RAPD analysis of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Stipa krylovii Reshov. in Inner Mongolia steppe

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to characterize the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Stipa krylovii populations in Inner Mongolia steppe of North China. Thirteen 10 bp oligonucleotide primers, which generated 237 RAPD bands, were used to analyze 90 plants of five populations from three regions, meadow steppe, typical steppe and desert steppe, from the east to the west. The genetic diversity of Stipa krylovii that was revealed by observed number of alleles (na), expected number of alleles (ne), Nei's diversity index (h), Shannon's diversity index (H), amplificated loci, polymorphic loci and the percentage of polymorphic loci (PPB) increased from the east to the west. The Pearson's correlation analysis between genetic diversity parameters and ecological parameters indicated that the genetic diversity of Stipa krylovii was associated with precipitation and cumulative temperature variations along the longitude (humidity were calculated by precipitation and cumulative temperature). Dendrogram based on Jaccard's genetic distance showed that the individuals from the same population formed a single sub-group. Although most variation (56.85%) was within populations, there was high genetic differentiation among populations of Stipa krylovii, high differentiation within and between regions by AMOVA analysis. Either Nei's unbiased genetic distance (G(ST)) or gene flow (Nm) among pairwise populations was not correlated with geographical distance by Mantel's test (P > 0.05), suggesting that there was no consistency with the isolation by distance model in these populations. Natural selection may have played a role in affecting the genetic diversity and population structure, but habitat destruction and degradation in northern grassland in China may be the main factor responsible for high genetic differentiation among populations, within and among regions.     

放牧对短花针茅荒漠草原建群种与优势种空间分布关系的影响

采用多种分析方法探讨放牧对短花针茅荒漠草原建群种与优势种无芒隐子草、碱韭的种群空间分布关系的影响.结果表明: 短花针茅+无芒隐子草+碱韭群落的景观特征主要由草原的土壤理化性质和种群的固有属性决定.自由放牧导致的空间分布的变异程度为碱韭>无芒隐子草>短花针茅.自由放牧对短花针茅和碱韭密度的影响显著,但对无芒隐子草影响不大.随着无芒隐子草密度的增加,自由放牧区短花针茅密度呈现增大趋势,而围封区短花针茅种群密度呈现先增大后减小的趋势;自由放牧区和围封区内短花针茅密度均随碱韭密度的增加而减小.表明植物种群种间关系存在密度效应,在受到外界干扰的情况下,密度效应可能消失;因植物种对或干扰条件不同,植物种间关系可以有多种表现形式.     

Genetic diversity pattern of Stipa purpurea populations in the hinterland of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Stipa purpurea is among constructive endemic species in alpine meadow and steppe on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. To reveal the genetic diversity of this species and its relationship with geographic distribution pattern, we sampled eight populations across a northward transect with an increasing aridity gradient in the hinterland of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Their genetic diversity was quantified using eight intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. We found that S. purpurea had relatively low genetic diversity ( H _e = 0.135) but significant genetic differentiation among populations ( G _st = 0.391), indicating relatively more genetic diversity retained within populations. A Mantel test revealed a significant relationship between genetic and geographic distance in the S. purpurea populations. The genetic diversity tended to decrease with increasing latitude and longitude, while no significant relationship was found between genetic diversity and altitude, suggesting the possible influences of humidity and temperature on genetic diversity of alpine plant. We propose conservation measures for this plant on the plateau.     

