Pronounced fluctuations of spruce bark beetle (Scolytinae: Ips typographus) populations do not invoke genetic differentiation

The dynamics of a recent outbreak of the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in Switzerland was ruled by a devastating winter storm in 1999 and the drought and heat of the summer 2003. Starting from a similar level of population sizes, estimated as the rate of infested growing stock, beetle populations increased differently in magnitude and time among different regions in Switzerland. Accordingly, we expected local or regional genetic differentiation as a result of such repeated population expansion/breakdown dynamics. We analyzed 5 nuclear microsatellites of spruce bark beetles sampled from pheromone traps at 30 locations distributed over Switzerland. Our genetic results did not indicate any sign of population differentiation, structure, isolation by distance, or recent bottlenecks. This complete lack of genetic structure suggests that spruce bark beetles are highly mobile, precluding the formation of a spatial structure at neutral molecular markers. Thus, this molecular–genetic approach does not allow us to discriminate among regional gene pools and to identify the origin of expanding beetle populations.     

Genetic diversity of Betula luminifera populations at different elevations in Wuyi Mountain and its association with ecological factors

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of 91 genets from four wild populations of Betula luminifera at different elevations in the National Nature Reserve of theWuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China. Eighteen random primers (from 139 primers) produced a total of 199 scorable amplified fragments, of which 174 (87.44%) were polymorphic across all individuals. The genetic diversities of B. luminifera at the population level and species level were PPL = 60.05%, h = 0.2242, I = 0.3181 and PPL = 87.44%, h = 0.3442, I = 0.4899, respectively. The value of differentiation (G _st= 0.3486) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that there was a relatively high genetic differentiation among populations, and about one-third of the genetic variation occurred among populations. Pearson correlation analysis further revealed that the genetic diversity within populations had significant or very significant correlation with the elevation, climatic factors (annual average temperature and annual precipitation) and soil nutrient factors (total nitrogen, C/N ratio and organic matter). Mantel tests show that there was a significant correlation between the genetic distances among populations and the distance of elevation, and the divergence of soil nutrient factors. The results of the present study suggested that the relatively high genetic differentiation among populations of B. luminifera at different elevations might be caused by ecological factors and gene flow. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2008, 44(3): 50–55 [译自: 林业科学]     

毛红椿天然群体遗传多样性及取样策略探讨

[目的]研究毛红椿天然群体遗传多样性取样策略,为其种质资源收集、保存和遗传多样性保护等提供参考依据。[方法]利用8对微卫星分子标记进行毛红椿天然群体遗传多样性和空间自相关分析,综合制定其天然群体合理取样策略。[结果]毛红椿天然群体等位基因数平均为7.5个,期望杂合度(H_e)和多态性信息指数(PIC)均值分别为0.643 7和0.636 0,基因分化系数(G_(ST))均值为0.290 7。在遗传多样性取样策略方面,提出了根据毛红椿群体基因分化系数来确定取样群体遗传变异所占总变异比例的运算公式为1-(G_(ST))~(n-1),其中,n为取样群体的数量。当取样群体达到4个时,基本上能包括该树种97.5%的遗传变异;同时确定了目标群体的选择方法,应选择与其它群体间基因分化系数均值较大的4个群体,即贵州册亨(CH)、浙江遂昌(SC)、浙江仙居(XJ)和云南师宗(SZ)。通过构建云南宾川(BC)、云南师宗(SZ)和江西宜丰(YF)群体内取样单株数量与基因多样性和等位基因之间的捕获曲线,确定了群体内取样单株数量应达到15个以上;毛红椿天然群体内300～520 m范围内的单株间存在相似关系,超出此范围个体间差别较大,说明在进行群体内单株取样时,单株间距应大于520 m。[结论]取样群体数量、群体间遗传分化系数、群体内单株数量以及单株间距离等影响了毛红椿取样群体的遗传多样性。毛红椿天然群体遗传多样性取样策略为取样群体4个、每个群体最少取样15个单株,单株间距大于520 m。     

Genetic structure of populations of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Denmark

The genetic structure in Danish indigenous and introduced provenances of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is described. Ten stands are analysed based on variation revealed by seven enzyme systems. The present study reveals significant allele frequency differences between populations with a small absolute amount of genetic differentiation, with no pattern related to geographic distance. The genetic differentiation between indigenous populations measured by Wright's F _ST‐statistic does not deviate significantly from zero, and only 2.9% of the total genetic variation in the foreign populations was due to interpopulation differences, The allele frequencies in relatively small and isolated populations do not differ from the frequencies found in larger areas with beech forest. The low genetic differentiation of isozyme level between indigenous and foreign populations was opposed by significant differences in foliation performance measured on three pairs of neighbouring stands. Foliation performance in adjacent stands of indigenous and introduced beech indicates that quantitative characteristics must be considered separately from neutral variation at single loci.     

