Gene Dispersal Research Articles

Decades of population genetic research reveal the need for harmonization of molecular markers: the grey wolf Canis lupus as a case study

Abstract Following protection measures implemented since the 1970s, large carnivores are currently increasing in number and returning to areas from which they were absent for decades or even centuries. Monitoring programmes for these species rely extensively on non‐invasive sampling and genotyping. However, attempts to connect results of such studies at larger spatial or temporal scales often suffer from the incompatibility of genetic markers implemented by researchers in different laboratories. This is particularly critical for long‐distance dispersers, revealing the need for harmonized monitoring schemes that would enable the understanding of gene flow and dispersal dynamics. Based on a review of genetic studies on grey wolves Canis lupus from Europe, we provide an overview of the genetic markers currently in use, and identify opportunities and hurdles for studies based on continent‐scale datasets. Our results highlight an urgent need for harmonization of methods to enable transnational research based on data that have already been collected, and to allow these data to be linked to material collected in the future. We suggest timely standardization of newly developed genotyping approaches, and propose that action is directed towards the establishment of shared single nucleotide polymorphism panels, next‐generation sequencing of microsatellites, a common reference sample collection and an online database for data exchange. Enhanced cooperation among genetic researchers dealing with large carnivores in consortia would facilitate streamlining of methods, their faster and wider adoption, and production of results at the large spatial scales that ultimately matter for the conservation of these charismatic species.

Using Genealogical Mapping and Genetic Neighborhood Sizes to Quantify Dispersal Distances in the Neotropical Passerine, the Black-Capped Vireo.

Dispersal is a key demographic process, ultimately responsible for genetic connectivity among populations. Despite its importance, quantifying dispersal within and between populations has proven difficult for many taxa. Even in passerines, which are among the most intensely studied, individual movement and its relation to gene flow remains poorly understood. In this study we used two parallel genetic approaches to quantify natal dispersal distances in a Neotropical migratory passerine, the black-capped vireo. First, we employed a strategy of sampling evenly across the landscape coupled with parentage assignment to map the genealogical relationships of individuals across the landscape, and estimate dispersal distances; next, we calculated Wright’s neighborhood size to estimate gene dispersal distances. We found that a high percentage of captured individuals were assigned at short distances within the natal population, and males were assigned to the natal population more often than females, confirming sex-biased dispersal. Parentage-based dispersal estimates averaged 2400m, whereas gene dispersal estimates indicated dispersal distances ranging from 1600–4200 m. Our study was successful in quantifying natal dispersal distances, linking individual movement to gene dispersal distances, while also providing a detailed look into the dispersal biology of Neotropical passerines. The high-resolution information was obtained with much reduced effort (sampling only 20% of breeding population) compared to mark-resight approaches, demonstrating the potential applicability of parentage-based approaches for quantifying dispersal in other vagile passerine species.

Influence of putative forest refugia and biogeographic barriers on the level and distribution of genetic variation in an African savannah tree, Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss

Phylogeographic studies of tropical and subtropical tree species provide an ideal method to study the role of forest refugia in the structuring of genetic diversity in contemporary populations. To date, most studies have examined rainforest-dependent trees, yet the influence of forest refugia on savannah forest and woodland trees remains poorly understood despite their potentially important role in forest assemblages during the last glacial maximum. Here, we examine the level and structuring of genetic diversity across the geographic range of the savannah woodland tree, Khaya senegalensis—African mahogany, from Senegal to Uganda (>5000 km) and from the steppes of the Sahara desert to the fringes of Africa’s equatorial rainforests (700 km). Three chloroplast (cpDNA) loci and 13 nuclear microsatellite (nSSR) loci were genotyped in 503 individuals. Individual-based clustering of nSSR genotypes identified that all samples formed two populations that showed no pattern of geographic structuring. Population level analysis of nSSR data revealed only very weak genetic structure (F ST = 0.013) with most of the genetic diversity contained within populations. Geographical differentiation (G ST = 0.096) was low for the 14 haplotypes identified. However, whereas all haplotypes occurred in the western populations (including Cameroon), only two cosmopolitan haplotypes were found in central-eastern populations. Geographically restricted low-frequency haplotypes were found in eight western populations. Higher genetic diversity in western populations was confirmed by patterns of allelic richness, which were lower in central-eastern populations. Taken together, these results indicate that K. senegalensis displays very little genetic differentiation across its geographic range and that previously identified barriers to dispersal across the northern savannah belt of tropical Africa (e.g. the Dahomey Gap, Mega Lake Chad and the Adamawa Highlands) have not impeded contemporary gene dispersal in this species. Nevertheless, clustering of rare haplotypes indicates that the Dahomey Gap has likely been an important historical barrier to genetic connectivity between western and eastern regions of the species and that it is likely that this savannah tree also experienced range contraction around major forest refugial fringes or riparian incursions during the last glacial maximum (LGM).