大针茅居群遗传分化和RAPD 位点多态性分布的分析

利用RAPD 分子标记技术对5 个居群的90 个大针茅个体间的遗传关系以及RAPD 多态性与所在生境的相关性进行了研究。16 个引物共扩增得到310 个RAPD 位点, 利用几种多元分析方法对所得位点进行分析, 结果显示: 主轴法分析能够在三维坐标下将90 个大针茅个体按居群来源进行分类, 前三个轴虽然只解释了总变异的21 . 91% , 却能将所研究的居群完全分开; 典范判别分析可以将97 .8%的大针茅个体正确地分类到已知居群, 且在二维功能轴下能够清晰地看到个体按居群来源进行了分类; Spearman 秩相关分析和多元逐步回归分析均得出大针茅RAPD 位点的Nei′s 基因多样性与气候因子( 包括年降水量、积温、年均温、一月份均温和七月份均温) 之间存在显著的关联性。基于以上结果我们可以得出: 大针茅地理居群分化显著; 大针茅RAPD 多样性并非随机分布而是与生境气候因子相联系; 气候差异的自然选择, 对大针茅遗传多样性和遗传结构的特点起决定作用。研究结果对大针茅种质资源的保护具有重要的指导意义。     

Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation of the Dominant Species Stipa krylovii in the Inner Mongolia Steppe

Random amplified polymorphic DNA was used to assess the level of genetic diversity and genetic structure of Stipa krylovii (Gramineae), an important dominant species in the northern grasslands of China. Genetic diversity was low within S. krylovii populations, and diversity at the population level was associated with precipitation and cumulative temperature variations. There was much genetic differentiation among populations and among habitats as well. A Mantel test indicated no significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance of populations. A nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed some spatial relationships among the 90 individuals in a two-dimensional plot. Habitat fragmentation and degradation throughout the geographic range of S. krylovii could account for the low genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation of the species. Such information will be useful for conservation managers trying to plan an effective strategy to protect this important species.     

短花针茅叶片水分利用效率对放牧强度的响应及其影响因素

为明确植物的用水策略及适应性机制,以内蒙古四子王旗短花针茅荒漠草原为研究对象,设置对照(CK)、轻度放牧(LG)、中度放牧(MG)和重度放牧(HG)4个放牧梯度,其载畜率分别为每1 hm^(2)每年0、0.93、1.82和2.71个羊单位的放牧强度,调查建群种短花针茅的高度、盖度、密度、地上生物量以及土壤的理化性状,并且采用稳定碳同位素法和红外光合仪法对短花针茅水分利用效率进行了测定,旨在阐明短花针茅水分利用效率在不同放牧强度下的响应规律及其影响因素。结果显示:(1)放牧对短花针茅盖度、密度以及地上生物量的影响显著;随着载畜率的增大,有利于短花针茅的扩散使其分布面积增加,且在中度放牧条件下尤为明显。(2)随着放牧强度的增加,土壤水分含量较对照显著提高,土壤全氮含量呈先增加后减少的变化趋势,土壤速效钾呈现降低的变化趋势,而对土壤全碳含量和pH无显著影响,说明适度放牧能够提高土壤水分含量、促进土壤氮含量的积累,但放牧会导致土壤速效钾减少。(3)随着放牧强度的增大,短花针茅长期水分利用效率(WUE l)呈现“V”形变化趋势,而瞬时水分利用效率(WUE t)与内在水分利用效率(WUE i)总体呈降低的变化趋势。(4)相关分析显示,放牧强度与短花针茅密度、地上生物量呈显著正相关关系,土壤全氮含量与有机碳、pH、WUE i呈显著正相关关系,WUE t与WUE i呈显著正相关关系;短花针茅内在水分利用效率与土壤有机碳含量密切相关。研究表明,重度放牧导致短花针茅株丛破碎化,增加了种群的扩散面积,是短花针茅长期水分利用效率提高的直接原因;短花针茅瞬时水分利用效率随放牧强度的增加而降低可能是由其内在水分利用效率降低引起的。     

RAPD analysis of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Stipa krylovii reshov. in Inner Mongolia steppe