Etiology of the resinous stem canker ofChamaecyparis obtusa: Cistella japonica as the causal agent

In order to confirm the pathogenicity ofCistella japonica, inoculation experiments were conducted onto several coniferous trees. Resinous lesions similar to those of the resinous stem canker developed by the inoculation withCi. japonica only onChamaecyparis obtusa. Chamaecyparis trees were heavily affected when inoculated with the fungus in November, but slightly in May and August. Resin flows occurred when inocula ofCi. japonica were put into the holes made on stem barks and on pruning scars. Isolates ofCi. japonica varied greatly in the pathogenicity. On the lesions caused by the fungus, resinous and necrotic areas expanded in fusiform or oblong shape, and resin cysts were formed in inner barks. Beneath some necrotic inner barks, sapwood was suppressed in growth for the damages in cambial cells and stained.Ci. japonica was reisolated from the inoculated lesion tissues, though isolation frequency of the fungus became lower in some lesions two or more years after the inoculation. The results of these inoculations proved thatCi. japonica was the causal agent of the resinous stem canker ofCh. obtusa.     

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.     

Ecological roles of stem sprouts and creeping sprouts ofAucuba japonica Thunb.

The ecological roles of stem sprouts and creeping sprouts ofAucuba japonica Thunb. were investigated through comparisons of the population structure at individual and stem level between two sites with different disturbance histories. Age and size structure of individuals indicated fewer chances for establishment of new individuals in undisturbed population. Maintenance of population was achieved by stem replacement within a clump and vegetative propagation with creeping sprouts which adapted to the non-severe disturbances. Rapid recovery by vigorous sprouting and encouraged seedling recruitment were detected in the disturbed sites. Results of the stem level analysis suggested transformation of stem sprouts into creeping sprouts. The major role of stem sprouts shifted from the maintenance of individuals to recovery of individuals by a severe disturbance. These differentiation of ecological roles among stem types, and their flexible changes according to disturbance regimes were thought to be the reasons whyA. japonica can achieve both the rapid dominance in a disturbed stand and the stable population in a less disturbed stand.     

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.     

Effect of Regeneration Method on RAPD-Based Genetic Variation of Cyclobalanopsis glauca (Fagaceae)

Cyclobalanopsis glauca is a dominant species of evergreen broad-leaved forests in mainland China. This study compares the genetic variation of an artificially regenerated population with its donor population and two other wild populations, by using RAPD markers. A total of 74 clear, reproducible bands were scored for 12 RAPD primers; 72 were polymorphic (P = 97.3%). AMOVA revealed that most genetic variation was within populations and only 10.35% was among populations. Various measures indicated that there is no difference in genetic diversity between the planted and the original populations. Φ_ST between the planted offspring population and the donor population was larger than those between the planted and other two natural populations, indicating that artificial regeneration might lead to biased genetic composition, given that temporal differentiation is usually lower than spatial differentiation. This divergence may be due to unequal seed production among the maternal individuals and viability differences among seeds.     

Effects of differences in forest floor and canopy vegetation on ectomycorrhizas ofBetula platyphylla var.japonica: A test using seedlings planted into soils taken from various sites

