Genetic Diversity Of Plant Species Research Articles

Impacts of ecological restoration on the genetic diversity of plant species: A global meta‐analysis

AbstractIn contrast to the depth of knowledge available for the enhancement of plant species diversity and ecosystem services through ecological restoration, our understanding of how ecological restoration impacts genetic diversity (GD) of plant species has not yet been synthesized.We performed a global meta‐analysis to examine whether ecological restoration improved GD of plant species in restored populations. First, we compared the GD of restored populations with reference or degraded populations. Second, we explored whether the influence of ecological restoration on plant GD varies between species with different characteristics (life form and threat status), between different restoration strategies (active/passive, seeding/planting, mixture/non‐mixture) or between different restoration times (<50 and ≥ 50 years; with an average of 29.3 years).The GD of restored populations was significantly lower (HE, 1.06%;PPB, 5.10%, andSWI, 4.95%) than in reference populations but was comparable to degraded populations. The inbreeding coefficient (FIS, the proportion by which the heterozygosity of an individual is reduced by inbreeding) was consistently comparable between restored populations and reference or degraded populations.Woody species but not herbs and forest but not grassland ecosystem had significantly lower GD in restored populations than in reference populations. Passive but not active restoration, seeding rather than planting, and mixing materials from different sources rather than using a single source, all significantly increased the GD of restored populations. When the restoration time was ≥50 years, in contrast to <50 years, GD was comparable between the restored and reference populations.Synthesis and applications. In general, ecological restoration did not significantly improve the GD of plant species compared to reference or degraded populations. This might be due in part to the relatively short restoration time. Using passive restoration, seeding, and mixed sources could significantly increase the GD of restored populations. We emphasize that GD should not be treated as a minor cobenefit of ecological restoration for other purposes and that the recovery of GD should be listed as a vital goal in future ecological restoration with plant species.

Multivariate analysis of selected agro-morphological traits of common wheat genotypes for estimation of genetic diversity

Estimation of genetic diversity of plant species using agro morphological parameters is of very crucial importance in plant improvement programs. In view of that common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes consisting of stripe rust resistant genes were analyzed by cluster analysis, principle component analysis and coefficient of correlation analysis for determination of genetic diversity. Experiment was conducted in fields of Hazara University Mansehra Pakistan. Eight groups were categorized by cluster analysis using UPGMA clustering method. AOC-YR/ATTILA (CGSS97Y0061S-23Y-1B-1B) (Sdf31) and 10790 (sdf2) are reported as more diversified by cluster analysis. Based on principal component analysis the first five clusters showed 88.94% of genetic variation. Grains per spike contributed more (0.7) to total variation in PCI. While Harvest Index was the major contributor (0.8) to total variation in PCII. 1056 (Sdf5), AOC-YR/ATTILA (CGSS97Y0061S-32Y-1B-1B) (sdf30), 1072 (sdf6), 1076 (sdf9), and LALBMONO4*4/PRL//LALB (CGSS99Y00093S-2F1-22Y-9GHB-1GHB) (sdf32) were observed superior in flag leaf area, spike length, grains per spike, plant height, biological yield, plant yield and harvest index. AOC-YR/ATTILA (CGSS97Y0061S-32Y-1B-1B) (Sdf30) was found as early maturing genotype. Correlation analysis showed positive and significant association of plant yield with flag leaf area, spike length and biological yield, while it is highly negatively correlated to no. of days to maturity. More diversified genotypes identified in this studies can be used in future breeding programs along with utilization of superior genotypes in hybridization.
 Key words: cluster analysis, correlation, genetic diversity, principal component analysis, whea