Weed Suppression Success Can Depend on Removal Pattern and Gene Dispersal Distance: Modeling Callery Pear

Substantial resources are spent each year on weed control, but in many cases eradication projects are incomplete. Here we used the computer program NEWGARDEN to model whether alternate geometric patterns of incomplete removal (99% removed) of the increasingly invasive Callery pear from an isolated fragment differentially affect the rate of population recovery and genetic diversity retention. Geometric patterns of remaining founders within the fragment (1% of the fragment area) included: (A) a long rectangular strip centered on one edge; (B) a square at one corner; (C) a central square; or (D) scattered randomly throughout the entire fragment. Population re-growth and genetic diversity retention measures for each geometric removal pattern were modeled under two contrasting gene dispersal patterns (via both offspring and pollen): short versus long dispersal (both leptokurtic relative to the pistillate plant). After 14 bouts of mating, the greatest difference in census size among comparative recovery populations amounted to 393% (centered founders, long gene dispersal > scattered founders, short gene dispersal). The best pattern of removal for suppressing population regrowth was to leave founders scattered throughout the fragment when gene dispersal was short, or at one corner if gene dispersal was long. The only removal pattern that differed substantially in population genetics characteristics was when remnant individuals were left scattered throughout the fragment and dispersal was short (alleles continued to be lost; observed heterozygosity dropped 13.3% and was still rapidly declining; and inbreeding and/or subdivision were moderate (Fit= 0.12) and still rapidly increasing). Such comparative modeling can be used to suggest removal patterns that might greatly outperform other removal modalities in terms of suppressing the return of weed populations. The effectiveness of such modeling will be improved by acquisition of accurate life history information of targeted species.

Implications of spatial genetic patterns for conserving African leopards

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is heavily persecuted in areas where it predates livestock and threatens human well-being. Attempts to resolve human–leopard conflict typically involve translocating problem animals; however, these interventions are rarely informed by genetic studies and can unintentionally compromise the natural spatial genetic structure and diversity, and possibly the long-term persistence, of the species. No significant genetic discontinuities were definable within the southern African leopard population. Analysis of fine-scale genetic data derived from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA revealed that the primary natural process shaping the spatial genetic structure of the species is isolation-by-distance (IBD). The effective gene dispersal (σ) index can inform leopard translocations and is estimated to be 82km for some South African leopards. The importance of adopting an evidence-based strategy is discussed for supporting the integration of genetic data, spatial planning and social learning institutions so as to promote collaboration between land managers, government agency staff and researchers.

Clonality as a driver of spatial genetic structure in populations of clonal tree species.