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to characterize the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Stipa krylovii populations in Inner Mongolia steppe of North China. Thirteen 10-bp oligonucleotide primers, which generated 237 RAPD bands, were used to analyze 90 plants of five populations from three regions, meadow steppe, typical steppe and desert steppe, from the east to the west. The genetic diversity of Stipa krylovii that was revealed by observed number of alleles (na), expected number of alleles (ne), Nei’s diversity index (h), Shannon’s diversity index (H), amplificated loci, polymorphic loci and the percentage of polymorphic loci (PPB) increased from the east to the west. The Pearson’s correlation analysis between genetic diversity parameters and ecological parameters indicated that the genetic diversity of Stipa krylovii was associated with precipitation and cumulative temperature variations along the longitude (humidity were calculated by precipitation and cumulative temperature). Dendrogram based on Jaccard’s genetic distance showed that the individuals from the same population formed a single subgroup. Although most variation (56.85%) was within populations, there was high genetic differentiation among populations of Stipa krylovii, high differentiation within and between regions by AMOVA analysis. Either Nei’s unbiased genetic distance (G _ST) or gene flow (Nm) among pairwise populations was not correlated with geographical distance by Mantel’s test (P > 0.05), suggesting that there was no consistency with the isolation by distance model in these populations. Natural selection may have played a role in affecting the genetic diversity and population structure, but habitat destruction and degradation in northem grassland in China may be the main factor responsible for high genetic differentiation among populations, within and among regions. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Correlation between Climatic Factors and Genetic Diversity of Phrynocephalus forsythii

Global climate change is a threat to animals in nearly all biomes and ecosystems, especially for ectotherm whose life activities highly depend on environmental thermal regime. Population genetic diversity which is essential for adaptation to environmental change is a useful index for long-term species survival. In this paper, genetic diversity of eight Phrynocephalus forsythii population which distributed in Tarim Basin, China, were evaluated based on three mtDNA gene and its correlation with environment factors were investigated using RDA. Our result revealed that, the level of genetic diversity of P. forsythii populations was related to its location but there was no significant correlation between genetic distances and geographic distances in P. forsythii. However, we find that mtDNA of P. forsythii was subjected to selection pressure during evolution and population genetic diversity was significantly positively related to variation coefficient of rainfall(VCR) and altitude(AL), while significantly negatively related to longitude(N) and annual average temperature(AAT). Our result supported the previous prediction that excessive ambient heat is a threat to P. forsythii.     

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.     

Genetic diversity among geographically separated populations of Nepenthes mirabilis

The distribution of Nepenthes mirabilis ranges from Northeast (NE) to South (S) Thailand. Eleven individuals from NE, S and Suen Jatujak market in Bangkok, Central (C) Thailand, were collected and divided into four populations according to their geographical areas. These four populations were analyzed to determine a genetic diversity profile using thirteen inter-simple sequence repeat markers. The individuals produced 75.18% polymorphic banding profiles. The Shannon’s index was used to estimate genetic diversity. Total genetic diversity (H _T) and inter-population genetic diversity (H _S) were 0.854 and 0.678, respectively. The degree of genetic differentiation (G _ST) of the species populations is 0.206, whereas the gene flow (Nm) among all the various geographical area populations is 1.016. Both the dendrogram and the results of the Shannon’s diversity index suggest great genetic diversity. These results support the broad range of distribution sites of Nepenthes mirabilis, which would require high genetic diversity to adapt to the environmental variations that can be found between NE, C, and S Thailand. ANOVA shows that the genetic diversity in each population is not significantly different (P > 0.05). Mantel tests reveal that geographical distance is an important factor for affecting the genetic distances among populations.     

Genetic comparisons between seed bank and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stipa krylovii</Emphasis> plant populations

