Analysis of genetic diversity and differentiation of artificial populations of yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) in China using ISSR markers

Abstract

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 (Ne), Shannon index (I), and expected heterozygosity (He), i.e., 1.598, 0.470, and 0.325, respectively, but the lowest number of alleles (Na) 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.