Random genetic drift, natural selection and restricted gene dispersal are basic factors of the spatial genetic structure (SGS) in plant populations. Clonal reproduction has a profound effect on population dynamics and genetic structure and thus emerges as a potential factor in contributing to and modelling SGS. In order to assess the impact of clonality on SGS we studied clonal structure and SGS in the population of Populus alba. Six hundred and seventy-two individuals were mapped and genotyped with 16 nuclear microsatellite markers. To answer the more general question regarding the relationship between SGS and clonality we used Sp statistics, which allows for comparisons of the extent of SGS among different studies, and the comparison of published data on SGS in clonal and non-clonal tree species. Sp statistic was extracted for 14 clonal and 27 non-clonal species belonging to 7 and 18 botanical families, respectively. Results of genetic investigations conducted in the population of P. alba showed over-domination of clonal reproduction, which resulted in very low clonal diversity (R = 0.12). Significant SGS was found at both ramet (Sp = 0.095) and genet level (Sp = 0.05) and clonal reproduction was indicated as an important but not sole driving factor of SGS. Within-population structure, probably due to family structure also contributed to high SGS. High mean dominance index (D = 0.82) indicated low intermingling among genets. Literature survey revealed that clonal tree species significantly differ from non-clonal species with respect to SGS, having 2.8-fold higher SGS. This led us to conclude that clonality is a life-history trait that can have deep impact on processes acting in populations of clonal tree species leading to significant SGS.

Full characterization of the integrative and conjugative element carrying the metallo-β-lactamase bla SPM-1 and bicyclomycin bcr1 resistance genes found in the pandemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone SP/ST277.

This study aimed to characterize the genomic context of the bla SPM-1 gene in Brazilian strains belonging to the pandemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone SP/ST277. WGS of clone SP/ST277 strains was performed using a Nextera paired-end library in an Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencer. bla SPM-1 context was assessed by de novo assembly and gene prediction and annotation tools. bla SPM-1 was screened in P. aeruginosa genomes through BlastN, and comparative genomics were performed. The metallo-β-lactamase bla SPM-1 has been disseminated by the pandemic Brazilian P. aeruginosa clone SP/ST277. In spite of its association with the CR4 element and with the Tn4371 element, the overall bla SPM-1 genomic context remains uncharacterized and its determination is valuable to understanding gene dispersion dynamics and the consequent emergence of carbapenem resistance. In this study, bla SPM-1 and its surrounding sequences (CR4-groEL-bla SPM-1-CR4-groEL) were found in the variable region of an ICE-like element resembling Tn4371 (where ICE stands for integrative and conjugative element). This element, named ICETn4371 6061, had 46 ORFs, including the bicyclomycin resistance bcr1 gene. An integrase gene and a set of conjugative transfer genes were identified. Gene content and order were shared with other Tn4371-ICEs, presenting remarkable amino acid identities. bla SPM-1 and surrounding sequences were missing in ICETn4371 6061 of PS600-MA, another isolate belonging to clone SP/ST277, indicating their mobilization. Eight/nine P. aeruginosa genomes assigned to clone SP/ST277, by in silico MLST, harboured bla SPM-1 inserted into ICETn4371 6061. The presence of bla SPM-1 in a Tn4371-ICE with intact integration/conjugation modules demonstrated that, besides gene dispersion by clonal expansion of the pandemic SP/ST277 lineage, bla SPM-1 may be spread through ICE conjugation.

Variable Gene Dispersal Conditions and Spatial Deforestation Patterns Can Interact to Affect Tropical Tree Conservation Outcomes

Tropical lowland rain forest (TLRF) biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic factors including deforestation which creates forest fragments of different sizes that can further undergo various internal patterns of logging. Such interventions can modify previous equilibrium abundance and spatial distribution patterns of offspring recruitment and/or pollen dispersal. Little is known about how these aspects of deforestation and fragmentation might synergistically affect TLRF tree recovery demographics and population genetics in newly formed forest fragments. To investigate these TLRF anthropogenic disturbance processes we used the computer program NEWGARDEN (NG), which models spatially-explicit, individual-based plant populations, to simulate 10% deforestation in six different spatial logging patterns for the plant functional type of a long-lived TLRF canopy tree species. Further, each logging pattern was analyzed under nine varying patterns of offspring versus pollen dispersal distances that could have arisen post-fragmentation. Results indicated that gene dispersal condition (especially via offspring) had a greater effect on population growth and genetic diversity retention (explaining 98.5% and 88.8% of the variance respectively) than spatial logging pattern (0.2% and 4.7% respectively), with ‘Near’ distance dispersal maximizing population growth and genetic diversity relative to distant dispersal. Within logged regions of the fragment, deforestation patterns closer to fragment borders more often exhibited lower population recovery rates and founding genetic diversity retention relative to more centrally located logging. These results suggest newly isolated fragments have populations that are more sensitive to the way in which their offspring and pollen dispersers are affected than the spatial pattern in which subsequent logging occurs, and that large variation in the recovery rates of different TLRF tree species attributable to altered gene dispersal regimens will be a likely outcome of fragmentation. Conservation implications include possible manual interventions (manual manipulations of offspring dispersers and/or pollinators) in forest fragments to increase population recovery and genetic diversity retention.

