Genetic diversity pattern of Stipa purpurea populations in the hinterland of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau |
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Authors: | W-S Liu M Dong Z-P Song & W Wei |
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Institution: | State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Southwest Forestry College, Kunming, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | Clonal growth genetic differentiation ISSR latitudinal gradient Stipa purpurea Tanggula Mountains |
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