Вплив змін клімату на плодові рослини у контексті глобальних досліджень

The purpose of this study was to analyze global achievements in the study of the direct and indirect effects of climate change on fruit plants, their phenology, yield, physiological responses to stress events, changes in pest insect populations, the spread of diseases, economic consequences, consumer habits, and outline directions for further research. The work methodology included searching and summarizing publications in popular scientific databases and journals. The analysis of scientific literature shows that temperature increase, water and temperature stress can cause a disorder in the development of plants and make important changes in the chemical composition of fruits and yield. Preserving the genetic diversity of plant species that have higher resistance to climate change is important for future breeding. Studies have also confirmed the complexity of the interaction of plants with the environment and their adaptation to abiotic stress. Physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and carbon distribution, under the influence of stressors can be manifested at different stages of plant growth, which is important for their reproductive processes. Further research into crop diversification strategies and effective land use practices to adapt to climate change are important aspects to be thoroughly explored. The development and implementation of new horticultural systems based on biotic intensification aims to ensure environmentally safe production and support. Ukraine, taking into account agro-industrial specialization, faces significant climatic risks, which can lead to serious consequences for agricultural production and the country's economy. Research results indicate the need for accelerated adaptation and development of effective measures to preserve natural resources and ensure sustainable development. Attention is drawn to the research of innovative approaches to the consumption of energy and food resources aimed at reducing gas emissions and improving environmental sustainability. Key words: weather factors, fruit crops, pests and diseases, phenology, stressful events, adaptation, genetic diversity, agriculture, economic consequences, consumer habits.

Effects of Vertically Heterogeneous Soil Salinity on Genetic Polymorphism and Productivity of the Widespread Halophyte Bassia prostrata.

Salinity is one of the environmental factors that affects both productivity and genetic diversity in plant species. Within the soil profile, salinity is a dynamic indicator and significantly changes with depth. The present study examined the effects of the vertical heterogeneity of soil salinity chemistry on the plant height, fresh and dry biomass accumulation, water content, level of genetic polymorphism, and observed and expected heterozygosity in seven populations of halophyte Bassia prostrata in natural habitats. Soil salinity ranged from slight (Ssalts = 0.11-0.25%) to extreme (Ssalts = 1.35-2.57%). The main contributors to salinity were Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Multivariate analysis revealed that biomass accumulation is positively affected by moderate/high salinity in 20-60 cm soil layers, which may be associated with the salt required for the optimal growth of the halophyte B. prostrata. The formation of seed genetic diversity is negatively affected by slight/moderate salinity in the 0-40 cm layers. An increase in divalent ion content can reduce genetic diversity and increase the local adaptation of B. prostrata to magnesium-calcium sulfate salinity. The effect of the in-depth distribution of soil salinity on productivity and genetic diversity may be related to seasonal variables during biomass accumulation (summer) and seed formation (autumn).

The nuanced nature of mesic refugia in arid landscapes: a tale of two peas.

Understanding how genetic diversity is distributed and maintained within species is a central tenet of evolutionary and conservation biology, yet is understudied in arid regions of the globe. In temperate, glaciated environments, high genetic diversity in plant species is frequently found in refugial areas, which are often associated with southern non-glaciated landscapes. In arid, unglaciated environments, landscape features providing mesic conditions are likely to be refugia, although our understanding needs more refinement in these biomes. We test whether refugia and nuclear diversity hotspots occur in high-elevation, topographically complex areas for co-distributed shrubs (Petalostylis labicheoides and Indigofera monophylla; Fabaceae) in the ancient, arid Pilbara bioregion of north-western Australia. We conducted extensive sampling of the Pilbara (>1400 individuals from 62 widespread populations) to detect patterns in nuclear diversity and structure based on 13-16 microsatellite loci. Evidence of historical refugia was investigated based on patterns of diversity in three non-coding chloroplast (cp) sequence regions for approx. 240 individuals per species. Haplotype relationships were defined with median-joining networks and maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees. We found cpDNA evidence for a high-elevation refugium in P. labicheoides but not for I. monophylla that instead exhibited extraordinary haplotype diversity and evidence for persistence across a widespread area. Nuclear diversity hotspots occurred in, but were not exclusive to, high-elevation locations and extended to adjacent, low-elevation riparian areas in both species. Phylogeographic refugia in arid environments may occur in high-elevation areas for some species but not all, and may be influenced by species-specific traits: a mesic montane refugium in P. labicheoides could be related to its preference for growth in water-gaining areas, while a lack of such evidence in I. monophylla could be related to maintenance of cpDNA diversity in a large soil seed bank and dynamic evolutionary history. Mesic environments created by the intersection of topographically complex landscapes with riparian zones can be contemporary reservoirs of genetic diversity in arid landscapes.

