Genetic variation ofAlnus trabeculosa populations in Japan

Alnus trabeculosa Hand.-Mazz. is classed as “near threatened,” and efforts should be made to conserve the species, but effective action would require understanding of its genetic variation and structure. Therefore, the genetic variation at 12 isozyme loci was examined in seven populations of the species in Japan. The expected heterozygosity within species (H _es=0.222) and the expected heterozygosity within populations (H _ep=0.199) were found to be slightly higher than in most other woody species. The coefficient of genetic differentiation (G _ST=0.146) was also high. The northernmost population had the lowest values for almost all measures of genetic variation, and populations in southern Japan tended to show greater within-population variation than those in northern Japan. The level and distribution of genetic variation in this species might be related to its life history and ecological traits, and distribution history.     

Genetic variation among 11 <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies concolor</Emphasis> populations based on allozyme analysis

In order to obtain information on the genetic structure ofAbies concolor and the genetic variation among 11 populations introduced from America to China, allozyme analysis based on starch gel electrophoresis technology was used. 24 loci of 10 allozyme systems were mensurated, and the genetic structure and genetic diversity of the 11 populations of A. concolor evaluated. The results show that the genetic variation among is significant, and the genetic variation within A. concolor populations is more important. In contrast with other conifers, the variation of A. concolor is above the average level of conifers, and higher than the same level of Abies. The percentage of polymorphic loci (P) was 62.5%, the number of alleles per locus (A) 2.08, the number of effective alleles per locus (Ae) was 1.37, the expected heterozygosity (H) 0.204, and the Shannon information index (/) 0.351 7. There is a short genetic distance (D=0.061) and a low gene flow (Nm=0.839 4) among the 11 introduced populations ofA. concolor with high genetic variation. The genetic differentiation coefficient (Gst) was 0.229 5, which is higher than that of the mean in Abies or Pinus.     

Genetic characterization of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The genetic structures of six populations of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been characterized by means of isozyme analyses. Using six polymorphic gene loci, a total of 16 alleles have been found with a number of nine alleles, which were in common in all populations. In general, the values of observed heterozygosity reflect a very high level of individual genetic variation. Great differences in the relative allele frequencies lead to relatively high gene pool distances between the populations. Whereas the genetic structures of four populations corresponded essentially with the results of publicized investigations of yew populations from other parts of Europe, two occurrences show great differences. The possible reasons of these peculiarities are discussed. Based on the results of the genetic analyses, different measures for the maintenance and development of the genetic resources are recommended. The conservation management on the population level can prevent the possible loss of genetic adaptation as far as the reasons of genetic differences and their importance are not discovered to a sufficient extent.     

Genetic Variation and Population Structure in Korean Endemic Species: V. Corylopsis coreana (Hamameliaceae)

The allozyme diversity of ten Korean populations of Corylopsis coreana Nakai, a shrub endemic to Korea, were examined. Although Korean populations are isolated, they maintain moderate levels of allozyme variation (average percent of loci polymorphic=22.4%, mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus=3.97, mean expected heterozygosity=0.109) compared to the means of 26 woody endemic species. A high level of heterozygote deficiency was observed in populations of C. coreana (mean F _IS=0.232). Significant heterogeneity in allele frequencies were detected between populations at all polymorphic loci (p<0.001), among-population genetic differentiation accounted for 12.3% of the total variation. Indirect estimates of the number of migrants per generation (Nm) (1.77, calculated from G _ST) indicate that gene flow is moderate among populations of C. coreana. The allozyme diversity and population structure in C. coreana may be attributed to relatively long-distance flight of pollinators in early spring, gravity seed dispersal, restricted distribution, and high density in the standing populations of the species.     

