Abstract
Spatial genetic variation involves spatial genetic structure (SGS) and genetic diversity is important genetic features of plants. We first evaluated spatial genetic structure (SGS) and genetic diversity among four populations of Alsophila gigantea from Hainan Island, China, using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Significant but weak FSGS was found in A. gigantea. High genetic diversity was identified at the species level and the population level. AMOVA analysis revealed a low level of genetic differentiation among the four populations with high gene flow. Mantel test showed no significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance. It was found that association between annual mean temperature and annual precipitation with FSGS. Combined with these spatial genetic variation, abundant precipitation and suitable temperature create a stable environment for A. gigantea in Hainan Island, which allows the fern to expand rapidly during the LGM. These results further emphasized the role of outcrossing, and history and environmental factors in the evolution of A. gigantea. This study also provided new insights on in local adaptation of A. gigantea to environmental fluctuations, and available genetic data to enhance the conservation for relict tree ferns.
Highlights
Spatial genetic variation includes spatial genetic structure (SGS) and genetic diversity, which are two important genetic features of plants
DNA extraction and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification A modified cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method was used to isolates genomic DNA, which was stored at -20°C until subsequent use (Su et al, 1998)
All the four populations exhibit a high level of genetic diversity, a weak fine spatial genetic structure, and a lack of spatial autocorrelation at large scale
Summary
Spatial genetic variation includes spatial genetic structure (SGS) and genetic diversity, which are two important genetic features of plants The former is referred to non-random distribution of individual genotypes in natural populations (Ramírez-Barahona and Eguiarte, 2015), while the latter is raw materials for against disease and adaptation to changing environment. The both genetic indices are affected by the similar factors including dispersal ability, mating system, life form, population density, human disturbance as well as historical events (Vekemans and Hardy, 2004; Chung and Chung, 2013; González-Díaz et al, 2017). The journal will continue to appear quarterly, as before, with four annual numbers
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