Genetic diversity of natural and cultivated populations ofOenanthe javanica in Korea

Enzyme electrophoresis was used to estimate genetic diversity and population structure in natural and cultivatedOenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. In the six natural populations, 8 of the 22 loci showed polymorphisms. Cultivated populations had fewer alleles per locus (1.84 vs. 1.91), fewer effective alleles per locus (1.47 vs. 1.52), a lower percentage of polymorphic loci (42.3 vs. 50.0), and lower diversity (0.210 vs. 0.228) than did natural populations. These parameters of genetic diversity indicate that the cultivated populations are genetically depauperate relative to their presumptive progenitor, and that the domestication process has partly eroded the level of genetic variation of this species. Nevertheless, the diversity of this species has higher-than-average values compared with other species having similar life-history traits. We propose that the mix-mating system; perennial, high gene flow; and large population sizes are possible factors contributing to this high diversity, which seemed to increase with distance from the coastlines.     

Genetic diversity and structure in two species of Leavenworthia with self-incompatible and self-compatible populations

Self-fertilization is a common mating system in plants and is known to reduce genetic diversity, increase genetic structure and potentially put populations at greater risk of extinction. In this study, we measured the genetic diversity and structure of two cedar glade endemic species, Leavenworthia alabamica and L. crassa. These species have self-incompatible (SI) and self-compatible (SC) populations and are therefore ideal for understanding how the mating system affects genetic diversity and structure. We found that L. alabamica and L. crassa had high species-level genetic diversity (H_e=0.229 and 0.183, respectively) and high genetic structure among their populations (F_ST=0.45 and 0.36, respectively), but that mean genetic diversity was significantly lower in SC compared with SI populations (SC vs SI, H_e for L. alabamica was 0.065 vs 0.206 and for L. crassa was 0.084 vs 0.189). We also found significant genetic structure using maximum-likelihood clustering methods. These data indicate that the loss of SI leads to the loss of genetic diversity within populations. In addition, we examined genetic distance relationships between SI and SC populations to analyze possible population history and origins of self-compatibility. We find there may have been multiple origins of self-compatibility in L. alabamica and L. crassa. However, further work is required to test this hypothesis. Finally, given their high genetic structure and that individual populations harbor unique alleles, conservation strategies seeking to maximize species-level genetic diversity for these or similar species should protect multiple populations.     

The tales of two geckos: does dispersal prevent extinction in recently fragmented populations?

Although habitat loss and fragmentation threaten species throughout the world and are a major threat to biodiversity, it is apparent that some species are at greater risk of extinction in fragmented landscapes than others. Identification of these species and the characteristics that make them sensitive to habitat fragmentation has important implications for conservation management. Here, we present a comparative study of the population genetic structure of two arboreal gecko species (Oedura reticulata and Gehyra variegata) in fragmented and continuous woodlands. The species differ in their level of persistence in remnant vegetation patches (the former exhibiting a higher extinction rate than the latter). Previous demographic and modelling studies of these two species have suggested that their difference in persistence levels may be due, in part, to differences in dispersal abilities with G. variegata expected to have higher dispersal rates than O. reticulata. We tested this hypothesis and genotyped a total of 345 O. reticulata from 12 sites and 353 G. variegata from 13 sites at nine microsatellite loci. We showed that O. reticulata exhibits elevated levels of structure (FST=0.102 vs. 0.044), lower levels of genetic diversity (HE=0.79 vs. 0.88), and fewer misassignments (20% vs. 30%) than similarly fragmented populations of G. variegata, while all these parameters were fairly similar for the two species in the continuous forest populations (FST=0.003 vs. 0.004, HE=0.89 vs. 0.89, misassignments: 58% vs. 53%, respectively). For both species, genetic structure was higher and genetic diversity was lower among fragmented populations than among those in the nature reserves. In addition, assignment tests and spatial autocorrelation revealed that small distances of about 500 m through fragmented landscapes are a barrier to O. reticulata but not for G. variegata. These data support our hypothesis that G. variegata disperse more readily and more frequently than O. reticulata and that dispersal and habitat specialization are critical factors in the persistence of species in habitat remnants.     

