Abstract
BackgroundLoropetalum subcordatum is an endangered species endemic to China that is characterized by narrow distribution, small population size, and delayed fertilization. However, the genetic diversity of the entire extant natural and ex situ populations has not been assessed to date. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of six natural populations and a single ex situ population (the only known ex situ population of L. subcordatum) using sequence-related amplified polymorphism data.ResultsIn total, 553 reliable DNA bands, of which 359 (63.28%) were polymorphic, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction with combinations of 15 primers. Low average gene diversity within populations and high genetic differentiation were detected in L. subcordatum. A Mantel test demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between genetic and geographic distances, indicating that significant genetic divergence was likely the result of geographic isolation among natural populations. Furthermore, based on genetic structure patterns, populations of L. subcordatum were divided into three clusters. Group 1 was composed of specimens from Libo, Guizhou Province (GZ) and Huanjiang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GX). Group 2 was composed of Mt. Wuguishan, Guangdong Province (GD). Group 3 was composed of three populations in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Additionally, clonal reproduction probably existed in GD population. According to the genetic information analysis and field survey, the ex situ population did not match its source population (GD) in terms of genetics, and its habitat was different from the original natural habitat. We observed that a few individual GD seeds were needed to improve ZS ex situ in the future.ConclusionsCompared to previous SRAP-based studies of endangered plants, L. subcordatum had extremely low average gene diversity within populations and high genetic differentiation among populations. At present, the unique ex situ population has not been successful due to non-representative samples being taken, a smaller population size, and man-made changes in habitat. Potential strategies are suggested to improve the conservation of this species.
Highlights
Loropetalum subcordatum is an endangered species endemic to China that is characterized by narrow distribution, small population size, and delayed fertilization
Compared with previous amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)-based studies of endangered plants, the results showed that these populations low genetic diversity (Ht = 0.22606, The average gene diversity within populations (Hw) = 0.1771) and high genetic divergence among populations (Fst = 0.72, p < 0.001), while no significant correlation was detected between genetic distance and geographic distance [27]
The number of genotypes was equal to the number of samples in Guizhou Province (GZ), Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GX), and three island populations (Table 2), but clonal reproduction possibly existed in Guangdong Province (GD) (G/N = 0.913)
Summary
Loropetalum subcordatum is an endangered species endemic to China that is characterized by narrow distribution, small population size, and delayed fertilization. Plant populations with low genetic diversity may suffer from reduced adaptive capacity [5,6,7], which can result in a gradual decrease in population size and eventual extinction of a population [8,9,10]. This situation usually presents itself in rare and endangered plant populations with narrow distributions, small population sizes, and geographic isolation [11,12,13]. Research on genetic diversity can provide important information for evaluating and guiding conservation efforts [16,17,18]
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