红豆树优树子代遗传多样性及与生长相关性分析

[目的]研究红豆树优树自由授粉子代遗传多样性及其对生长的影响,比较天然居群子代和孤立木子代遗传多样性差异,揭示子代遗传多样性的变化规律及天然居群在子代遗传多样性维持中的作用,为红豆树遗传保育和优异种质挖掘提供科学依据。[方法]以来自浙、闽、赣、川等26个红豆树优树自由授粉家系为研究对象,利用11对SSR引物对765个子代群体进行遗传多样性评价,同时分析子代遗传多样性参数与种子、生长性状的相关性。[结果](1)红豆树优树子代群体具有较高的遗传多样性,有效等位基因数为7.766个,观测杂合度(H_O)和期望杂合度(H_E)分别为0.469和0.865。(2)除SSR8外,其余位点的观测杂合度均小于期望杂合度,表明子代群体绝大多数位点处于杂合子缺失状态。(3)红豆树不同家系的遗传多样性存在明显差异,12号家系的遗传多样性水平最高,8号家系则最低。(4)比较发现,天然居群子代的遗传多样性显著或极显著地高于孤立木子代。(5)F统计量和分子方差分析(AMOVA)均表明,红豆树优树子代群体的遗传变异主要存在于家系内,家系间的遗传分化相对较小。(6)相关性分析发现,子代遗传多样性参数与种子性状、子代年高生长量呈显著正相关(r=0.378~0.527)。[结论]较大的红豆树天然居群在维持其子代较高遗传多样性中发挥了重要作用,子代遗传多样性显著影响苗木生长,这为红豆树遗传保育和优良家系选择提供了理论依据。     

Post-logging loss of genetic diversity in a mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King,Meliaceae) population in Brazilian Amazonia

Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King, Meliaceae) is the most valuable widely traded timber species from the Neotropics. Mahogany has been severely overexploited throughout its natural range, which stretches from southern Mexico through Central and South America as far south as the Bolivian Amazon. We investigated effects of selective logging on the genetic diversity of a mahogany population in eastern Amazonia. Using eight hypervariable microsatellite loci, we estimated the number of alleles per locus (A), mean expected and observed heterozygosity (H_e, H_o), the number of distinct multilocus genotypes (G_o), and the inbreeding coefficient (f) for pre- and post-logging cohorts (adults and seedlings) collected over identical spatial scales. We found a significant reduction in the number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, and distinct multilocus genotype number in the post- compared to the pre-logging cohort. The loss of genetic diversity is likely to have occurred due to a reduction in the effective population size as a consequence of logging, which leads to the loss of alleles and limits mating possibilities. The results raise concerns about the conservation genetics of logged mahogany populations where a high proportion of adults are removed from the system. We suggest initiatives to promote the maintenance of genetic diversity as an integral part of the production system, allowing genetically sustainable use of this valuable timber resource.     

Genetic diversity ofKandelia candel andBruguiera gymnorrhiza in the Southwest Islands, Japan

The genetic diversity of the mangrove tree speciesKandelia candel andBruguiera gymnorrhiza in the Southwest Islands of Japan was investigated. These islands are located at the periphery of the distribution area of the two species, and their populations are relatively small. Allozyme analyses of 17 loci inK. candel and 13 loci inB. gynmorrhiza revealed very little genetic variation in both species. At the species level, the proportion of polymorphic loci was 4.2%, the average effective number of alleles per locus was 1.02, and the average expected heterozygosity was 0.012 inK. candel. The corresponding figures forB. gymnorrhiza were 9.0%, 1.06 and 0.035, respectively. However, the coefficients of genetic differentiation among the populations were high (G _ST=0.165 forK. candel and 0.253 forB. gymnorrhiza). The genetic variation and habitat area ofK. candel on Amami Island is greater than on the islands Okinawa and Iriomote. The genetic variation and habitat area ofB. gymnorrhiza is greater on Iriomote Island than on the islands Okinawa and Amami. The level of genetic variation in both of the species might be related to their population sizes.     

白皮松天然群体遗传多样性的EST-SSR分析

为探讨白皮松群体间遗传变异规律,使用7对EST-SSR引物对分布区内21个白皮松天然群体的遗传多样性及遗传分化水平进行了研究。结果表明:7对引物在21个白皮松天然群体的663个单株中共检测到14个多态性位点。各群体间有效等位基因数(Ne)、Shannon’s信息指数(I)、观测杂合度(Ho)、期望杂合度(He)、Nei’s期望杂合度(Nei’s)分别为1.156 5 1.601 9、0.133 5 0.492 5、0.138 4 0.397 3、0.0860 0.342 8、0.084 6 0.337 4。白皮松群体间遗传分化系数(Fst)平均为0.215 2,基因流(Nm)值平均为0.911 9,群体间基因交流总体较少,遗传分化较大。白皮松多样性水平在分布区内呈规律性变化,多样性分布的中心区域主要在西部、南部,具有从西向东,从南向北依次减少的趋势。     