Genetic diversity of Ranunculus acris L. (Ranunculaceae) populations in relation to species diversity and habitat type in grassland communities

Correlates between genetic diversity at intra- and interpopulation levels and the species diversity in plant communities are rarely investigated. Such correlates may give insights into the effect of local selective forces across different communities on the genetic diversity of local plant populations. This study has employed amplified fragment length polymorphism to assess the genetic diversity within and between 10 populations of Ranunculus acris in relation to the species diversity (richness and evenness) of grassland communities of two different habitat types, 'seminatural' and 'agriculturally improved', located in central Germany. Within-population genetic diversity estimated by Nei's unbiased gene diversity (HE) was high (0.258-0.334), and was not correlated with species richness (Pearson's r = -0.17; P = 0.64) or species evenness (Pearson's r = 0.15; P = 0.68) of the plant communities. However, the genetic differentiation between R. acris populations was significantly correlated with the difference in species evenness (Mantel's r = 0.62, P = 0.02), but not with difference in species richness of plant communities (r = -0.17, P = 0.22). Moreover, we also found that populations of R. acris from the 'seminatural' habitat were genetically different (amova, P < 0.05) from those in 'agriculturally improved' habitats, suggesting that gene flow between these habitat types is limited. The results reported in this study may indicate that habitat characteristics influence the genetic diversity of plant species.     

Genetic variation in Minuartia (Caryophyllaceae) in Svalbard

Based on a survey of eight enzyme systems, genetic variation in three Minuartia species was analysed and the diversity in 15 populations in Svalbard (78°N) compared to seven populations in Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. In the two sexual diploids, M. biflora and M. rubella , genetic diversity was as high in populations from Svalbard as in populations from more southerly latitudes. In M. biflora , eight out of 15 loci were polymorphic (P=53.3 %); in M. rubella eight out of 18 (P=44.4 %). The mean number of alleles per locus (A) and the number of multilocus genotypes (MG) were also higher in M. biflora than in M. rubella , A=1.60 and MG=21 vs. A=1.44 and MG=9. The proportion of genetic diversity due to variation among populations was much lower in M. biflora than in M. rubella , FST=0.249 vs. FST=0.895, and the estimated gene flow much higher, Nm=0.745 vs. Nm=0.029, indicating that M. biflora is a mixed mater and M. rubella a selfer. In the vegetatively reproducing tetraploid, M. rossii , 13 (65 %) out of 20 putative loci showed fixed heterozygosity, the mean number of alleles per 'locus' was A=1.70, and two multilocus phenotypes were observed, proving that at least two clones occur in Svalbard. No allele was shared by all three species and Nei's genetic identity for biflora-rubella was extremely low, I=0.07. The results suggest that the three species, which are currently placed in separate sections, represent lineages that diverged a long time ago.     

Elevated genetic diversity of mitochondrial genes in asexual populations of Bark Lice ('Psocoptera': Echmepteryx hageni)

Asexual reproduction is commonly thought to be associated with low genetic diversity in animals. Echmepteryx hageni (Insecta: 'Psocoptera') is one of several psocopteran species that are primarily parthenogenetic, but also exists in small, isolated sexual populations. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences to investigate the population history and genealogical relationships between the sexual and asexual forms of this species. The asexual population of E. hageni exhibits extremely high mitochondrial haplotype diversity (H=0.98), whereas the sexual forms had significantly lower haplotypic diversity (H=0.25, after correcting for sample size). This diversity in asexuals represents one the greatest genetic diversities reported for asexual animals in the literature. Nucleotide diversities were also higher in asexual compared to sexual populations (π=0.0071 vs. 0.00027). Compared to other reported estimates of π in insects, asexual nucleotide diversity is high, but not remarkably elevated. Three hypotheses might explain the elevated genetic diversity of asexual populations: (i) larger effective population size, (ii) greater mutation rate or (iii) possible recent origin of sexuals. In addition, phylogeographic analysis revealed little geographic structure among asexual E. hageni, although specimens from the upper Midwest form a single clade and are genetically differentiated. The mismatch distribution and neutrality tests indicate a historical population size increase, possibly associated with expansion from glacial refugia.     