Horizontal Gene Transfer, Dispersal and Haloarchaeal Speciation

The Halobacteria are a well-studied archaeal class and numerous investigations are showing how their diversity is distributed amongst genomes and geographic locations. Evidence indicates that recombination between species continuously facilitates the arrival of new genes, and within species, it is frequent enough to spread acquired genes amongst all individuals in the population. To create permanent independent diversity and generate new species, barriers to recombination are probably required. The data support an interpretation that rates of evolution (e.g., horizontal gene transfer and mutation) are faster at creating geographically localized variation than dispersal and invasion are at homogenizing genetic differences between locations. Therefore, we suggest that recurrent episodes of dispersal followed by variable periods of endemism break the homogenizing forces of intrapopulation recombination and that this process might be the principal stimulus leading to divergence and speciation in Halobacteria.

A new permutation technique to explore and control for spatial autocorrelation

Summary Permutation tests are important in ecology and evolution as they enable robust analysis of small sample sizes and control for various forms of dependencies among observations. A common source of dependence is spatial autocorrelation. Accounting for spatial autocorrelation is often crucial, because many ecological and evolutionary processes are spatially restricted, such as gene flow, dispersal, mate choice, inter‐ and intraspecific competition, mutualism and predation. Here we discuss various ways of controlling for spatial autocorrelation in permutation tests; we highlight their particular properties and assumptions and introduce a new permutation technique which explores and controls for spatial autocorrelation: the floating grid permutation technique (FGPT). The FGPT is a method to randomize observations with known geographical locations. Within the randomization process, the probability an observation is assigned to any of the spatial locations is a negative function of the distance between its original and assigned location. The slope of this function depends on a preset parameter, and by exploring its parameter space, non‐random ecological and evolutionary processes can be both assessed and controlled at multiple spatial scales. We show that the FGPT has acceptable type‐I‐error rates. We applied the FGPT to simulated univariate and bivariate data sets in which both negative and positive spatial autocorrelation were present. In comparison with a method that uses eigenvector decomposition to separate negative from positive spatial autocorrelation, the FGPT performed better for negative spatial autocorrelation alone, equal for positive spatial autocorrelation alone and equal or slightly worse for simultaneous negative and positive spatial autocorrelation. For the bivariate data, it performed equally to a bootstrapping technique in which sampling probabilities were weighted by distance. The FGPT benefits from a large flexibility for application to bivariate (e.g. dyadic interactions) and multivariate observations (e.g. genetic marker‐based relatedness measures) and has a large freedom in the choice of test statistic. It also has the potential to identify two spatial autocorrelation patterns, even if both result in positive spatial autocorrelation, given that they operate at different spatial scales. The Floating Grid Permutation Technique is available as the R‐package fgpt in CRAN.

Clonality strongly affects the spatial genetic structure of the nurse speciesAechmea nudicaulis(L.) Griseb. (Bromeliaceae)