Adaptive genetic diversity and population structure of the “algarrobo” [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prosopis chilensis</Emphasis> (Molina) Stuntz] analysed by RAPD and isozyme markers

The “algarrobo” [Prosopis chilensis (Molina) Stuntz] is a tree species that represents an important natural resource in arid and semi-arid regions of Argentina. In this paper, we analysed and compared the variability of 46 RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) loci with previous estimates obtained from 12 isozyme markers in nine Argentinean populations of P. chilensis representative of the whole range of this species in Argentina. We evaluated the population structure and the existence of genetic variants associated with environmental variables. Expected heterozygosity (H _e) estimated from RAPD varied significantly among populations and regions. Hierarchical analysis of genetic variability (AMOVA) showed that most (88.1%) of the total diversity occurs within populations, the component among populations within regions (9.3%) was intermediate, while the between-region component was the lowest (2.6%). All three variance components were highly significant. The MDS plot from pair-wise Φ _ST matrix was consistent with the highly significant among-region differentiation indicated by the AMOVA. All 12 variable isozyme loci and 26 out of 46 RAPD loci showed significant or highly significant association with at least one geographic/climatic variable according to the stepwise multiple regression analysis. These results imply that the genetic differentiation among populations is better explained by environmental or biogeographical grounds than by geographical distances, suggesting gametic disequilibrium with loci responsible for the adaptation to particular environmental conditions. The information from RAPD markers would provide a relevant criterion to preserve genetic diversity in programmes for conservation and rationale use of this species.     

Magnitude and efficiency of genetic diversity captured from seed stands of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus nigra</Emphasis> (Arnold) subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">pallasiana</Emphasis> in established seed orchards and plantations

To test how efficiently plantations and seed orchards captured genetic diversity from natural Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold subspecies pallasiana Holmboe) seed stands, seed sources were chosen from 3 different categories (seed stands (SS), seed orchards (SO) and plantations (P)) comprising 4 different breeding zones of the species in Turkey. Twenty-five trees (mother trees) were selected from each SS, SO and P seed sources and were screened with 11 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Estimated genetic diversity parameters were found to be generally high in all Anatolian black pine seed sources and the majority of genetic diversity is contained within seed sources (94%). No significant difference in genetic diversity parameters (numbers of effective alleles, % of polymorphic loci and heterozygosity) among seed source categories was found, except for a slight increase in observed heterozygosities in seed orchards. For all seed source categories, observed heterozygosity values were higher (H_o = 0.49 for SS, 0.55 for SO and 0.49 for P) than expected ones (H_e = 0.40 for SS, 0.39 for SO and 0.38 for P) indicating the excess of heterozygotes. In general, genetic diversity in seed stands has been transferred successfully into seed orchards and plantations. However, the use of seeds from seed orchards can increase the amount of genetic diversity in plantations further. The study also demonstrated that number of plus-tree clones (25–38) used in the establishment of seed orchards was adequate to capture the high level of diversity from natural stands.     

Analysis of genetic diversity and differentiation of artificial populations of yellowhorn (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Xanthoceras sorbifolium</Emphasis>) in China using ISSR markers

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) is a drought-tolerant tree in the family Sapindaceae that is native to northeastern China. Its remarkably oil-rich seeds are a reliable biodiesel source. An inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis showed genetic variation among four artificial populations in China: two in Inner Mongolia (IM), one in Liaoning (LN), and one in Shandong (SD). The average percentage of polymorphic loci was 81.25 % for these four populations. The Forest Farm in SD showed the highest number of effective alleles (N_e), Shannon index (I), and expected heterozygosity (H_e), i.e., 1.598, 0.470, and 0.325, respectively, but the lowest number of alleles (N_a) as 1.600. Based on an analysis of molecular variance, 23 % of the total genetic variation was found among populations, and 77 % within populations. A principal coordinate analysis revealed two groups (Group 1: Lindonglinchang, Jianping Agriculture Research Station and Forest Farm; Group 2: Jinjilinchang). Understanding the genetic diversity among artificial yellowhorn populations in China, detected using ISSRs, will be useful for yellowhorn conservation and improvement. Additional artificial and natural populations need to be included in the future for a country-wide perspective.     