Genetic diversity in populations of Girardinia diversifolia from Nepal Himalaya using ISSR markers

Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis from Urticaceae family is a perennial herb, commonly known as the Himalayan giant nettle. It has cultural, medicinal, and economic values among the indigenous peoples and local communities living in the mountains of Nepal and India. Prior knowledge of genetic diversity in plant species may contribute to conservation and sustainable utilization of important genotype. The aim of this study is to assess the genetic diversity within and among different populations of the 45 accessions of G. diversifolia collected from Far-western, Central, and Eastern regions of Nepal. The amplification of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with ten inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers yielded 131 clear DNA bands, of which 98.09% were found to be polymorphic. The mean effective number of alleles (ne), Nei's gene diversity (h) and Shannon's information index (I) were 1.598, 0.349, and 0.523, respectively. The total genetic diversity Ht (0.350 ± 0.04), low intrapopulation genetic diversity Hs (0.141 ± 0.03) and low estimated gene flow Nm (0.355 ± 0.11) reflected high genetic differentiation among population Gst (0.594 ± 0.08). The analysis of molecular variance among and within five populations of G. diversifolia showed that the value of genetic variation among the population was 60% whereas the value of genetic variation within the population was 40%. The results show that the ISSR markers are informative for the study of genetic diversity, which may help in the conservation and sustainable utilization of G. diversifolia and allied taxa.

Landscape and climatic features drive genetic differentiation processes in a South American coastal plant

BackgroundHistorical and ecological processes shape patterns of genetic diversity in plant species. Colonization to new environments and geographical landscape features determine, amongst other factors, genetic diversity within- and differentiation between-populations. We analyse the genetic diversity and population structure of Calibrachoa heterophylla to infer the influence of abiotic landscape features on the level of gene flow in this coastal species of the South Atlantic Coastal Plain.ResultsThe C. heterophylla populations located on early-deposited coastal plain regions show higher genetic diversity than those closer to the sea. The genetic differentiation follows a pattern of isolation-by-distance. Landscape features, such as water bodies and wind corridors, and geographical distances equally explain the observed genetic differentiation, whereas the precipitation seasonality exhibits a strong signal for isolation-by-environment in marginal populations. The estimated levels of gene flow suggest that marginal populations had restricted immigration rates enhancing differentiation.ConclusionsTopographical features related to coastal plain deposition history influence population differentiation in C. heterophylla. Gene flow is mainly restricted to nearby populations and facilitated by wind fields, albeit without any apparent influence of large water bodies. Furthermore, differential rainfall regimes in marginal populations seem to promote genetic differentiation.

Genome-wide development and application of miRNA-SSR markers in Melilotus genus

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01086-z.

Local Rice Genetic Relationship Kuantan Singingi District Using Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important food crop that is the staple food of more than half of the world's population because it contains nutrients that the body needs. Information on the genetic diversity of local rice scattered in the Kuantan Singingi Regency is still not available. Due to this fact, the genetic diversity of local rice can be identified by DNA analysis. A DNA-based molecular marker that can be applied as a plant genetic marker is SRAP. The SRAP (Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism) marker system is one of the powerful molecular tools for the clarification of individual sex and estimating the genetic diversity of plant species. This study aims to determine the genetic relationship of rice plants in the Kuantan Singingi Regency through SRAP markers. Twenty-four (24) local genotype samples were used in this study. Observational data were processed using Ms. software. Excel and (NTSYS-pc) version 2.02. The results obtained 17 fragments in Primer M, which resulted in a similarity analysis between 71% to 100%. There are two (2) groups at 75% similarity, then there are five (5) groups at 81% similarity and there are four (4) groups that have 100% similarity. The results of this study are expected to be taken into consideration in developing rice breeding strategies in the future.

Assessment of genetic diversity and variety identification based on developed retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) markers in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)

Sweet potato, a dicotyledonous and perennial plant, is the third tuber/root crop species behind potato and cassava in terms of production. Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are highly abundant in sweet potato, contributing to genetic diversity. Retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) is a high-throughput marker system to study the genetic diversity of plant species. To date, there have been no transposon marker-based genetic diversity analyses of sweet potato. Here, we reported a structure-based analysis of the sweet potato genome, a total of 21555 LTR retrotransposons, which belonged to the main LTR-retrotransposon subfamilies Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia were identified. After searching and selecting using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), 1616 LTR retrotransposon sequences containing at least two models were screened. A total of 48 RBIP primers were synthesized based on the high copy numbers of conserved LTR sequences. Fifty-six amplicons with an average polymorphism of 91.07% were generated in 105 sweet potato germplasm resources based on RBIP markers. A Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmatic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram, a model-based genetic structure and principal component analysis divided the sweet potato germplasms into 3 groups containing 8, 53, and 44 germplasms. All the three analyses produced significant groupwise consensus. However, almost all the germplasms contained only one primary locus. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) among the groups indicated higher intergroup genetic variation (53%) than intrapopulation genetic variation. In addition, long-term self-retention may cause some germplasm resources to exhibit variable segregation. These results suggest that these sweet potato germplasms are not well evolutionarily diversified, although geographic speciation could have occurred at a limited level. This study highlights the utility of RBIP markers for determining the intraspecies variability of sweet potato and have the potential to be used as core primer pairs for variety identification, genetic diversity assessment and linkage map construction. The results could provide a good theoretical reference and guidance for germplasm research and breeding.