Aechmea nudicaulis is a clonal bromeliad common to the Brazilian Atlantic forest complex and is found abundantly in the sandy coastal plain vegetation (restinga) on the north coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. This restinga site is structured in vegetation islands, and the species plays a key role as a nurse plant, much favoured by its clonality. We studied the clonal structure and consequences of clonality on the population spatial genetic structure (SGS) of this species using six nuclear microsatellites. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed to study the effects of sexual and clonal reproduction on the dispersal of A. nudicaulis. Analyses were performed at the genet (i.e. excluding clonal repeats) and ramet levels. Genotypic richness was moderate (R = 0.32), mostly as a result of the dominance of a few clones. The spatial distribution of genets was moderately intermingled, the mean clone size was 4.9 clonal fragments per genet and the maximum clonal spread was 25 m. Expected heterozygosities were high and comparable with those found in other clonal plants. SGS analyses at the genet level revealed significantly restricted gene dispersal (Sp = 0.074), a strong SGS compared with other herbaceous species. The clonal subrange extended across 23 m where clonality had a significant effect on SGS. The restricted dispersal and SGS pattern in A. nudicaulis, coupled with high levels of genetic diversity, indicated a recruitment at windows of opportunity (RWO) strategy. Moreover, the spatial distribution of genetic variation and the habitat occupation pattern in A. nudicaulis were dependent not only on the intrinsic biological traits of the species (such as spacer size and mating system), but also on biotic interactions with neighbouring species that determined suitable habitats for germination and the establishment of new genets. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 178, 329–342.

Elevation as a barrier: genetic structure for an Atlantic rain forest tree (Bathysa australis) in the Serra do Mar mountain range, SE Brazil.

Distance and discrete geographic barriers play a role in isolating populations, as seed and pollen dispersal become limited. Nearby populations without any geographic barrier between them may also suffer from ecological isolation driven by habitat heterogeneity, which may promote divergence by local adaptation and drift. Likewise, elevation gradients may influence the genetic structure and diversity of populations, particularly those marginally distributed. Bathysa australis (Rubiaceae) is a widespread tree along the elevation gradient of the Serra do Mar, SE Brazil. This self-compatible species is pollinated by bees and wasps and has autochoric seeds, suggesting restricted gene dispersal. We investigated the distribution of genetic diversity in six B. australis populations at two extreme sites along an elevation gradient: a lowland site (80–216 m) and an upland site (1010–1100 m.a.s.l.). Nine microsatellite loci were used to test for genetic structure and to verify differences in genetic diversity between sites. We found a marked genetic structure on a scale as small as 6 km (FST = 0.21), and two distinct clusters were identified, each corresponding to a site. Although B. australis is continuously distributed along the elevation gradient, we have not observed a gene flow between the extreme populations. This might be related to B. australis biological features and creates a potential scenario for adaptation to the different conditions imposed by the elevation gradient. We failed to find an isolation-by-distance pattern; although on the fine scale, all populations showed spatial autocorrelation until ∼10-20 m. Elevation difference was a relevant factor though, but we need further sampling effort to check its correlation with genetic distance. The lowland populations had a higher allelic richness and showed higher rare allele counts than the upland ones. The upland site may be more selective, eliminating rare alleles, as we did not find any evidence for bottleneck.

Tassel removal positively affects biomass production coupled with significantly increasing stem digestibility in switchgrass.

In this study, tassels of Cave-in-Rock (upland) and Alamo (lowland) were removed at or near tassel emergence to explore its effects on biomass production and quality. Tassel-removed (TR) Cave-in-Rock and Alamo both exhibited a significant (P<0.05) increase in plant heights (not including tassel length), tiller number, and aboveground biomass dry weight (10% and 12%, 30% and 13%, 13% and 18%, respectively by variety) compared to a control (CK) treatment. Notably, total sugar yields of TR Cave-in-Rock and Alamo stems increased significantly (P<0.05 or 0.01) by 19% and 19%, 21% and 14%, 52% and 18%, respectively by variety, compared to those of control switchgrass under 3 treatments by direct enzymatic hydrolysis (DEH), enzymatic hydrolysis after 1% NaOH pretreatment (EHAL) and enzymatic hydrolysis after 1% H2SO4 pretreatment (EHAC). These differences were mainly due to significantly (P<0.05 or 0.01) higher cellulose content, lower cellulose crystallinity indexes (CrI) caused by higher arabinose (Ara) substitution in xylans, and lower S/G ratio in lignin. However, the increases of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) concentration negatively affects the combustion quality of switchgrass aboveground biomass. This work provides information for increasing biomass production and quality in switchgrass and also facilitates the inhibition of gene dispersal of switchgrass in China.

Demographic Structure and Evolutionary History of Drosophila ornatifrons (Diptera, Drosophilidae) from Atlantic Forest of Southern Brazil.