三峡库区特有种疏花水柏枝的保护遗传学研究

采用超薄平板微型聚丙烯酰胺等电聚焦电泳方法对三峡库区特有种疏花水柏枝 (Myricarialaxiflora)的 13个自然居群和 1个人工迁地保护居群的等位酶遗传变异进行了初步研究。检测了 5个酶系统 ,得到 13个等位酶位点 ,遗传多样性及其遗传结构分析结果表明 :疏花水柏枝具有较高水平的遗传多样性 ,平均多态位点比率P =78.7% ,每位点平均等位基因数A =1.8,平均预期杂合度He=0 .317,高于中国植物特有种的平均水平 ,且群体中杂合基因型个体偏多 ;其遗传变异主要发生于居群内 ( 84.86 % ) ,居群间又存在一定的遗传分化 (Gst=0 .15 14) ,居群间平均基因流Nm =1.40 1,居群间遗传距离为 0 .0 0 2～ 0 .176 ;UPGMA聚类分析显示疏花水柏枝在三峡湖北境内的白水河—泄滩一带分为上游和下游 2个居群组 ;武汉植物园迁地保护的混合居群基本保育了其遗传多样性总水平。在分析讨论疏花水柏枝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 ,探讨了疏花水柏枝濒危的主要原因 ,推断其应为第四纪冰期影响后的古孑遗种。最后 ,在评价迁地保护成果的基础上 ,提出了今后进一步保育的策略。     

Allozyme diversity and genetic structure of the leafy cactus (Pereskia guamacho [Cactaceae])

We examined levels of genetic variation and genetic structure in the leafy cactus (Pereskia guamacho) in arid and semiarid zones in Venezuela. We surveyed genetic diversity within 17 populations using 19 allozyme loci. Genetic diversity was relatively high at both the species (P(s) = 89%, A(s) = 3.26, AP(s) = 3.53, H(es) = 0.24) and population (P(p) = 63%, A(p) = 1.90, AP(p) = 2.42, H(ep) = 0.20) levels. A significant deficit of heterozygote individuals was detected within populations in the Paraguana Peninsula region (F(IS) = 0.301). Relatively low levels of population differentiation were detected at macrogeographic (G(ST) = 0.112) and regional levels (G(ST) = 0.044 for peninsula region and G(ST) = 0.074 for mainland region), suggesting substantial genetic exchange among populations; however, gene flow in this species seems to be regulated by the distance among populations. Overall, estimates of genetic diversity found in P. guamacho are concordant with the pattern observed for other cacti surveyed, namely high levels of polymorphism and genetic diversity with one common allele and several rare alleles per locus. Differences in gene dispersal systems between this species and other cacti studied were not reflected in the patterns of genetic diversity observed. The concentration of the highest estimates of genetic variation in northwestern Venezuela suggests a potential reservoir of plant genetic diversity within xerophilous ecosystems in northern South America.     

Genetic structure of an endangered plant, Antirrhinum microphyllum (Scrophulariaceae): allozyme and RAPD analysis

Thirteen allozyme loci and 68 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were analyzed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of threatened Antirrhinum microphyllum (Scrophulariaceae), a narrow endemic of central Spain known from only four populations. According to allozyme data, species genetic diversity (p = 46.15%, A = 2.61, and H(e) = 0.218), as well as within-population genetic diversity (p = 44.23%, A = 2.10, and H(e) = 0.204), were high when compared to average estimates for other narrowly distributed plant species. Ninety-four percent of species genetic diversity corresponded to within-population genetic diversity. Nevertheless, significant differences were found among populations in allele frequencies of four of the six polymorphic loci, and three private alleles were detected. Inbreeding coefficients (F(IS)) suggest that populations are structured in genetic neighborhoods. The RAPDs also showed high levels of genetic diversity (p = 89.71% and H(e) = 0.188 at the species level, and p = 67.65% and H(e) = 0.171 at the population level). Nei's genetic distances estimated both from allozymes and RAPDs indicated low differentiation among populations. In spite of this, the low frequencies of certain alleles and the presence of private alleles indicate that efforts should be made to conserve all four remaining populations.     