Molecular characterization of andalas tree dioecious plant [Morus macroura Miq.] using SRAP marker

Sumatran Mulberry [Morus macroura var. Macroura] is the mascot [identity] flora of West Sumatra. Clarification of individual sex and genetic variation is necessary for its conservation. The SRAP [Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism] marker system is one of the powerful molecular tools for clarification of individual sex and estimating its genetic diversity of plant species. The purpose of this study was to examine the male and female individuals in Andalas [Morus macroura] trees and to analyze their genetic variation. The fifteen individuals [accessions] of Morus macroura from three locations in West Sumatra [Limau Manis, Padang, Lubuak Gadang, South Solok and Andaleh, Tanah Datar] were collected to provide the DNA samples. A combination of seven primers was used to amplify the fifteens of DNA samples. Specific bands for the sex were examined in selected individuals, and Geneticvariation with four parameters: Number of allele [na], Number of effective allele [ne], Gene Diversity [h]; Shannon’s Information Index [I] were analyzed. The PCR Test indicated that Fifty fragments were obtained from the amplification of DNA samples using seven combinations of primers. The most number of fragments were found in the combination of primer B and E. The specific band at The 20 bp and 30 fragments were useful to distinguish the sex of the examined individual trees. The genetic variation of Morus macroura was moderate low [na=1.540; ne=1.273; h=0.168; and I=0.259]. Genetic diversity of Limau Manis Population [h=0.241] was higher than Lubuak Gadang [h=0.116] and Andaleh population [h=0.148].

Molecular Characterization of Zhumeria majdea Iranian Germplasms Using ISSR Markers

Investigating genetic diversity in plant species provides a platform for further insight in plant breeding and conservation. Therefore, in the present study genetic diversity of 13 geographically isolated genotypes of Zhumeria majdea, as a seriously endangered medicine plant growing exclusively in Hormozgan province (South of Iran) was studied. To do so, the leaf samples of Z. majdea were collected from the main growing habitats of this spices including Haji Abad, Geno and Bastak regions. The collected leaf samples were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR assay, using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers. Twelve markers produced totally 121 polymorphic bands and revealed a clear-cut among and within Z. majdea genotypes. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 86% and 14% variations within and among populations, respectively. Cluster analysis divided genotypes into four main groups. The first and second principle coordinates allocated 28.81% and 15.71% of the variations, respectively. In addition to the innate differences of the individuals, the high intra population variation of Z. majdea, can also be explained by differences in the presence or absence of endophytes and differences in the type and genetic pattern of their endophytes.

Incorporating differences between genetic diversity of trees and herbaceous plants in conservation strategies.

Reviews that summarize the genetic diversity of plant species in relation to their life history and ecological traits show that forest trees have more genetic diversity at population and species levels than annuals or herbaceous perennials. In addition, among-population genetic differentiation is significantly lower in trees than in most herbaceous perennials and annuals. Possible reasons for these differences between trees and herbaceous perennials and annuals have not been discussed critically. Several traits, such as high rates of outcrossing, long-distance pollen and seed dispersal, large effective population sizes (Ne ), arborescent stature, low population density, longevity, overlapping generations, and occurrence in late successional communities, may make trees less sensitive to genetic bottlenecks and more resistant to habitat fragmentation or climate change. We recommend that guidelines for genetic conservation strategies be designed differently for tree species versus other types of plant species. Because most tree species fit an LH scenario (low [L] genetic differentiation and high [H] genetic diversity), tree seeds could be sourced from a few populations distributed across the species' range. For the in situ conservation of trees, translocation is a viable option to increase Ne . In contrast, rare herbaceous understory species are frequently HL (high differentiation and low diversity) species. Under the HL scenario, seeds should be taken from many populations with high genetic diversity. In situ conservation efforts for herbaceous plants should focus on protecting habitats because the typically small populations of these species are vulnerable to the loss of genetic diversity. The robust allozyme genetic diversity databases could be used to develop conservation strategies for species lacking genetic information. As acase study of reforestation with several tree species in denuded areas on the Korean Peninsula, we recommend the selection of local genotypes as suitable sources to prevent adverse effects and to insure the successful restoration in the long term.

