Abstract
Quercus variabilis is a tree species of ecological and economic value that is widely distributed in China. To effectively evaluate, use, and conserve resources, we applied 25 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to study its genetic diversity and genetic structure in 19 natural forest or natural secondary forest populations of Q. variabilis (a total of 879 samples). A total of 277 alleles were detected. Overall, the average expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.707 and average allelic richness (AR) was 7.79. Q. variabilis manifested a loss of heterozygosity, and the mean of inbreeding coefficient (FIS) was 0.044. Less differentiation among populations was observed, and the genetic differentiation coefficient (FST) was 0.063. Bayesian clustering analysis indicated that the 19 studied populations could be divided into three groups based on their genetic makeup, namely, the Southwest group, Central group, and Northeastern group. The Central group, compared to the populations of the Southwest and Northeast group, showed higher genetic diversities and lower genetic differentiations. As a widely distributed species, the historical migration of Q. variabilis contributed to its genetic differentiation.
Highlights
Fagaceae is one of the most important components of northern sub-tropical forests and temperate forests
The present study showed that Q. variabilis populations are characterized by a relatively large gene flow (Nm = 3.648) that may inhibit genetic drifting and prevent population genetic differentiation [11]
We inferred that Q. variabilis has been a widely distributed species for several historical periods, and the history of its population dynamics and genetic variations stretches back further than the time of human activities [68], so human activity is not the major factor that has affected its current genetic structure. This represents the first research carried out on the genetic diversity and structure of Q. variabilis based on a broader sampling strategy involving its main distribution area
Summary
Fagaceae is one of the most important components of northern sub-tropical forests and temperate forests. Quercus spp. consists of about 450 different species [1] and is the largest Fagaceae genus. These have important ecological and economic values. Known as Chinese cork oak, Quercus variabilis Bl. is a species of oak in the section Quercus Sect. Cerris [2] and native to a wide area of China [3], as well as the Korean peninsula and the southwestern Japanese archipelago. In China, the Qinling and Dabie mountain land areas are considered the geographical distribution centers of
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