Drosoph1la ornatifrons of the guarani group (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is found mainly in humid areas of the Atlantic Forest biome, especially in the southern region of Brazil. Historical and contemporary fragmentation events influenced species diversity and distribution in this biome, although the role of paleoclimatic and paleogeographic events remain to be verified. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the demographic structure of D. ornatifrons from collection sites that are remnants of Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil, in order to contribute to the understanding of the processes that affected the patterns of genetic variability in this species. To achieve this goal, we sequenced 51 individuals from nine localities and 64 individuals from six localities for the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome Oxidase I and II, respectively. Our results indicate that D. ornatifrons may have experienced a demographic expansion event from the southernmost locations of its distribution, most likely from those located next to the coast and in fragments of Atlantic Forest inserted in the Pampa biome (South 2 group), towards the interior (South 1 group). This expansion probably started after the last glacial maximum, between 20,000 and 18,000 years ago, and was intensified near the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, around 12,000 years ago, when temperature started to rise. In this work we discuss how the haplotypes found barriers to gene flow and dispersal, influenced by the biogeographic pattern of Atlantic Forest.

Spread and persistence of influenza A viruses in waterfowl hosts in the North American Mississippi migratory flyway.

While geographic distance often restricts the spread of pathogens via hosts, this barrier may be compromised when host species are mobile. Migratory waterfowl in the order Anseriformes are important reservoir hosts for diverse populations of avian-origin influenza A viruses (AIVs) and are assumed to spread AIVs during their annual continental-scale migrations. However, support for this hypothesis is limited, and it is rarely tested using data from comprehensive surveillance efforts incorporating both the temporal and spatial aspects of host migratory patterns. We conducted intensive AIV surveillance of waterfowl using the North American Mississippi Migratory Flyway (MMF) over three autumn migratory seasons. Viral isolates (n = 297) from multiple host species were sequenced and analyzed for patterns of gene dispersal between northern staging and southern wintering locations. Using a phylogenetic and nucleotide identity framework, we observed a larger amount of gene dispersal within this flyway rather than between the other three longitudinally identified North American flyways. Across seasons, we observed patterns of regional persistence of diversity for each genomic segment, along with limited survival of dispersed AIV gene lineages. Reassortment increased with both time and distance, resulting in transient AIV constellations. This study shows that within the MMF, AIV gene flow favors spread along the migratory corridor within a season, and also that intensive surveillance during bird migration is important for identifying virus dispersal on time scales relevant to pandemic responsiveness. In addition, this study indicates that comprehensive monitoring programs to capture AIV diversity are critical for providing insight into AIV evolution and ecology in a major natural reservoir. Migratory birds are a reservoir for antigenic and genetic diversity of influenza A viruses (AIVs) and are implicated in the spread of virus diversity that has contributed to previous pandemic events. Evidence for dispersal of avian-origin AIVs by migratory birds is rarely examined on temporal scales relevant to pandemic or panzootic threats. Therefore, characterizing AIV movement by hosts within a migratory season is important for implementing effective surveillance strategies. We conducted surveillance following birds along a major North American migratory route and observed that within a migratory season, AIVs rapidly reassorted and gene lineages were dispersed primarily within the migratory corridor. Patterns of regional persistence were observed across seasons for each gene segment. We show that dispersal of AIV gene lineages by migratory birds occurs quickly along migratory routes and that surveillance for AIVs threatening human and animal health should focus attention on these routes.

Historical gene flow within and among populations of Luehea divaricata in the Brazilian Pampa.

Within and among population gene flow is a central aspect of the evolutionary history of ecosystems and essential for the potential for adaptive evolution of populations. We employed nuclear microsatellite markers to assess inter- and intra-population gene flow in five natural populations of Luehea divaricata growing in the Pampa biome, in southern Brazil. This species occurs in practically all secondary forests of the Pampa and has recognized ecological significance for these formations. The genetic structuring of the studied populations suggests limited gene dispersal among forest fragments, despite a homogeneous level of migration among populations. Notwithstanding the gene flow among populations, significant SGS is still found in some fragments. Significant spatial genetic structure within population was also found likely as result of limited seed and/or pollen dispersal. The scattered distribution of the populations and their relatively high density seem to limit pollen dispersal. Also seed dispersal by wind is not efficient due to large distances among forest formations. As conservationist actions towards preserving the genetic resources of L. divaricata and the Brazilian Pampa, we suggest the protection of the existing forest formations and the maintenance of the natural expansion of the forests over the grasslands in the biome.