Development and Deployment of High-Throughput Retrotransposon-Based Markers Reveal Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Asian Bamboo

Bamboo, a non-timber grass species, known for exceptionally fast growth is a commercially viable crop. Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, the main class I mobile genetic elements in plant genomes, are highly abundant (46%) in bamboo, contributing to genome diversity. They play significant roles in the regulation of gene expression, chromosome size and structure as well as in genome integrity. Due to their random insertion behavior, interspaces of retrotransposons can vary significantly among bamboo genotypes. Capitalizing this feature, inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) is a high-throughput marker system to study the genetic diversity of plant species. To date, there are no transposon based markers reported from the bamboo genome and particularly using IRAP markers on genetic diversity. Phyllostachys genus of Asian bamboo is the largest of the Bambusoideae subfamily, with great economic importance. We report structure-based analysis of bamboo genome for the LTR-retrotransposon superfamilies, Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia, which revealed a total of 98,850 retrotransposons with intact LTR sequences at both the ends. Grouped into 64,281 clusters/scaffold using CD-HIT-EST software, only 13 clusters of retroelements were found with more than 30 LTR sequences and with at least one copy having all intact protein domains such as gag and polyprotein. A total of 16 IRAP primers were synthesized, based on the high copy numbers of conserved LTR sequences. A study using these IRAP markers on genetic diversity and population structure of 58 Asian bamboo accessions belonging to the genus Phyllostachys revealed 3340 amplicons with an average of 98% polymorphism. The bamboo accessions were collected from nine different provinces of China, as well as from Italy and America. A three phased approach using hierarchical clustering, principal components and a model based population structure divided the bamboo accessions into four sub-populations, PhSP1, PhSP2, PhSP3 and PhSP4. All the three analyses produced significant sub-population wise consensus. Further, all the sub-populations revealed admixture of alleles. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) among the sub-populations revealed high intra-population genetic variation (75%) than inter-population. The results suggest that Phyllostachys bamboos are not well evolutionarily diversified, although geographic speciation could have occurred at a limited level. This study highlights the usability of IRAP markers in determining the inter-species variability of Asian bamboos.

Genetic resource conservation of horticultural crops in India-Achievements and issues

India is one of the eight Vavilovian centres of origin for crop plants and one of the 12 megacenters of diversity. Four of the biodiversity hot-spots exist in the country. consequently, India is rich in genetic diversity of plant species of cereals, millets, fruits, condiments, vegetables, pulses, fibre crops and oilseeds. India is the centre of origin and/or centre of diversity for many horticultural crops such as mango, banana, citrus, jackfruit, bael, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, Garcinia and several medicinal and aromatic plants. Genetic diversity is being lost due to human interventions, natural vagaries or climate change. thus, the conservation of plant diversity is of critical importance. Horticultural genetic resources can be conserved in situ and ex situ as complementary strategies. Germplasm of vegetatively propagated horticultural crops are being conserved ex situ, mainly in the field genebanks of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, State Agricultural Universities or orchards. National Genebank at IcAr-National Bureau of Plant Genetic resources, New delhi houses state of art facility in the form of seed-, in vitro-and cryo-genebanks to conserve the diversity and genetic resources of horticultural crops. this review presents conservation aspects of important horticultural crops and crop groups in India.

Positive effects of wheat variety mixtures on aboveground arthropods are weak and variable

