haemorrhoidalis, the RAPD-patterns also showed a steeper increase in isolation by distance where geographic distances were small than at larger distances. This suggests that gene flow between the populations of O. haemorrhoidalis has declined as an effect of recent habitat fragmentation and is probably relatively restricted at present. For B. reticulatus, levels of genetic differentiation were low, suggesting that B. reticulatus readily moves over large areas. Genetic variability was not low in either species. Genetic differentiation among and relatedness within fruiting bodies varied substantially within sites for both species. This variation was probably due to founder events: when levels of relatedness were close to zero, genetic differentiation was also low.     

Genetic differentiation in silicicolous Echinospartum (Leguminosae) indicated by allozyme variability

 The genetic identities among several Echinospartum species and the genetic effects of isolation, small population size and decline in the restricted Echinospartum algibicum were studied both at adult and soil seed bank stages. The allozyme data support, to a large extent, population genetic predictions for genetic divergence. The genetic diversity parameters studied demonstrated that the aboveground population of E. algibicum is genetically less diverse than E. ibericum and E. barnadesii. Genetic identity between E. ibericum and E. barnadesii was very high, decreasing to levels considered typical for co-generic taxa between E. ibericum and E. algibicum. With regard to the soil seed bank of E. algibicum, this showed higher genetic variability than the adult population, greater extent of homozygosity, and significantly different allele frequencies at some loci. Despite the small population size, E. algibicum population maintains relatively high levels of genetic diversity both at adult and seed bank stages. Received July 2, 2001 Accepted October 11, 2001     

High Genetic Differentiation of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis (Elaeagnaceae), a Plant Endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

RAPD markers were used to detect genetic diversity and population genetic differentiation of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis, a sea buckthorn endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The genetic parameters of percentage of polymorphic bands (92.86%), Nei’s gene diversity (h, 0.255), and Shannon’s index (I, 0.397) indicated high genetic diversity in this subspecies. The subpopulation differentiation suggested that 45.9% of genetic variation was among populations. High genetic differentiation among populations was also detected using AMOVA (47.02%). The main factors responsible for high genetic differentiation are probably related to natural geographic barriers among populations, gene drift, and limited gene flow caused by restricted pollen flow and seed flow. A Mantel test indicated that geographic distances were significantly correlated with genetic distances. The UPGMA phenogram based on Nei’s unbiased genetic distances and the result of three-dimensional model plots performed by principal coordinate analysis also supported the correlation. Altitude, however, did not have any clear effect on genetic differentiation.     

The role of seed dispersal,pollination and historical effects on genetic patterns of an insular plant that has lost its only seed disperser

Aim The genetic structure of many plant species is heavily dependent on their pollinators and seed dispersers, and can thus be altered if either of the associated mutualistic interactions is disrupted. In this study we assess the genetic diversity and structure and infer the seed/pollen gene‐flow patterns among insular populations of Daphne rodriguezii, a shrub pollinated and dispersed by animals that has lost its only disperser (the lizard Podarcis lilfordi) in most of its populations. Location The island of Menorca and the islet of Colom (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean). Methods To assess the contribution of gene flow via pollen and seeds to the genetic structure of D. rodriguezii we used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs; seeds and pollen) and plastid DNA sequences (cpDNA; seeds). We sampled individuals from all population nuclei of the species (12–19 adults per population): one population in Colom, where the plant–lizard interaction persists, and four in Menorca, where the seed dispersal mutualism disappeared with the extinction of the lizard. Results The highest heterozygosity values were found in Colom and in its closest population (Favàritx), whereas values were lower in the smallest Menorcan populations, which also had higher relatedness among individuals. We found distinct genetic signals between AFLP and cpDNA analyses. While AFLP markers showed low differentiation between populations, cpDNA showed a clear differentiation between them. Main conclusions Our results point to negative impacts of the disperser loss on genetic diversity and relatedness in the smaller and more isolated populations. They also suggest an old isolation by seeds, probably occurring well before the extinction of the lizard (c. 2000 years ago). Gene flow was maintained via pollination; however, the seed disperser loss may ultimately hinder pollinator‐mediated gene flow, as a result of reduced probabilities of effective pollination among increasingly distant and scarce individuals.     

Pollen dispersal and genetic variation in an early‐successional forest herb in a peri‐urban forest

In order to conserve forest plant species under the particularly high constraints that represent urban surroundings, it is necessary to identify the key factors for population persistence. This study examined within‐ and between‐population pollen dispersal using fluorescent dye as pollen analogue, and genetic variation and structure using 15 allozyme loci in Centaurium erythraea, an insect‐pollinated, early‐successional forest biennial herb occurring in a peri‐urban forest (Brussels urban zone, Belgium). Dye dispersal showed an exponential decay distribution, with most dye transfers occurring at short distances (<15 m), and only a few long‐distance events (up to 743 m). Flowers of C. erythraea are mainly visited by Syrphids (Diptera) and small bees, which are usually considered as short‐distance pollen dispersers, and occasionally by bumblebees, which are usually longer‐distance pollen dispersers. Small and large dye source populations differed in dye deposition patterns. The populations showed low genetic diversity, high inbreeding coefficients (F_IS) and high genetic differentiation (F_ST), suggesting restricted gene flow, which can be expected for an early‐successional biennial species with a predominantly selfing breeding system and fluctuating population sizes. The positive relationship between recruitment rate and allelic richness and expected heterozygosity, and the absence of significant correlations between genetic variation and population size suggest seedling recruitment from the seed bank, contributing to maintain genetic diversity. Long‐distance dye dispersal events indicate pollinator movements along urban forest path and road verges. These landscape elements might therefore have a potential conservation value by contributing to connectivity of early‐successional species populations located in patchy open habitats.