Distribution Of Relatives Research Articles

Modeling the richness and spatial distribution of the wild relatives of Iranian pears (Pyrus L.) for conservation management

The preservation of the genetic resources of crop wild relatives (CWRs) is crucial for food production systems and is considered a vital measure for global agricultural health and food security. The identification of potential areas where CWRs can thrive is one of the first steps towards their conservation. In this study, we used a maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to determine the habitat suitability of seven wild relatives of pears (Pyrus L.) for the first time. We aimed to identify high-priority areas for conservation and determine the hotspots for rich biodiversity in Iran. The study showed excellent predictive performance for all species studied (AUC value ≥ 90). The soil depth, solar radiation, minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), and precipitation of the wettest quarter (Bio16) were the main environmental factors that influenced the habitat suitability of all seven species, according to permutation importance. The projected maps revealed that P. elaeagnifolia had the largest suitable habitat area, while P. glabra had the lowest. The results also showed that less than 5% of the suitable habitats for these seven species were in protected areas. This research highlights the need for national preservation policies and the development of cultivation and rehabilitation strategies for these threatened species.

The impact of climate change on the future distribution of priority crop wild relatives in Indonesia and implications for conservation planning

The analysis of climate change impact is essential to include in conservation planning of crop wild relatives (CWR) to provide the guideline for adequate long-term protection under unpredictable future environmental conditions. These resources play an important role in sustaining the future of food security, but the evidence shows that they are threatened by climate change. The current analyses show that five taxa were predicted to have contraction of more than 30 % of their current ranges: Artocarpus sepicanus (based on RCP 4.5 in both no dispersal and unlimited dispersal scenario and RCP 8.5 in no dispersal scenario by 2050), Ficus oleifolia (RCP 4.5 5 in both no dispersal and unlimited dispersal scenario by 2080), Cocos nucifera and Dioscorea alata (RCP 8.5 in both no dispersal and unlimited dispersal scenario by 2050), and Ficus chartacea (RCP 8.5 in both no dispersal and unlimited dispersal scenario by 2050 and 2080). It shows that the climate change impact is species-specific. Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and dispersal scenarios influence the prediction models, and the actual future distribution range of species falls in between those scenarios. Climate refugia, holdout populations, and non-analogue community assemblages were identified based on the Protected Areas (PAs) network. PAs capacity is considered an important element in implementing a conservation strategy for the priority CWR. In areas where PAs are isolated and have less possibility to build corridors to connect each other, such as in Java, unlimited dispersal scenarios are unlikely to be achieved and assisted dispersal is suggested. The holdout populations should be the priority target for the ex situ collection. Therefore, by considering the climate refugia, PAs capacity and holdout populations, the goal of keeping high genetic variations for the long-term conservation of CWR in Indonesia can be achieved.

Distribution and conservation of vanilla crop wild relatives: the value of local community engagement for biodiversity research

Natural vanilla is a high-value crop with demand increasing globally. Crop wild relatives (CWR) represent valuable agrobiodiversity and are prioritized in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Vanilla species are naturally rare with historically infrequent botanical collections. Despite their importance as CWR, fewer than 10% of Vanilla species have been evaluated for the IUCN Red List. Colombia is a diversity center for Vanilla species, yet many remote regions are lacking detailed floristic characterization. We show that the participation of rural communities in scientific endeavor enhances capacity to register biodiversity. We report two Vanilla species in the under-explored region of the Serranía de las Quinchas in the mid–Magdalena River valley in Colombia, including the first report for Colombia of Vanilla karen-christianae. For this, and the second species, Vanilla dressleri, we present descriptions with photographic botanical illustrations, updated distribution maps, and preliminary conservation status assessment. Both species are of elevated conservation concern, categorized as Endangered – EN: B2a,b(ii,iii,iv,v) following IUCN criteria. Within Colombia, all recorded occurrences for both species fall outside protected areas. Vanilla crop wild relatives in Colombia have urgent conservation needs. The Serranía de las Quinchas is a priority for further botanical exploration for Vanilla, as well as other protected areas with appropriate habitat. In situ conservation should be complemented with ex situ actions. Community participation in biodiversity research is recommended in this and other remote regions as an integral step towards enhancing biodiversity research and community-based conservation.