Genetic variability and divergence among Italian populations of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)

The level of genetic variation throughout the Italian range of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) was estimated using six microsatellite markers. High levels of allelic diversity was detected. The levels of expected heterozygosity for each of the populations ranged from 0.726 to 0.871, with an average of 0.798, and indicated that populations have a high level of genetic variation. A general and significant homozygote excess was found at most loci in all populations, with an overall mean F _IS of 0.284. Possible explanations for such situations are discussed. Only 4.9% of the total diversity was attributable to differentiation among populations. Although divergence among pedo-climatic regions explained only a small part of the variance it was possible to observe some partial clustering of populations belonging to the same regions. The contribution of the results in relation to the definition of the most appropriate strategies to collect forest reproductive material is discussed.     

Genetic variation and gene flow among Prunus cerasoides D. Don populations in northern Thailand: analysis of a rehabilitated site and adjacent intact forest

This study describes the level of genetic variation and gene flow within and among populations of Prunus cerasoides in rehabilitated sites and adjacent intact forest. The seven microsatellite loci employed detected a total of 75 alleles (n = 401). Polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.34 to 0.83. Between the adult populations there was moderate genetic differentiation with an F _ST value of 0.0575, which suggests that the restoration plots had a similar genetic composition to that of the natural population. The gene flow assessment provides some interesting insights into the genetic diversity of P. cerasoides. In the 16 naturally occurring trees over 83% of the genotyped seed were fathered by unidentified trees whereas in restoration plot A only about 32% of the pollen came from an unidentified father. This proportion was even less in Plot C where 25% of the pollen parents were unidentified. The naturally occurring trees within Doi Suthep were surrounded by planted trees, which were contributing to the paternity of the seed crop. This result demonstrates that ‘‘fill in’’ planting should consist of locally sourced material if it is considered important to conserve the genetic integrity of the local populations.     

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in the Otton frog, Babina subaspera

The Otton frog, Babina subaspera, is an endangered forest frog species with unusual morphological and ecological features compared with other frogs. Eight microsatellite markers were isolated from B. subaspera and characterized with 24 individuals from Amami Islands, Kagoshima prefecture, Japan. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from 9 to 19 (average 13.9). The observed heterozygosity (H _O) and the expected heterozygosity (H _E) ranged from 0.71 to 0.92 and 0.83 to 0.92, respectively. These microsatellites will be useful for future genetic studies of B. subaspera, which will be essential in the conservation of this species.     

Genetic diversity of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) populations in northeastern and northwestern China as revealed by ISSR markers

As a N₂-fixing tree species, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is well adapted to arid regions and is utilized for multiple purposes in China. Current knowledge of genetic variability of H. rhamnoides is limited in terms of rangewide distributions. Eleven natural populations of sea buckthorn in northeastern and northwestern China were analyzed to detect genetic variation among and within populations, by use of ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeats) markers. Using eight primers, 207 polymorphic loci were observed, ranging in size from 250 to 2500 bp. The coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst = 0.0679) showed that the total molecular variance of 11 populations was mainly existed within populations. The genetic variation within and among the 11 populations was 93.21 and 6.79%, respectively. No significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances of the populations was found using ISSR markers. Our study provides a population-level genetic profile for further investigation and conservation of genetic diversity of sea buckthorn.     

Genetics of red alder (Alnus Rubra Bong.) populations in British Columbia and its implications for gene resources management

The genetic structure of 19 red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) populations representing the natural range of the species in British Columbia was investigated at 19 allozyme loci. The estimated average number of alleles per locus (1.79), percentage of polymorphic loci (52.6), and total expected genetic diversity (0.113) were all lower than those reported for most long-lived woody species but comparable to early successional species. About 8% of the total genetic variation was attributable to among-population differentiation, the majority being detected at the Aat-2 locus between the Mainland and the Islands regions. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the 19 populations into two distinct clusters that perfectly coincided with their geographical arrangement. Genetic differentiation between populations within both the Mainland and the Islands regions was very weak, accounting for about 3% of the total genetic variation within each region. Red alder is predominantly an outcrossing species with an average outcrossing rate of 0.85. The rate of outcrossing also varied widely among populations, ranging from 0.56 to 0.98. Practical implications of these findings with respect to tree improvement and in situ gene conservation are discussed.     

