Medicago archiducis-nicolai Sirjaev and M. ruthenica (L.) Ledebour are two phylogenetically closely related species in the section Platycarpae within Medicago. M. archiducis-nicolai is endemic to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), shows more tolerance to abiotic stress than M. ruthenica, which inhabits relatively temperate areas, and has the potential to be domesticated and used as a legume forage germplasm in alpine meadows. Here, we analyzed the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of these species using 20 putatively neutral EST-SSR markers. Twenty-four wild populations, including 21 M. archiducis-nicolai and 3 M. ruthenica, were divided into two clusters that were consistent with current taxonomy. The 21 M. archiducis-nicolai populations were clustered into two geographically related groups. Positive relationships between population genetic distance and geographical factors, including geographical distance and altitudinal difference, revealed that the genetic differentiation of M. archiducis-nicolai populations was driven by both geographical distance and the complex topography of the QTP. Medicago archiducis-nocilai, a narrow-range endemic on the QTP, had lower genetic diversity than the more widespread M. ruthenica. Medicago archiducis-nicolai populations from the central platform of the QTP had relatively high genetic diversity, whereas those occupying the east platform and edge of the QTP showed variable levels of genetic diversity, implying the presence of refugia on the central platform. These results have implications for the genetic resource management and exploitation of M. archiducis-nicolai and provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of this species to the harsh environment of the QTP.
This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of water temperature (WT) and dietary protein levels on growth, body composition and blood biochemistry of GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus; initial average body weight: 38.75 ± 0.61g, n = 20). The fish were fed with six diets contained graded levels of protein (209.6, 251.0, 302.4, 354.3, 401.9 and 456.8 g/kg) and raised in each of WT (22°C, 28°C and 34°C) for 8 weeks. Results showed that the growth, feed utilization and protein efficiency were significantly increased with the increase of dietary protein level and followed by the latter platform at each WT. The fish raised at 28 and 34°C showed similar growth performance, and their values were significantly higher than the fish raised at 22°C (p < 0.05). The lipid contents in whole body were decreases with the increase of dietary protein level at each WT. However, the whole‐body protein, ash and moisture contents were not affected by dietary protein level or WT (p > 0.05). The values of serum biochemical indices (ALP, ALT, AST and TCHO) were all decreased with the increase of dietary protein. The optimal dietary protein requirement for GIFT tilapia to achieve maximal growth performance is 374.4, 301.7 and 304.9 g protein/kg diet at 22, 28 and 34°C, respectively. 相似文献