The soil seed bank represents the potential plant population since it is the source for population replacement. The genetic structure of a Stipa kryiovii (Roshev.) plant population and its soil seed bank was investigated in the Xilinguole Steppe of Inner Mongolia using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. The population was sampled at two sites that were in close proximity to each other (0.5 km apart). Thirty plants and 18 seed bank samples were taken from each site to determine the genetic diversity between sites and between sources (plant or seed). The material was analyzed using 13 primers to produce 92 loci. Eighty-six were multi-loci, of which 23 loci (26.74%) of allele frequencies showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05). The genetic similarity between two seed bank sites was 0.9843 while the genetic similarity between two plant sites was 0.9619. Their similarities were all greater than that between the seed bank and plant populations. An analysis of their genetic structure showed that 87.86% of total variation was derived by two-loci. Genetic structures between plant and soil seed bank populations in S. krylovii were different due to the variance of mean gametic disequilibria and mean gene diversity. AMOVA results showed that the majority of variance (88.62%) occurred within sites, 12.75% was from between-groups. Further research is needed to investigate the selective function in maintaining the genetic diversity of Stipa krylovii plant populations.     

Genetic comparisons between seed bank and Stipa krylovii plant populations

The soil seed bank represents the potential plant population since it is the source for population replacement. The genetic structure of a Stipa krylovii (Roshev.) plant population and its soil seed bank was investigated in the Xilinguole Steppe of Inner Mongolia using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. The population was sampled at two sites that were in close proximity to each other (0.5 km apart). Thirty plants and 18 seed bank samples were taken from each site to determine the genetic diversity between sites and between sources (plant or seed). The material was analyzed using 13 primers to produce 92 loci. Eighty-six were multi-loci, of which 23 loci (26.74%) of allele frequencies showed significant differences (P < or = 0.05). The genetic similarity between two seed bank sites was 0.9843 while the genetic similarity between two plant sites was 0.9619. Their similarities were all greater than that between the seed bank and plant populations. An analysis of their genetic structure showed that 87.86% of total variation was derived by two-loci. Genetic structures between plant and soil seed bank populations in S. krylovii were different due to the variance of mean gametic disequilibria and mean gene diversity. AMOVA results showed that the majority of variance (88.62%) occurred within sites, 12.75% was from between-groups. Further research is needed to investigate the selective function in maintaining the genetic diversity of Stipa krylovii plant populations.     

金钱槭和云南金钱槭遗传多样性比较研究

金钱槭属(Dipteronia)是我国特有少种属,属下仅金钱槭(D. sinensis)和云南金钱槭(D. dyeriana)两种。该文用RAPD标记揭示了金钱槭的遗传多样性和遗传结构,并与云南金钱槭的RAPD研究结果进行了比较。同时,对两物种遗传距离与地理距离的相关性进行了分析,结果有助于阐释该属植物遗传变异的产生机制。研究显示,18条随机引物在17个金钱槭居群(226个个体)中检测到128个扩增位点,物种水平的多态位点比率为92.97%,在4个云南金钱槭居群(45个个体)中则检测到103个扩增位点,物种水平的多态位点比率为81.55%,金钱槭的多态位点比率高于云南金钱槭。相似性系数值、Shannon多样性指数和Nei基因多样性指数分析反映了与多态位点比率相一致的结果。AMOVA(Analysis of molecular variance)分析结果显示,金钱槭居群内、居群间的遗传变异分别占总变异量的56.89%和43.11%。云南金钱槭居群内、居群间的遗传变异分别占总变异量的57.86 %和42.14%。Shannon多样性指数、Nei基因多样性指数的分析结果与AMOVA分析结果趋势相同。上述特征值揭示,金钱槭和云南金钱槭居群间的遗传分化均已达到较高水平,推测居群间低水平的基因流可能是导致上述现象产生的原因之一。遗传距离与地理距离的相关分析结果显示,金钱槭居群间的遗传距离与经度差异存在极显著水平的相关性(p<0.01),云南金钱槭居群间的遗传距离与地理隔离则无显著相关关系。说明在大尺度上遗传距离与地理距离相关而在小范围内则无上述关系,该结果可能与位于不同分布区内的物种所承受的生境选择压力不同有关。建议在对该属植物进行就地保护时,应设立多个保护点,保护自然居群及其周围生境;在迁地保护时,应通过加大居群间种子和幼苗的交换,人为创造基因交流和重组的条件,保存该属植物的遗传多样性。     

