Diversity In West Research Articles

Analysis of the Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Amaranth Accessions from South America Using 14 SSR Markers

Amaranth (Amaranthus sp. L.) is an important group of plants that includes grain, vegetable, and ornamental types. Centers of diversity for Amaranths are Central and South America, India, and South East Asia, with secondary centers of diversity in West and East Africa. The present study was performed to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of 75 amaranth accessions: 65 from South America and 10 from South Asia as controls using 14 SSR markers. Ninety-nine alleles were detected at an average of seven alleles per SSR locus. Model-based structure analysis revealed the presence of two subpopulations and 3 admixtures, which was consistent with clustering based on the genetic distance. The average major allele frequency and polymorphic information content (PIC) were 0.42 and 0.39, respectively. According to the model-based structure analysis based on genetic distance, 75 accessions (96%) were classified into two clusters, and only three accessions (4%) were admixtures. Cluster 1 had a higher allele number and PIC values than Cluster 2. Model-based structure analysis revealed the presence of two subpopulations and three admixtures in the 75 accessions. The results of this study provide effective information for future germplasm conservation and improvement programs in Amaranthus.

Water basin management for Nansi Lakes, Shandong

The water diversion project from south to north, which is under construction in the East Diversion Route, and that of the Middle and West Diversion Routes, which are to be started in the near future, will substantially alleviate the acute shortage of water resources in the northern area and will realize the optimal allocation of water resources in China. The Nansi (South Four) Lakes Basin in Shandong Province as the hydraulic hinge of the Eastern Route Project under construction during the period 2001–2010 will receive water downstream of the Yangtze River and divert it to the Tianjin area, Shandong and Hebei provinces. However, the water is heavily polluted at present, rendering it unsuitable as a drinking water source. An integrated water management strategy of around 4 billion Yuan RMB or about US$49 million for the construction of municipal wastewater treatment plants and sewerage systems to combat point source pollution has been drawn up for the Nansi Lakes Basin in China. The scheme pays attention to non-point source pollution control and water reclamation and reuse, to ensure that the project of diverting water from south to north performs adequately, as well as to pave a way for sustainable development.