Effects of different forest floor vegetation types in secondary forest and of conversion to plantation on the quality and quantity of ectomycorrhizas are mostly unknown.Betula platyphylla var.japonica seedlings were used for bioassays of ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculum using soils from four 50-year-oldB. platyphylla var.japonica forests that had different types of forest floor vegetation: two with shrub types, one with aSasa type, and one with a grass type. Seedlings were also grown in soil from a nearby monospecific plantation ofChamaecyparis obtusa. Ectomycorrhizas formed 13 to 26% of root length of seedlings grown in soil from the five different sites. The maximum percentage of ectomycorrhizal formation was obtained from the grass-type forest. The dominant type of ectomycorrhiza in the two shrub-type forest soils was the same as that in theSasa-type forest soil. The dominant types of ectomycorrhizas in the grass-type forest soil and in theC. obtusa plantation soil were different from that in the two shrub-type forest soils and in theSasa-type forest soil. The results of this investigation suggest that the type of forest floor vegetation, accompanied with changes in thickness of the A₀ horizon, might affect the ectomycorrhizal fungi in the soils ofB. platyphylla var.japonica forests. Establishment of artificial plantations ofC. obtusa might change the ectomycorrhizal fungi that could associate withB. platyphylla var.japonica seedlings in soil.     

花吊丝竹居群遗传多样性的ISSR分析

[目的]研究花吊丝竹居群遗传多样性和遗传结构,为种质资源有效利用和良种选育提供理论指导。[方法]利用12条ISSR引物对48份种质(共3个居群)花吊丝竹居群进行遗传多样性和遗传距离分析。[结果]共检测到124个位点,其中,多态性位点为102个,种质和居群水平上的多态位点百分比(PPB)分别为82. 26%和50. 27%,Ne’基因多样性指数(He)分别为0. 220 4和0. 206 6,Shannon’s信息指数(I)分别为0. 349 4和0. 300 5,表明花吊丝竹居群间存在中等水平的遗传变异。根据Nei’s遗传多样性计算出不同居群间分化水平(Gst)=0. 163 3,表明16. 33%的遗传变异存在于居群间,居群内的遗传变异为83. 67%。居群间的基因流Nm为2. 562 1,表明花吊丝竹居群间存在较大基因流,很大程度减少居群间遗传差异。基于遗传距离的UPGMA聚类结果表明,48份种质可分为3组,3个居群可分为2组,居群间地理距离与亲缘关系无显著相关性。[结论]虽然花吊丝竹主要靠营养生殖来繁衍后代,其居群遗传多样性较丰富,且居群内遗传多样性大于居群间。此外,福建居群遗传多样性明显高于广西和广东地区居群。     

无患子天然居群遗传多样性研究

[目的]通过我国无患子主要分布区的居群样本,研究无患子天然居群的遗传多样性和遗传结构.[方法]采用ISSR分子标记技术,利用12条ISSR引物分析18个天然居群的265株个体样本.[结果]表明无患子遗传多样性水平较高,物种和居群水平上的多态位点百分率 (PPB)分别为95.37%和57.82%,Shannon's信息指数(I)分别为0.256 9和0.199 8,Nei's遗传多样性指数(H)分别为0.390 9和0.298 0.AMOVA分析表明,18个居群间出现一定程度的遗传分化,且遗传变异主要发生在居群内.UPGMA聚类和Mantel检验结果表明,18个天然居群可分为2大组群,且居群间的地理距离与遗传距离之间不存在显著相关性(r=0.066 7,P=0.541 7>0.05).[结论]无患子以自交为主,其天然居群遗传多样性丰富,居群内的遗传多样性高于居群间.研究结果可为无患子育种策略的科学制定和种质资源的有效保护及利用提供理论依据.     

Effect of fluoride pollution on genetic variability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix gmelinii</Emphasis> (Pinaceae) in East Siberia

The genetic variability of four natural populations of Larix gmelinii from East Siberia was determined and compared by RAPD analysis. Comparison of the RAPD profiles provided an estimation of variability in 193 RAPD fragments. More than 89% of these fragments were found to be polymorphic. The main genetic variability parameters of the two populations from Central Yakutia, a region free of fluoride pollution, had considerably higher values than those from East Transbaikalia, a region potentially affected by fluoride pollution (FLU, near a fluorite quarry growing on soils with a high natural content of fluorides). AMOVA revealed that 72.94% of the variation was within populations, while only 7.05% of the variation was between populations within geographical regions. The genetic diversity of the FLU fluoride-tolerant population was the lowest, but only slightly lower than that of a fluoride non-tolerant population from Chita, 50 km distant from FLU. Although this study demonstrates the absence of fundamental alterations of genetic structure within the populations of L. gmelinii growing on soils with a high content of fluorides, it is presumed that the reduction of genetic diversity was the genetic response of the FLU population to such an environmental stress as a constantly high concentration of fluorides within the soil.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea Drury) populations