Predicting the Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of Wild Relatives of the Potato Family (Solanaceae) in Iran with Emphasis on Food Security

Predicting the Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of Wild Relatives of the Potato Family (Solanaceae) in Iran with Emphasis on Food Security

Potential distribution of crop wild relatives under climate change in Sri Lanka: implications for conservation of agricultural biodiversity

The global population is growing rapidly and food production needs to be stepped up substantially to supply the additional demand expected by projected increased population. Further, climate change is expected to exert considerable pressure on global agriculture and food production. Crop wild relatives (CWR), which possess large untapped genetic diversity, can provide vital genetic material for future crop improvement. At present, this important category of plants is at risk due to anthropogenic climate change and other human-mediated changes i.e., habitat destruction. Therefore, it is important to study and understand the vulnerability of CWR to climate change, their potential distribution, and range dynamics for their conservation. Here we use Maxent algorithm to simulate the potential distribution across nine CWR species belonging to four crop genera, Cinnamomum, Piper, Vigna and Oryza in Sri Lanka and investigate how the predicted potential suitable areas change under climate change. Our findings indicate that species response to climate change varies among species studied, even within the same genus. Many species are predicted to decrease their suitable habitat by 2050, suggesting that these species are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The study identifies potential CWR rich areas in the country for future in situ conservation. Our findings facilitate decision-makers to make evidence-based decision-making for better management of CWR in Sri Lanka.

Associations of multidimensional temperament and character profiles with cognition and sensorimotor gating in individuals at risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: preliminary findings

Cloninger’s biopsychological model for personality distinguishes between Temperament [Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance (HA), Reward Dependence (RD), Persistence (PS)], and Character [Self-Directedness (SD), Cooperativeness (CO), Self-Transcendence (ST)] traits. Cloninger has also described three sets of complex interactions among these traits, which can be summarized as a linked network of three cubes. Within each cube, the different combinations of the sub-dimensions formulate multidimensional profiles that describe personality more accurately compared with their individual constituents. The aim of the present study was to examine differences of these multidimensional profiles in cognitive functions and Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) in unaffected relatives of schizophrenia-spectrum patients and control individuals. We assessed 114 unaffected relatives of schizophrenia-spectrum patients and 122 controls for Temperament/Character traits, a wide range of cognitive functions, and PPI of the acoustic startle reflex. The relatives had higher Ηarm Avoidance and Self-Transcendence along with lower Reward Dependence, Persistence, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness scores as well as lower PPI and poorer cognition compared with controls. We also found a) unequal distribution of relatives and controls in several “disadvantageous” profiles associated with the schizophrenia-spectrum, b) the Schizotypal/Disorganized, Apathetic and Fragile profiles had poorer emotional decision making and attention switching, respectively, compared with their “advantageous” counterparts and c) the Adventurous, Independent, Bossy and Resilient profiles had higher PPI compared with their counterparts. These findings further highlight the significance of personality determinants of cognitive processes and have potential implications in early intervention programs in the schizophrenia-spectrum.

Geographical distribution of quinoa crop wild relatives in the Peruvian Andes: a participatory mapping initiative

The Peruvian Andes are among the world’s most important centers of origin for genetic diversity of crops and plants. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) was domesticated in the Bolivian and Peruvian Andean region around Lake Titicaca. In situ conservation systems for quinoa germplasm and its wild relatives can still be found in the traditional systems of Peruvian farming communities. Quinoa crop wild relatives (CWRs), like the majority of CWRs of other agricultural species, are being affected by the considerable changes in the natural landscapes of the Andes. This article analyzes the presence and distribution of seven quinoa CWRs at the agroecosystem level and considers the social and environmental Andean contexts in which they are found. A qualitative research method based on participatory mapping in six local communities of the Puno region in Peru was applied to establish the presence and distribution of the species. We present the results that were confirmed with local actors on participatory GIS maps. Based on our analyses, we conclude that conservation programs should consider both permanent native meadows and cultivated land with their fallow cycles and plot borders. The diversity of the presence of quinoa CWRs is one result of the coexistence of these two land uses.