Distribution of genetic diversity among disjunct populations of the rare forest understory herb, Trillium reliquum

We assessed genetic diversity and its distribution in the rare southeastern US forest understory species, Trillium reliquum. In all, 21 loci were polymorphic (PS=95.5%) and the mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus was 3.05. However, genetic diversity was relatively low (Hes=0.120) considering the level of polymorphism observed for this outcrossing species. A relatively high portion of the genetic diversity (29.7%) was distributed among populations. There was no relationship between population size and genetic diversity, and we did not detect significant inbreeding. These results are best explained by the apparent self-incompatibility of this species, its longevity and clonal reproduction. To address questions regarding the history of T. reliquum's rarity, we compared results for T. reliquum with that of its more common and partially sympatric congener, T. cuneatum. Despite shared life history traits and history of land use, we observed significant genetic differences between the two species. Although T. cuneatum contains slightly lower polymorphism (Ps=85%), we detected significantly higher genetic diversity (Hes=0.217); most of its genetic diversity is contained within its populations (GST=0.092). Our results suggest that not only is there little gene flow among extant T. reliquum populations, but that rarity and population isolation in this species is of ancient origins, rather than due to more recent anthropogenic fragmentation following European colonization. The Chattahoochee River was identified as a major barrier to gene exchange.     

Allozyme diversity in Pinus virginiana (Pinaceae): intraspecific and interspecific comparisons

Two of the four members of subsection Contortae of the genus Pinus occur in the southeastern United States: Pinus virginiana, which ranges throughout the southern and central Appalachian Mountains, and P. clausa, which is restricted to Florida and southern Alabama. We examined allozyme variation within P. virginiana and genetic relationships between this species and the two varieties of P. clausa (var. clausa and var. immuginata). P. virginiana maintains more genetic diversity at both the species (Hes = 0.139) and population (Hep = 0.128) levels than the other three species in the subsection, which may reflect the combination of its widespread distribution and the absence of cone serotiny. Genetic differentiation among populations in P. virginiana was relatively low (GST = 0.053), but significant contrasts in allozyme frequencies and genetic diversity were apparent between populations to the northwest vs. outheast of the Appalachian Mountains. These regional differences likely resulted initially from historical processes that occurred during the Pleistocene and early Holocene, and have been reinforced by modern selective pressures and barriers to gene flow. The mean genetic distance between populations of P. virginiana and P. clausa (D = 0.071) was greater than that between populations of the two varieties of P. clausa (D = 0.012), which suggests that the two varieties diverged at some point after the separation of the two species.     

Levels of allozyme diversity in closely related toadflaxes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Linaria</Emphasis>, Plantaginaceae) and their correspondence with the breeding systems of the species

Toadflaxes (Linaria Miller) represent the largest genus of the tribe Antirrhineae (formerly included in the Scrophulariaceae) of the Plantaginaceae family. These taxa vary according to their ranges (narrow-regional–widespread), biological traits (duration, flower morphology, breeding system) and ecological preferences. No comparative genetic studies have been performed up to the moment and the levels and distribution of genetic diversity within this genus remain undocumented. We have conducted an allozyme study in 8 taxa of Section Supinae. Five of them are narrow endemic, self-incompatible, insect-pollinated outcrossers that inhabit relatively unaltered habitats. The other three taxa are widespread, small-flowered selfers that inhabit crops subjected to high levels of recurrent disturbance. Linaria taxa showed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity. Parameters of genetic diversity were directly addressed to differences in breeding systems. Mean number of alleles per locus, total genetic diversity and genetic diversity within populations were higher among the outcrossers than among the selfers, (A _e = 2.28 vs. 1.23; H _T = 0.24 vs. 0.13; H _S = 93.99% vs. 54.2%) while genetic diversity among populations and population differentiation were lower for the outcrossers than for the selfers (D _ST = 0.02% vs. 45.98%; G _ST = 0.03 vs. 0.52). Gene flow within and among populations produced a higher number of different genotypes (mean N _G = 16 for outcrossers vs. 5.4 for selfers) and migrants (mean N _m = 4.58 for outcrossers vs. 0.84 for selfers) that were attributed to an effective pollinator service in outcrossing populations. Differences in the levels and distribution of the genetic diversity are discussed in relation to biological and autoecological constraints of each group of taxa.     