Genetic variation and division of Pinus sylvestris provenances by ISSR markers

Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) was used to detect genetic variation among nine provenances, including 135 individuals. A total of 108 loci were amplified using 10 random primers. The differentiation of the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) among different provenances was evident, ranging from 27% to 54%, of which Honghuaerji provenance had the highest PPB and Kalunshan provenance had the lowest PPB. Shannon's Information index (I) at species level was 0.1581 and Nei's gene diversity (h) was 0.2393. Coefficient of gene differentiation (G_ST) calculated by Popgene was 0.3965, these results indicated that majority of genetic variation (60.35%) was found within provenances. According to dendrogram amongpinus sylvestriv provenances, nine provenances were divided into two provenance areas, namely Daxing's and Xiaoxing'an Mountains provenance area and Hulunbeier provenance area. Foundation item: This study was supported by National Scientific and Technological Brainstorm Project. Biography: LI Hui-yu (1978-), female, Ph.D. candidate, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Genetic similarity of natural populations and plantations of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. in Nepal

? Genetic structures of five population pairs each consisting of one natural population and one neighbouring plantation of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. in Nepal were assessed using nuclear (nSSRs) and chloroplast microsatellite loci (cpSSRs).

? The mean number of alleles at nSSRs loci in natural populations was 5.0 compared to 4.93 in plantations while the average observed heterozygosities were the same in both groups (H ₀ = 0.50). Most of the alleles were common to all the populations, indicating that the populations correspond to a single genetic entity. Similarly forty-seven haplotypes were observed in natural populations compared to fifty haplotypes in plantations. Mean haplotype diversities of natural populations (0.953) and plantations (0.955) were very similar. Genetic diversity of Pinus roxburghii was relatively high with low or no evidence of inbreeding while genetic differentiation among all populations was very low (about 1%).

? The very low differentiation among natural populations indicates efficient long-distance gene flow among populations resulting in homogeneous genetic structures at least at selectively neutral loci. Even though the harvest and production of seeds and seedlings was largely uncontrolled, genetic structures of most plantations show no signs of reduced variation, inbreeding or other negative effects compromising the adaptedness or adaptability of planted forests.

     

毛红椿群体遗传结构的SSR分析

利用SSR分子标记对分布在我国的7个毛红椿群体进行了遗传结构研究.结果表明:毛红椿群体具有较低水平的遗传变异;毛红椿群体的等位基因的平均数为6.1,有效等位基因数平均为2.7,平均期望杂合度为0.600 6;毛红椿群体遗传分化系数(FST)平均值为0.185 4,在FST值的基础上估算毛红椿群体间的基因流(Nm)为1.098 3.采用平均距离方法(UPGMA)对7个群体进行了聚类,对各群体遗传距离与地理距离的相关分析表明:群体间遗传距离与地理距离显著相关.分析了毛红椿濒危的原因,并提出了保护策略.     

Genetic diversity within and among southern African provenances of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Uapaca kirkiana</Emphasis> Müell. Årg using morphological and AFLP markers

Domestication of Uapaca kirkiana Müell. Arg is a high priority for improving rural livelihoods of smallholder farmers in southern Africa. Domestication efforts require knowledge of adaptive traits and intra-specific variation. Morphological traits and amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) markers were used to assess genetic variation in twelve provenances of U. kirkiana collected from southern Africa. Assessment of morphological traits showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between provenances. Provenances from Zimbabwe and Zambia showed faster growth than those from Malawi (except Phalombe) and Tanzania. Morphological traits exhibited strong genetic differentiation between provenances and within provenances. The degree of provenance differentiation of traits (Q _ST = 0.03–0.139, Q _ST mean = 0.092) was in the same range with that of AFLP loci (F _ST mean = 0.089) detected among provenances and within provenances (0.002 < F _ST < 0.259). The differentiation for some morphological traits could be attributed to local adaptation and human selection of the U. kirkiana trees at the site of origin. Mean Nei’s (H) genetic diversity of AFLP showed high diversity within the provenances (H = 0.181–0.321, H mean = 0.256). An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed higher genetic variation (90.8%) within provenances than among provenances (9.2%). There was no geographical pattern of variation in growth and morphological traits among the seed sources. Chipata provenance from Zambia was the most diverse while Mapanzure from Zimbabwe was the least diverse, though it was superior in height and earliest in fruiting. The pattern of genetic diversity indicates low selection in some areas and high gene flow which would be counteracting it. Therefore regional and country collections and conservation strategies should consider differences by focussing on the main range of the species by paying particular attention to unique populations within countries.