Exploring the diversity and distribution of crop wild relatives of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Colombia

Crop wild relatives are important for agriculture because they contain high levels of genetic diversity and grow in a wide range of habitats and environments. Colombia has the largest number of cacao crop wild relatives in the world, including different species of the genus Theobroma and its sister genus Herrania. This paper investigates diversity and distribution of cacao crop wild relatives in Colombia using species occurrences extracted from museum and herbarium archives, fieldwork collections gathered on recently conducted expeditions and species distribution modelling. A total of 211 botanical collections comprising 174 samples of Theobroma species, and 37 samples of Herrania species were collected on expeditions to Caguán–Caquetá in the upper Amazon basin and La Victoria, in the Pacific region of central Choco. These collections represent 22 taxa of cacao crop wild relatives. On the Chocó expedition, we reported the highest richness and endemism, where seven taxa of Theobroma and three of Herrania were found within a radius of 10 km, which has never been recorded before. On the Amazon expedition, we found an abundance of wild populations of Theobroma cacao on the river banks. We estimated that 95% of the most suitable environments for wild cacao in Colombia are in unprotected areas. Our study reveals that species diversity and endemism of cacao crop wild relatives in Colombia is under sampled and distributional patterns are incomplete. Based on the findings of our study, we propose a conservation strategy that consists of further expeditions to collect herbarium and germplasm samples, and habitat protection of cacao crop wild relatives in Colombia.

Genetic Resources, Breeding Programs in China, and Gene Mining of Peach: A Review

ABSTRACT Research on peach genetic resources and breeding has achieved remarkable progress in recent decades, especially in China. In this review, we first described the geographic distribution, ecology, phenotypes, and genetic diversity of peach landraces and wild relatives in China. We also discussed the almond. Subsequently, breeding programs of peaches in China are summarized, including breeding history, breeding targets, breeding institutes, elite breeding materials, breeding solutions, and domestically bred representative cultivars. Furthermore, we reviewed the genes or loci that have been mined using both linkage mapping and genome wide association study (GWAS) as well as the evolutionary genetics and domestication history of the peach. Finally, we gave our perspectives and suggestions for future breeding in terms of breeding material selection and breeding technology innovation.

Effects of climate change on the distribution of crop wild relatives in the Netherlands in relation to conservation status and ecotope variation

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are wild plant taxa that are genetically related to a cultivated species and are considered rich sources of useful traits for crop improvement. CWR are generally underrepresented in genebanks, while their survival in nature is not guaranteed. Inventories and risk analyses are needed to prioritize CWR for conservation in order to ensure that they remain available for utilization. Here the effects of climate change on the distribution of 214 CWR in the Netherlands are predicted by ecological niche modelling and related to data on IUCN conservation status and variation in key ecological habitat factors. It is shown that climate change is expected to affect red list species as well as species that currently are of least concern. Particularly worrisome is the finding that already critically endangered CWR show the largest expected loss of distribution area. In general, reduced distribution areas show a geographical shift to more northern locations in the Netherlands. No clear relationship is found between changes in distribution and the habitat characteristics vegetation structure, nutrient level, moisture condition, salinity and acidity. A moderate positive correlation is observed between ecological amplitude and tolerance level to climatic change. Study results are used in developing strategies to ensure that Dutch CWR remain available for utilization.

Improving cascade genetic testing for families with inherited pancreatic cancer (PDAC) risk: The GENetic Education, Risk Assessment and TEsting (GENERATE) study.