具混合繁殖策略的草本植物异果舞花姜的居群遗传结构

 居群遗传结构的形成受到各种因素的影响。其中, 繁殖方式可能对居群内遗传变异有极其重要的意义, 而距离隔离也是居群间变异产 生的主要原因之一。异果舞花姜(Globba racemosa)具有混合繁殖策略(以种子进行有性繁殖和以珠芽进行无性克隆繁殖)。调查分布于云南的7 个异果舞花姜居群间有性与无性克隆繁殖的差异。采用ISSR标记研究各个居群的遗传多样性与克隆多样性, 探讨繁殖方式和距离隔离对居群遗 传结构的影响。调查结果表明, 异果舞花姜各个居群存在一定的繁殖差异。ISSR结果显示, 该种在种水平上呈现较高水平的遗传变异 (PPB=71.19%), 大部分的变异来自于居群间(G_ST = 0.590 7)。同时, 异果舞花姜具有较高水平克隆多样性(G/N = 0.88)。遗传多样性和克隆多 样性与繁殖水平的变异间相关性不明显, 说明繁殖方式不是居群遗传结构形成的必要和决定性的因素。居群间的地理距离与遗传距离显著相关 (r = 0.68, p < 0.05), 表明距离隔离是居群间遗传变异形成的重要原因。其它因素(如少量新有性个体的补充、细胞突变、奠基效应等)也对 异果舞花姜居群遗传结构的形成和维持起到了重要作用。     

Analysis of genetic diversity of Guizotia abyssinica from Ethiopia using inter simple sequence repeat markers

Within and among population genetic diversity of 37 Guizotia abyssinica populations from Ethiopia were analyzed using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). Five primers amplified a total of 118 genomic DNA fragments across a total of 370 individuals of which 106 were polymorphic (89.83%). The average number of polymorphic bands per primer was 21.2. More bands were generated by primer UBC 888 (BDB(CA)(7.) The total genetic diversity (Ht) and the coefficient of genetic differentiation (Gst) were 0.4115 and 0.0918 respectively, while the within population genetic diversity (Hs) and the among population genetic diversity(Dst) were 0.3738 and 0.03776 respectively suggesting more variability within the populations than among them. The standard genetic distances between the G. abyssinica populations of the eight regions ranged from 0.0281 (between Wollo and Gojam) to 0.1148 (between Jimma and Hararghe). Generally, the standard genetic distances are smaller between populations of neighboring regions and highest between those of Jimma and the other regions, ranging from 0.0696 (between Jimma and Shewa) to 0.1148 (between Jimma and Hararghe). The ISSR based UPGMA clustering using the standardized genetic distances matrix also placed populations from neighboring regions closer than those from farther apart areas, while the UPGMA clustering by regions based on the standard genetic distances produced three clusters following the proximity and the contiguity of the regions. The mean Shannon Weaver diversity indices for the populations of the eight regions ranged from 0.8197 (Jimma) to 0.9176 (Hararghe), with a mean of 0.8841 for the whole material.     

Bottlenecks, drift and differentiation: the fragmented population structureof the saltmarsh beetle Pogonus chalceus

We investigated the distribution of genetic variation within and between 10 fragmented populations of the saltmarsh beetle Pogonus chalceus in the region of Flanders (Belgium) representing all extant populations of the species in that region by using allozyme and microsatellite markers. Beetle population size and habitat area failed to explain a significant part of the genetic variability. Microsatellite allelic diversity was sensitive to population size differences but not to saltmarsh area estimates. Heterozygosities of both marker types and allozyme allelic diversity on the other hand showed no significant correlation to population size and saltmarsh area. There was also no correlation between geographical and genetic distances among populations. Evidence was found for past bottlenecks in some of the smallest populations. Maximum likelihood methods using the coalescent approach revealed that the proportion of common ancestors was also high in those small populations. 35% of our studied individuals, especially in the largest populations showed a relative wing size smaller than 70%. Moreover, only six out of the 10 studied populations showed a few individuals with functional flight musculature. In conclusion, the overall pattern of distribution of genetic variation and the low flight capacity did not support an equilibrium model of population structure in P. chalceus, but mainly suggested a lack of regional equilibrium with both drift and gene flow influences.     