The molecular variation and genetic relationships among five populations of the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea Drury) in China were assessed using microsatellite technology. Ten microsatellite primers, producing polymorphic bands, were used across 300 samples. The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPB) was 98.36%; the percentage of polymorphic loci in five populations ranged from high to low in the following order: Cangzhou population, Yantai population, Qinhuangdao population, Dandong population, and Shijiazhuang population. The results showed that 34.38% of the total genetic variation of the fall webworm (GST) occurs among populations, while most variation (65.62%) exists within populations. Nei’s genetic distances ranged from 0.1386 to 0.3224. Using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), Nei’s genetic distances were analyzed by a clustering technique and the dendrogram shows that population differentiation is closely related to the time and geographic origin of the invasion. The major factors impacting genetic diversity of fall webworm populations are longitude, the plain area ratio, annual precipitation, latitude and time of invasion. The formation of genetic structure is correlated with characteristics of the life history and invasion ecology of the species.     

Genetic diversity of Quercus glandulifera var. brevipetiolata populations in three forest communities with different succession stages

In order to understand the relationship between population succession and its genetic behavior, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to analyze the genetic diversity of Quercu glandulifera var. brevipetiolata populations in three forest communities with different succession stages (coniferous forest, coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest, evergreen broad-leaved forest). The results showed that 145 repetitive loci were produced in 60 individuals of Q. glandulifera using 11 primers, among which 120 loci were polymorphic, and the total percentage of polymorphic loci was 82.76% with an average of 64.14%. Estimated by the Shannon information index, the total genetic diversity of the three populations was 0.4747, with an average of 0.3642, while it was 0.3234, with an average of 0.2484, judged from the Nei index. Judged from percentage of polymorphic loci, Shannon inform at ion index and Nei index, the genetic diversity followed a decreasing order: coniferous forest > broad-leaved mixed forest > evergreen broad-leaved forest. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 69.73% of the genetic variance existed within populations and 30.27% of the genetic variance existed among populations. The coefficient of gene differentiation (GST) was 0.2319 and the gene flow (N _m) was 1.6539. The mean of genetic identity among populations of Q. glandulifera was 0.8501 and the mean of genetic distance was 0.1626. The genetic identity between the Q. glandulifera population in the coniferous forest and that in the coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest was the highest. UPGMA cluster analysis based on Nei’s genetic distance showed that the population in the coniferous forest gathered with that in the coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest firstly, then with that in the evergreen broad-leaved forest. The genetic structure of Q. glandulifera was not only characteristic of the biological characteristics of this species, but was also influenced by the microenvironment in different communities. __________ Translated from Journal of Northwest Forestry University, 2008, 23(1): 18–22 [译自: 西北林学院学报]     

大别山不同龄级映山红种群遗传多样性的SSR分析

[目的]利用SSR标记比较大别山黄狮寨不同年龄级映山红(Rhododendron simsii Planch.)种群的遗传多样性及遗传结构,探究映山红不同世代间遗传多样性的变化规律,为大别山野生映山红资源的合理利用和高效保护提供科学依据。[方法]按照基径大小和丛枝多少将大别山黄狮寨典型映山红种群划分为老树、成树、小树、幼苗4个年龄级,筛选出12对多态性强的SSR引物用于PCR扩增,扩增产物经6%变性聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳检测并银染。构建"0/1"矩阵,利用POPGENE 32. 0软件分析种群遗传多样性。基于Nei's遗传距离,采用软件MEGA5. 0进行UPGMA聚类。[结果]不同龄级的映山红遗传多样性差别较大,幼苗和老树种群多样性最差,小树种群多样性最丰富。12个微卫星标记观测等位基因数为3～9个,平均5. 08;有效等位基因数为2. 254 9 6. 129 7,平均3. 460 5;观察杂合度HO和期望杂合度HE分别为0. 676 4～0. 881 2和0. 607 7～0. 690 7。Shannon信息指数(I)以小树群体最高,成树次之,幼苗最低。近交系数Fis为-0. 638 3～0. 174 4,平均为-0. 294 6;总近交系数Fit为-0. 615 1～0. 270 6,平均为-0. 162 1,表明各龄级种群内主要繁殖方式为杂交。分子方差分析(AMOVA)表明89. 76%的遗传变异存在于年龄级内,仅10. 24%存在于年龄级间。基因流水平高,仅1个位点Nm 1。遗传一致度最高的为小树和成树种群。[结论]大别山黄狮寨映山红种群遗传多样性丰富,种群间中度分化,遗传变异主要存在于年龄级内。     

