Population differentiation and genetic variation inform translocation decisions for Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae, a rare New England grassland perennial

Augmentation of small rare species populations is sometimes suggested on genetic grounds. However, outbreeding depression via dilution of local adaptation or break-up of genomic coadaptation may occur. These effects depend on the causes of population divergence. Here, we compare genetic measures of population divergence in Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae, a rare New England perennial. We measured G_ST, neutral marker subdivision, and Q_ST, quantitative subdivision of propagule and juvenile plant traits. G_ST was relatively high. Q_ST for leaf shape exceeded G_ST, indicating local adaptation, while Q_ST for other traits fell within or below the G_ST range. Local adaptation appears low for juvenile traits, although the high G_ST cautions against translocation because of potential coadaptation. If translocation is still required, however, donor populations should contain high quantitative genetic diversity. We assess population size and allozyme diversity as predictors of quantitative genetic variation, but find these poor proxies for direct measurement.