Genetic diversity of Stipa grandis P.Smirn populations across the species’ range in the Inner Mongolia Plateau of China

In order to investigate the genetic diversity of dominant species under the background of climate change and grassland utilization in the Inner Mongolia Plateau of China, we sampled seven Stipa grandis populations along an increasing aridity gradient in the present study. The Nei’s gene diversity of populations (He) was estimated to be 0.15 and the percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) was 49.28%. The genetic differentiation among populations (Φ_ST) was 0.2431. There was a significant relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance among the S. grandis populations by Mantel's test. The genetic diversity was significantly correlated with longitude and annual mean precipitation, which suggested that a combination of climatic factors affected the genetic diversity. The populations in the marginal habitat should be paid more attention because of their low genetic diversity and its significance for conservation of the whole species.     

Genetic structure and essential oil composition in wild populations of Salvia multicaulis Vahl.

The phytochemical study on ten populations of Salvia multicaulis Vahl. revealed that their essential oil qualitative profiles contained a significant amount of monoterpene hydrocarbons, which were the most abundant compounds. Besides, α-Pinene was the major constituent in all studied populations' essential oils. Significant correlations were observed between edaphic parameters and some major essential oil compounds. According to clustering analyses of the chemical data, the S. multicaulis populations were divided into three chemotypes: β-caryophyllene, camphene and camphor, and limonene. The population genetics study showed significant molecular differences among the populations. The Mantel test indicated a significant positive correlation between the geographical distances and genetic diversity, exhibiting a low amount of gene flow and a considerable genetic differentiation value. We also detected four genotypes based on the Nei's genetic distance and structure analysis. The identified chemical and genetic similarities/differences among these populations were correlated with edaphic parameters and geographic distances, suggesting that environmental factors are the primary drivers of the chemical polymorphism of essential oils in S. multicaulis populations.     

大猿叶虫四地理种群遗传多样性的RAPD分析

以大猿叶虫Colaphellus bowringi Baly 4个地理种群的基因组DNA为材料, 进行RAPD分析。从80条引物中筛选出11条稳定性好、多态性高的引物进行扩增, 共得到65个扩增位点, 53个多态位点, Nei氏遗传多样性指数为0.1049~0.2061, Shannon多样性指数为0.1641~0.3167。结果表明所分析的大猿叶虫遗传变异很高, 其中江西龙南种群遗传变异最小, 山东泰安种群遗传变异最高。种群间的遗传距离范围为0.0636~0.3200, 其中江西龙南种群和江西修水种群间的遗传距离最小, 哈尔滨种群与江西龙南种群间的遗传距离最大, 种群遗传距离的大小与其相对地理距离的远近吻合。结果提示种群遗传距离的大小与它们生物学上的相似性有关联。     

Molecular Genetic Variation in Chinese Populations of Three Subspecies of Hippophae rhamnoides

To provide a population-level genetic profile for investigation and conservation of genetic diversity of the sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), 300 individuals of fifteen natural populations of sea buckthorn in China were analyzed by using ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeats) markers. On the basis of Shannon's index and Nei's genetic diversity, the mean genetic diversity detected in the natural populations of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis, ssp. sinensis, and ssp. gyantsensis was 0.1944, 0.2169, and 0.1372, respectively. The coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst) of seven ssp. yunnanensis populations is 0.2790, and that of seven ssp. sinensis populations is 0.4184. This means that 28% of the total molecular variance of seven ssp. yunnanensis populations existed among populations, and 42% for seven ssp. sinensis populations, suggesting that the subspecies have different genetic structures. No significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances of the populations was found using ISSR markers.