High genetic diversity vs. low genetic differentiation in Nouelia insignis (Asteraceae), a narrowly distributed and endemic species in China, revealed by ISSR fingerprinting

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nouelia insignis Franch., a monotypic genus of the Asteraceae, is an endangered species endemic in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces of China. Most of the populations are seriously threatened. Some of them are even at the brink of extinction. In this study, the genetic diversity and differentiation between populations of this species were examined in two drainage areas. METHODS: DNA fingerprinting based on inter-simple sequence repeat polymorphisms was employed to detect the genetic variation and population structure in the species. KEY RESULTS: Genetic diversity at species level was high with P=65.05% (percentage of polymorphic loci) and Ht=0.2248 (total genetic diversity). The coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations, Gst, which was estimated by partitioning the total gene diversity, was 0.2529; whereas, the genetic differentiation between populations in the Jinsha and Nanpan drainage areas was unexpectedly low (Gst=0.0702). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the genetic analyses of the DNA fingerprinting, recent habitat fragmentation may not have led to genetic differentiation or the loss of genetic diversity in the rare species. Spatial apportionment of fingerprinting polymorphisms provides a footprint of historical migration across geographical barriers. The high diversity detected in this study holds promise for conservation and restoration efforts to save the endangered species from extinction.     

Low genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation in the critically endangered Omphalogramma souliei (Primulaceae):implications for its conservation

Omphalogramma souliei Franch. Is an endangered perennial herb only distributed in alpine areas of SW China. ISSR markers were applied to determine the genetic variation and genetic structure of 60 individuals of three populations of O. Souliei in NW Yunnan, China. The genetic diversity at the species level is low with P= 42.5% (percentage of polymorphic bands) and Hsp=0.1762 (total genetic diversity). However, a high level of genetic differentiation among populations was detected based on different measures (Nei's genetic diversity analysis: Gst=0.6038; AMOVA analysis: Fst=0.6797). Low level of genetic diversity within populations and significant genetic differentiation among populations might be due to the mixed mating system in which xenog-amy predominated and autogamy played an assistant role in O. Souliei. The genetic drift due to small population size and limited current gene flow also resulted in significant genetic differentiation. The assessment of genetic variation and differentiation of the endangered species provides important information for conservation on a genetic basis. Conservation strategies for this rare endemic species are proposed.     

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。     

Genetic diversity within and among sinai populations of three Ballota species (Lamiaceae)

Ballota undulata, Ballota kaiseri, and Ballota saxatilis are very rare (and endemic--B. kaiseri), threatened species growing in St. Catherine Protectorate, southern Sinai, Egypt. They are subjected to a number of threats that have caused populations to decline in both number and size. For the long-term survival of these species, an appropriate conservation strategy for the maintenance of their genetic variation should be developed. This study measures genetic diversity within and among populations of these Ballota species and determines the conservation implications of the results. The genetic analyses demonstrated that the three Ballota species maintain relatively high levels of genetic diversity (He = 0.195-0.317) and that most of the their genetic diversity was found within populations (GST = 0.045-0.099). Indirect estimates of historical gene flow for B. undulata and B. saxatilis were relatively high (Nm(W) = 5.25 and 3.37, respectively) but suggest that there is somewhat less gene movement among B. kaiseri populations (Nm(W) = 2.29). The levels of genetic diversity maintained within populations of the three Ballota species indicate that an appropriate sampling design for ex situ safeguarding should capture the majority of the genetic diversity found within these taxa.     

七筋菇自然居群的遗传结构分析

采用ISSR分子标记,对七筋菇(Clintonia udensis)17个居群的遗传多样性与遗传结构进行了研究。结果表明:七筋菇不同居群的多态位点百分率PPB为11.90%~59.52%,总的多态位点百分率PPB为98.8%,具有高的遗传多样性。Shannon多样性指数(0.6903)和基因分化系数(GST=0.6944)均揭示出七筋菇居群间存在明显的遗传差异,AMOVA分析结果也显示遗传变异主要发生在居群之间(81.47%),而居群内部的遗传变异仅为18.53%。七筋菇居群间的遗传距离从0.1871~0.6632,平均为0.3838,大于同一物种居群间的平均遗传距离值(0.05),同样表明七筋菇居群间的遗传多样性存在较大差异。七筋菇居群间的基因流Nm=0.2200,远远低于一般广布种植物的基因流(Nm=1.881)。Mantel检测显示居群间的遗传距离与地理距离之间没有显著相关性(r=0.029,P=0.3196)。七筋菇分布范围广以及其进化历史是其具有高遗传多样性的原因;居群间存在较高遗传变异可能是由于七筋菇本身的生物学特性、有限的基因流以及遗传漂变等原因造成的。     