Gene dispersal inference across forest patches in an endangered medicinal tree: comparison of model-based approaches

Propagule dispersal in plants is a fundamental mechanism for colonizing new sites and adapting to changing climates, as well as for maintaining genetic diversity. Contrasting past and current gene dispersal can provide useful insights to gauge the extent of recent human disturbances and guide management strategies. However, research on gene dispersal of plants is not yet exhaustive because evolutionary or environmental impacts are often species-specific and most existing studies have focused on analysis of dispersal at a single site, which may not be helpful for landscape-level inferences and management interventions. In the present study, we assessed whether current gene or propagule dispersal would be more restricted than past gene dispersal at multiple patches of the endangered medicinal tree, Prunus africana. We employed eight highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in conjunction with isolation-by-distance, spatial genetic structure (SGS), and parentage assignment models to estimate gene dispersal distance in a spatial extent of approximately 400 km2. There was no significant difference between gene dispersal distances across the different models (Friedman chi-squared = 7.286, d.f. = 5, P = 0.2002). Estimates of current gene dispersal distance were comparable to dispersal in the last few generations. However, gene dispersal distance was much shorter in smaller than bigger forest patches. Further, significant (P < 0.05) SGS was detected in most forest patches, with the extent of SGS among adults being stronger in the smaller than bigger patches. These results suggest the need for practicing enrichment plantings in most forest patches, particularly in the smaller ones, to assist gene exchange among individuals and patches. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 114, 887–904.

An intriguing model for 5S rDNA sequences dispersion in the genome of freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae)

5S rDNA genes of the stingray Potamotrygon motoro were PCR replicated, purified, cloned and sequenced. Two distinct classes of segments of different sizes were obtained. The smallest, with 342 bp units, was classified as class I, and the largest, with 1900 bp units, was designated as class II. Alignment with the consensus sequences for both classes showed changes in a few bases in the 5S rDNA genes. TATA-like sequences were detected in the nontranscribed spacer (NTS) regions of class I and a microsatellite (GCT) 10 sequence was detected in the NTS region of class II. The results obtained can help to understand the molecular organization of ribosomal genes and the mechanism of gene dispersion.

Clonal Diversity and Fine‐scale Genetic Structure in a High Andean Treeline Population

AbstractClonal propagation becomes more abundant with increasing altitudes as environmental conditions worsen. To date, little attention has been paid to the way in which clonal propagation affects genetic diversity and the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS) of clonal alpine trees. An AFLP study was undertaken to quantify the clonal and genetic diversity and FSGS of the vulnerable treeline species Polylepis reticulata in Ecuador. We successfully genotyped 32 and 75 ramets within 4 m × 100 m (coarse scale) and 4 m × 4 m (fine scale) transects of one population, respectively. Higher genotypic diversity was detected at the coarse scale than at the fine scale, while lower genetic diversity was detected for P. reticulata than other Polylepis spp. at both scales. Significantly stronger FSGS was detected at the ramet level than the genet level for P. reticulata within a spatial distance of 3 m. The studied P. reticulata population showed pronounced FSGS (Sp = 0.012 at the genet level, a statistic reflecting declining pairwise kinship with distance) revealed restricted gene dispersal, which implies restricted seed dispersal for this population, assuming pollen flow is as extensive as that described for other wind‐pollinated tree species. Our results revealed that clonal diversity is a function of both sample size and the spatial scale of the sampling area. The findings highlights that clonal propagation has affected FSGS within a spatial distance of 3 m for this species.

Evolution, ecology and tree health: finding ways to prepare Britain's forests for future threats

Evolution, ecology and tree health: finding ways to prepare Britain's forests for future threats