TPS779 Background: 4-10% of PDAC patients harbor pathogenic germline variants in cancer susceptibility genes, including APC, ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, PMS2, STK11, and TP53. For families with such pathogenic variants, the greatest potential impact of germline testing is to identify relatives with the same variant (cascade testing), thereby providing the opportunity for early detection and interception of PDAC and other associated cancers. Numerous factors limit cascade testing in real-world practice, including family dynamics, widespread geographic distribution of relatives, access to genetic services, and misconceptions about the importance of germline testing, such that the preventive benefits of cascade testing are often not fully realized. The primary aim of this study is to analyze two alternative strategies for cascade testing in families with inherited PDAC risk. Methods: 1000 individuals with a confirmed pathogenic germline variant in any of the above genes in a 1st/2nd degree relative and a 1st/2nd degree relative with PDAC will be remotely enrolled through the study website (www.GENERATEstudy.org) and randomized between two methods of cascade testing (individuals with prior genetic testing will be ineligible): Arm 1 will undergo pre-test genetic education with a pre-recorded video and live interactive session with a genetic counselor via a web-based telemedicine platform (Doxy.me), followed by germline testing through Color Genomics; Arm 2 will undergo germline testing through Color Genomics without dedicated pre-test genetic education. Color Genomics will disclose results to study personnel and directly to participants in both arms. All participants will have the option of pursuing additional telephone-based genetic counseling through Color Genomics. The primary outcome will be uptake of cascade testing. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported genetic knowledge, cancer worry, distress, decisional preparedness, familial communication, and screening uptake, which will be measured via longitudinal surveys. Enrollment is underway nationwide as of May, 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT03762590.

On the distribution of wild relatives of cultivated plants in the Saratov Trans-Volga region (collecting mission of 2017)

The relevance of this study is determined by the geographical specificity of the Saratov Trans-Volga region characterized by climatic conditions that are original for Eastern Europe. In order to display the specificity of this region in terms of CWR, a collecting mission was conducted to the Saratov Trans-Volga region in June 2017, encompassing four botanical and geographical areas located in the steppe zone, namely Eruslansky, Zavolzhsky, Sinegorsky, and Zairgizsky. 36 habitats have been investigated; 38 seed samples and 166 herbarium specimens (177 sheets) collected. New locations for the biennial vetсh ( Vicia biennis L.) and Allium delicatulum Siev. ex Schult. & Schult. f. have been discovered.

Two new taxa of Plebejus Kluk, 1780 (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) from the Gobi desert, Mongolia.

Plebejus chrisreai sp. n. and P. anikini azhbogdo ssp. n. are described from the Dzhungarian Gobi desert and the Transaltajan Gobi desert respectively. External distinctions as well as distinctions of the male genitalia are given for the new taxa and two related species known from Mongolia: Plebejus anikini Yakovlev, 2012 and P. germani Yakovlev, 2012. Genitalia of all the taxa mentioned are illustrated, the aedeagus and valva bear the most valuable taxonomic characters. Females of the new species have an unusual whitish colour of the upperside not known for the christophi species complex before. The distribution of Mongolian taxa and relatives from East Kazakhstan is discussed.

Crop wild relatives of Kazakhstani Tien Shan: Flora, vegetation, resources

This paper presents the results of the field study on species composition, geographical distribution, phytocoenotic diversity and resources of crop wild relatives (CWR) in Kazakhstan's ranges of the Tien Shan Mountains. Taxa of not only cultivated genera of crops are taken into account, but also a wider range of species of high socio-economic importance, including medicinal, fodder, essential oil and other species. List of CWR includes 289 species belonging to 39 families and 145 genera. Among them, 9 species listed in the Red Data book of Kazakhstan: Pistacia vera, Rheum wittrockii, Armeniaca vulgaris, Malus sieversii, Allium pskemense, Allochrusa gypsophilloides, Sorbus sibirica, Vitis vinifera and Artemisia cina. The highest plant diversity is recorded in intermountain plains and river valleys where meadow vegetation forms a high abundance of forage and resource plants. The diversity of wild fruit plants is concentrated in gallery forests. CWR of cereals are confined to dry steppe slopes in low piedmont belt. The populations of almond, pistachio, plum and cherry were recorded at dry slopes of low mountain belt. The estimation of the raw material base for 13 resource plants is given. Only Rumex tianschanicus, Berberis sphaerocarpa are recommended for industrial harvesting; for local pharmacy chain – Mentha longifolia, Origanum vulgare, O. vulgare subsp. gracile, Ziziphora clinopodioides, Hypericum scabrum, Hypericum perforatum, and five Rosa species.