Comparative riverscape genetics reveals reservoirs of genetic diversity for conservation and restoration of Great Plains fishes

We used comparative landscape genetics to examine the relative roles of historical events, intrinsic traits and landscape factors in determining the distribution of genetic diversity of river fishes across the North American Great Plains. Spatial patterns of diversity were overlaid on a patch‐based graphical model and then compared within and among three species that co‐occurred across five Great Plains watersheds. Species differing in reproductive strategy (benthic vs. pelagic‐spawning) were hypothesized to have different patterns of genetic diversity, but the overriding factor shaping contemporary patterns of diversity was the signature of past climates and geological history. Allelic diversity was significantly higher at southern latitudes for Cyprinella lutrensis and Hybognathus placitus, consistent with northward expansion from southern Pleistocene refugia. Within the historical context, all species exhibited lowered occupancy and abundance in heavily fragmented and drier upstream reaches, particularly H. placitus; a pelagic‐spawning species, suggesting rates of extirpation have outpaced losses of genetic diversity in this species. Within most tributary basins, genetically diverse populations of each species persisted. Hence, reconnecting genetically diverse populations with those characterized by reduced diversity (regardless of their position within the riverine network) would provide populations with greater genetic and demographic resilience. We discuss cases where cross‐basin transfer may be appropriate to enhance genetic diversity and mitigate negative effects of climate change. Overall, striking similarities in genetic patterns and in response to fragmentation and dewatering suggest a common strategy for genetic resource management in this unique riverine fish assemblage.     

Population genetics of Agave cocui: evidence for low genetic diversity at the southern geographic limit of genus Agave

The Agave genus embraces many species with outstanding ecological and economic importance in the arid regions of the Americas. Even though this genus covers a broad geographic distribution, our knowledge on the population genetics of species is concentrated in taxa located in North America. Recently, it has been demonstrated that plant domestication decreases levels of genetic diversity in managed populations and increases population structure with respect to wild populations. We examined levels of allozyme diversity (N = 17 loci) and population structure of Agave cocui, the species at the southern limit of distribution of the genus. We sampled 7 wild populations (N = 30-35 individuals per population) representative of the geographic distribution of the species in Venezuela. Among the agaves studied, A. cocui has some of the lowest estimates of genetic diversity (H(e)[species] = 0.059, H(e)[population] = 0.054) reported until present. We propose that this condition is probably linked to the recent origin of this species in arid and semiarid regions of Colombia and Venezuela, probably through one or a few founder events. The lowest estimates of genetic diversity were associated with small populations in very restricted arid patches; but also with overexploitation of rosettes for production of fermented drinks and fibers. Santa Cruz de Pecaya, one of the 2 centers of economic use of agaves in northwestern Venezuela presented one of the lowest values of genetic variability, a sign suggesting that human impact represents a significant threat to the available genetic pool that this species possesses in the region.     

Genetic diversity of Narcissus tortifolius,an endangered endemic species from Southeastern Spain

In this work, we analyzed inter-simple sequence repeat markers from 10 populations (298 individuals) spanning the whole distribution range of the endemic Narcissus tortifolius. We assessed genetic variation levels and distribution by estimates of genetic diversity, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal coordinates and Bayesian methods. N. tortifolius showed moderate genetic diversity at intrapopulation level and low genetic differentiation of populations. In general, Almerian populations showed slightly higher levels of genetic diversity than Murcian populations. Our results indicate that habitat fragmentation has not caused genetic depauperation in N. tortifolius but did reveal moderate genetic differentiation. Indeed, principal coordinate analysis and Mantel test revealed a slight tendency to separate populations into two groups (Murcian vs. Almerian). A recent isolation event of populations, together with the perennial nature of this species could be the main reasons for this low to moderate differentiation. Our findings could be used to establish management guidelines for the conservation of this rare species.