Analysis on age structure of Zoysia japonica（Poaceae） population

The age-structure of natural population of Zoysia japonica in Xiuyan County of Liaoning Province was studied by generational method.The results showed that the highest tiller age class was three,but 1st age class tillers held dominant position with proportions over 95% in each month during the growing seasons.The 2nd age class and 2rd age class tillers were minority in the population.So Z.japonica population was an expanding population.The zero age class buds on the rhizomes were dominantin buds age structures.The proportion of buds to tillers on quantity in each month was about 30% to 40% and reached the highest at the end of September.The increasing of buds proportion before dormancy guaranteed the quantity of tillers in the next spring.The biomass of 1st age class tillers changed with time.The biomass kept increasing from April to July and reached the highest at the end of July and then decreased.     

Spatial genetic structure in populations of the green oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana L. (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)

The green oak leaf roller (Tortrix viridana L.) is a major pest on oaks. The green oak leaf roller is one reason within a disease complex for the oak decline, and it leads to defoliation of oaks in spring. In Germany, Quercus robur L. is mainly affected. The partitioning of genetic variation within and among populations of forest pests is linked to their capacities for migration. And the capacity for migration is the basis for dispersal of the pest species to different host trees and host populations and, therefore, for further outbreak events. Thus, the within population spatial genetic structure (SGS) of T. viridana was investigated based on nuclear (AFLP) markers to analyse the dispersal capacity of this insect pest species at a very small spatial scale. A total of 401 individuals of the green oak leaf roller from four stands in North Rhine-Westphalia (Western Germany) were examined. In three of four populations, the AFLP markers revealed clearly SGS up to 40 m, which can be explained by the mating behaviour within this species.     

Cold acclimation and photoinhibition of photosynthesis accompanied by needle color changes inCryptomeria japonica during the winter

This study focused on the physiological changes inCryptomeria japonica accompanied by needle color changes during the winter. The physiological measurements include gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, pigments, active oxygen scavenging enzymes, and several proteins in the photosynthetic apparatus. The light-saturated photosynthesis decreased during the winter. Total chlorophyll content and chlorophylla/b ratio decreased; meanwhile xanthophyll cycle pigments and lutein contents increased significantly. These results indicate that cold acclimation had occurred. Photoinhibition was also observed inC. japonica which can be determined from the decreases in photochemical efficiency of PS II and the partial closure of PS II reaction centers. Small and large subunits of Rubisco and LHC II in the needles ofC. japonica showed only a slight decrease during the winter, indicating that photoinhibition inC. japonica probably reflects a protective process to prevent more severe damage to the photosynthetic apparatus during low-temperature stress. This research was supported by the Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institute (BRAIN), Japan     

AFLP analysis of genetic variation of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) populations in Beijing and a nearby site

Hyphantria cunea (Drury) is a severe invasive pest in Beijing. It is important to understand the reason for its successful invasion and outbreak. Accordingly, this study was tailored to assess molecular variation and genetic relationships among three H. cunea populations in Beijing and one population from Sanhe in Hebei Province as control (totally 100 individuals). A silver-labeled amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) DNA profiling method was used to detect the genetic diversity and relationship among the populations. Five EcoRI and MseI primer combinations produced a total of 171 (91.2% polymorphic) informative fragments. The average Nei’s genetic diversity in four H. cunea populations analyzed by Popgene3.2 software was 0.2287, and the level of genetic diversity ranked in the order BDR (reared population in Daxing, Beijing) > BDN (natural population in Daxing, Beijing) > HSN (natural population in Sanhe, Hebei Province) > BFN (natural population in Fengtai, Beijing). The value of genetic differentiation among populations was 0.3321, and the gene flow was 1.0057. The genetic distance between these populations ranged from 0.0735 to 0.3309, 0.0531 on average. The result of UPGMA (unweighed pair group method with arithmetic averages) clustering showed that populations BFN and HSN were closely related, while BFN and BDN had the largest genetic distance. These results indicate that H. cunea populations in Beijing might originate from several areas.