Improving cascade genetic testing for families with inherited pancreatic cancer (PDAC) risk: The genetic education, risk assessment and testing (GENERATE) study.

TPS4162 Background: 4-10% of PDAC patients harbor pathogenic germline variants in cancer susceptibility genes, including APC, ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, PMS2, STK11, and TP53. For families with such pathogenic variants, the greatest potential impact of germline testing is to identify relatives with the same pathogenic variant (cascade testing), thereby providing the opportunity for early detection and cancer interception of PDAC and other associated malignancies. Numerous factors limit cascade testing in real-world practice, including family dynamics, widespread geographic distribution of relatives, access to genetic services, and misconceptions about the importance of germline testing, such that the preventive benefits of cascade testing are often not fully realized. The primary aim of this study is to analyze two alternative strategies for cascade testing in families with inherited PDAC susceptibility. Methods: 1000 individuals (from approximately 200 families) with a confirmed pathogenic germline variant in any of the above genes in a 1st/2nd degree relative and a 1st/2nd degree relative with PDAC will be remotely enrolled through the study website (www.generatestudy.org) and randomized between two different methods of cascade testing (individuals with prior genetic testing will be ineligible): Arm 1 will undergo pre-test genetic education with a pre-recorded video and live interactive session with a genetic counselor via a web-based telemedicine platform (Doxy.me), followed by germline testing through Color Genomics; Arm 2 will undergo germline testing through Color Genomics without dedicated pre-test genetic education. Color Genomics will disclose results to study personnel and directly to participants in both arms. Participants in both arms will have the option of pursuing additional telephone-based genetic counseling through Color Genomics. The primary outcome will be uptake of cascade testing. Secondary outcomes will include participant self-reported genetic knowledge, cancer worry, distress, decisional preparedness, familial communication, and screening uptake, which will be measured via longitudinal surveys. Enrollment will begin February, 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT03762590.

Distinguishing recent dispersal from historical genetic connectivity in the coastal California gnatcatcher

Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to biodiversity worldwide. We studied the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on genetic connectivity and diversity among local aggregations of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) across its U.S. range. With a dataset of 268 individuals genotyped at 19 microsatellite loci, we analyzed genetic structure across the range using clustering analyses, exact tests for population differentiation, and a pedigree analysis to examine the spatial distribution of first-order relatives throughout the study area. In addition, we developed a habitat suitability model and related percent suitable habitat to genetic diversity indices within aggregations at two spatial scales. We detected a single genetic cluster across the range, with weak genetic structure among recently geographically isolated aggregations in the northern part of the range. The pedigree analysis detected closely related individuals across disparate aggregations and across large geographic distances in the majority of the sampled range, demonstrating that recent long-distance dispersal has occurred within this species. Genetic diversity was independent of suitable habitat at a local 5-km scale, but increased in a non-linear fashion with habitat availability at a broader, 30-km scale. Diversity declined steeply when suitable habitat within 30-km fell below 10%. Together, our results suggest that California gnatcatchers retain genetic connectivity across the majority of the current distribution of coastal sage scrub fragments, with the exception of some outlying aggregations. Connectivity may help support long-term persistence under current conservation and management strategies. However, emerging structure among more remote aggregations and associations between available habitat and genetic diversity also suggest that continued loss of habitat could threaten diversity and connectivity in the future.

