Abstract
Taxus baccata L. (common yew) is an endangered tree species in the Czech Republic. However, its natural occurrence has not been adequately protected in all areas of the country. The aim of this study is to determine whether the yew population in the newly established Mařeničky seed orchard (TS_L) enables mixing with other Czech yew populations. Using a set of nuclear microsatellites, the genetic diversity in the Lužické Mountains (TS_L) and in selected wild-provenance populations from the Czech Republic (Jílovské yews, TS_J; Březinské yews, TS_B, and yews from Moravský Karst, TS_M) was studied, as they could be donor sources for potential translocation activities. We observed that the level of genetic diversity within the four Czech yew units that were investigated was high. An analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 7% variation among populations, and the genetic differentiation values were low to moderate (FST = 0.042–0.108). According to a STRUCTURE analysis, high genetic similarity was observed between the TS_L and TS_B units. Our results provide important genetic suggestions on how conservation management can be designed to maximize its success.
Highlights
IntroductionForests cover 33.8% of the total area of the Czech Republic [1], with a major proportion comprising Norway spruce, Scots pine, and European beech
The analysis indicated that there was only 7% genetic variation among the populations and 93% genetic variation within the populations (Table 6)
Genetic diversity provides useful information about history and adaptive potential and is a basis for the phylogeny and classification of taxa [35]. It is deeply influenced by the life cycle, the breeding system, the seed and pollen dispersal mechanism, the reproduction patterns, the geographical range size, and gene flow [36]
Summary
Forests cover 33.8% of the total area of the Czech Republic [1], with a major proportion comprising Norway spruce, Scots pine, and European beech. Shaped by past human activities, most Czech forests have lost their original biodiversity, even at the tree species level. One type of tree that previously had a higher abundance is undoubtedly Taxus baccata L. (common yew), a long-lived dioecious species that is well known for its Taxol content [2], which is significant for the treatment of cancer from a pharmaceutical point of view. Czech Republic, there are a number of isolated localities (almost obligatorily declared as specially protected areas) that contain a total of about 13,000 yews, but it is mostly in limited numbers. The largest populations in Bohemia are the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