Hybrid inviability and differential submergence tolerance drive habitat segregation between two congeneric monkeyflowers

Closely related, ecologically similar species are often separated at small geographic scales while being broadly sympatric. Both adaptation to abiotic environmental conditions and a variety of biotic interactions may determine small-scale allopatry. In Northern California's coast range, two monkeyflower species, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus nudatus, can co-occur within local sites but rarely overlap at fine spatial scales, even though they are often separated by less than 1 m. M.guttatus naturally grows in wetter areas and is often submerged for up to four months of the year, while M.nudatus naturally occupies drier sites. We used a combination of observational data, reciprocal transplant, and laboratory experiments to test a series of biotic and abiotic hypotheses for the observed distribution pattern. Although M.guttatus can tolerate dry hillside conditions like those in which M. nudatus occurs, M. nudatus is unable to survive submerged for more than a week, limiting its distribution from seasonal streams inundated for months and dominated by M. guttatus. While herbivores did not differentially damage species, transplants were more likely to be damaged in M. guttatus' seep habitat and M. nudatus was less tolerant to herbivory. Individuals of each species transplanted into populations of heterospecific congeners produced large proportions (up to 80%) of inviable seeds resulting from increased hybridization rates in close sympatry. Mimulus nudatus' inability to tolerate submergence and herbivory establishes some degree of habitat association, and then, hybrid seed inviability reduces the ability of the locally rarer species to persist within the congener's microhabitat and maintains habitat segregation. Together these data show that both environmental filtering and biotic interactions shape the fine-scale distribution of close relatives.

The formation of marine kin structure: effects of dispersal, larval cohesion, and variable reproductive success

The spatial distribution of relatives has profound effects on kin interactions, inbreeding, and inclusive fitness. Yet, in the marine environment, the processes that generate patterns of kin structure remain understudied because larval dispersal on ocean currents was historically assumed to disrupt kin associations. Recent genetic evidence of co-occurring siblings challenges this assumption and raises the intriguing question of how siblings are found together after a (potentially) disruptive larval phase. Here, we develop individual-based models to explore how stochastic processes operating at the individual level affect expected kinship at equilibrium. Specifically, we predict how limited dispersal, sibling cohesion, and variability in reproductive success differentially affect patterns of kin structure. All three mechanisms increase mean kinship within populations, but their spatial effects are markedly different. We find that (1) when dispersal is limited, kinship declines monotonically as a function of the distance between individuals; (2) when siblings disperse cohesively, kinship increases within a site relative to between sites; and (3) when reproductive success varies, kinship increases equally at all distances. The differential effects of these processes therefore only become apparent when individuals are sampled at multiple spatial scales. Notably, our models suggest that aggregative larval behaviors, such as sibling cohesion, are not necessary to explain documented levels of relatedness within marine populations. Together, these findings establish a theoretical framework for disentangling the drivers of marine kin structure.

Global diversity and distribution of close relatives of apicomplexan parasites.

Apicomplexans are a group of obligate intracellular parasites, but their retention of a relict non-photosynthetic plastid reveals that they evolved from free-living photosynthetic ancestors. The closest relatives of apicomplexans include photosynthetic chromerid algae (e.g., Chromera and Vitrella), non-photosynthetic colpodellid predators (e.g., Colpodella) and several environmental clades collectively called Apicomplexan-Related Lineages (ARLs). Here we investigate the global distribution and inferred ecology of the ARLs by expansively searching for apicomplexan-related plastid small ribosomal subunit (SSU) genes in large-scale high-throughput bacterial amplicon surveys. Searching more than 220 million sequences from 224 geographical sites worldwide revealed 94324 ARL plastid SSU sequences. Meta-analyses confirm that all ARLs are coral reef associated and not to marine environments generally, but only a subset is actually associated with coral itself. Most unexpectedly, Chromera was found exclusively in coral biogenous sediments, and not within coral tissue, indicating that it is not a coral symbiont, as typically thought. In contrast, ARL-V is the most diverse, geographically widespread and abundant of all ARL clades and is strictly associated with coral tissue and mucus. ARL-V was found in 19 coral species in reefs, including azooxanthellate corals at depths greater than 500 m. We suggest this is indicative of a parasitic or commensal relationship, and not of photosynthetic symbiosis, further underscoring the importance of isolating ARL-V and determining its relationship with the coral host.

Distribution of wild relatives of Saccharum species hybrids in sugarcane cultivation regions of South Africa

Distribution of wild relatives of Saccharum species hybrids in sugarcane cultivation regions of South Africa