Although modern agriculture generally relies on homogeneous varieties that are usually grown in pure stands, crop variety mixtures have been used for a long time, notably to improve resistance to fungal diseases. A growing number of studies suggest that intraspecific plant diversity may also enhance the abundance and diversity of wild species and thereby some ecosystem services such as biological control by natural predators. However, positive effects of the genetic diversity of plant species on the diversity of associated communities have mostly been documented in natural systems, with only a handful of studies targeting crop species in agroecosystems. Here, we investigated the ecological effects of the number of winter wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum) on aboveground arthropods and particularly predatory species. We manipulated the number of wheat varieties (1, 2, 4 or 8) in 120 plots (80m2 each) to examine how wheat diversity and stand characteristics impact communities of three dominant aboveground arthropod groups that include many predatory species: ground beetles, rove beetles and spiders. The number of wheat varieties had a weak, but positive effect on predator abundance, notably spider abundance. In contrast, wheat functional diversity, as assessed by the number of wheat functional groups, was only negatively related to the diversity of spiders. Among wheat stand characteristics, the variance in plant height, wheat biomass and the Green Area Index were weakly correlated with ground beetle, rove beetle and predatory diversity, respectively. The Green Area Index was also weakly correlated with ground beetle abundance. Our study suggests that wheat variety mixtures have variable and limited effects on aboveground arthropods and probably low effectiveness to enhance biological control, but these results should be further tested under low-input agriculture in real fields.

Genetic diversity of calcareous grassland plant species depends on historical landscape configuration

BackgroundHabitat fragmentation is considered to be a main reason for decreasing genetic diversity of plant species. However, the results of many fragmentation studies are inconsistent. This may be due to the influence of habitat conditions, having an indirect effect on genetic variation via reproduction. Consequently we took a comparative approach to analyse the impact of habitat fragmentation and habitat conditions on the genetic diversity of calcareous grassland species in this study. We selected five typical grassland species (Primula veris, Dianthus carthusianorum, Medicago falcata, Polygala comosa and Salvia pratensis) occurring in 18 fragments of calcareous grasslands in south eastern Germany. We sampled 1286 individuals in 87 populations and analysed genetic diversity using amplified fragment length polymorphisms. Additionally, we collected data concerning habitat fragmentation (historical and present landscape structure) and habitat conditions (vegetation structure, soil conditions) of the selected study sites. The whole data set was analysed using Bayesian multiple regressions.ResultsOur investigation indicated a habitat loss of nearly 80% and increasing isolation between grasslands since 1830. Bayesian analysis revealed a significant impact of the historical landscape structure, whereas habitat conditions played no important role for the present-day genetic variation of the studied plant species.ConclusionsOur study indicates that the historical landscape structure may be more important for genetic diversity than present habitat conditions. Populations persisting in abandoned grassland fragments may contribute significantly to the species’ variability even under deteriorating habitat conditions. Therefore, these populations should be included in approaches to preserve the genetic variation of calcareous grassland species.

Native seed for restoration: a discussion of key issues using examples from the flora of southern Australia

Land clearing across southern Australia since European settlement has fundamentally changed the amount and distribution of native vegetation; it has also substantially reduced genetic diversity in plant species throughout Australia, especially in agricultural regions. The most recent State of the Environment report indicates that Australian biodiversity continues to decline. Many approaches to restoration are used in Australia including re-establishing plant populations using tube stock or by direct seeding. Native seed for these projects is often assumed to be plentiful and available for the majority of species we wish to restore but these assumptions are rarely true. We also rely on a small number of species for the majority of restoration projects despite the vast number of species required to fully restore complex plant communities. The majority of seed for restoration is still primarily collected from native vegetation despite longstanding concerns regarding the sustainability of this practice and the globally recognised impacts of vegetation fragmentation on seed production and genetic diversity. Climate change is also expected to challenge seed production as temperatures rise and water availability becomes more limited; changes to current planting practices may also be required. Until now native seed collection has relied on market forces to build a strong and efficient industry sector, but in reality the Australian native seed market is primarily driven by Federal, State and Territory funding. In addition, unlike other seed-based agri-businesses native seed collection lacks national industry standards. A new approach is required to support development of the native seed collection and use sector into an innovative industry.

Genetic variation in Silene acaulis increases with population age

This study examined the relationship between genetic variation and the mean age of individuals within populations of the alpine cushion plant Silene acaulis (L.) Jacq. along a chronosequence on a glacier foreland in the Central European Alps. We studied 67 individuals of S. acaulis from four populations located at 2390, 2530, 2680, and 2820 m a.s.l. on the glacier foreland and applied a combined approach of growth-ring analysis and individual size measurements to determine the mean age of individuals within populations. Genetic variation was studied using amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis. The mean age of individuals within populations ranged from 11 to 20 years and increased with decreasing altitude toward the older stages of the chronosequence, reaching a maximum age of 50 years. According to regression analysis, genetic variation increased slightly from early to late successional stages and was associated with the mean age of individuals within populations. The results suggest that genetic variation in S. acaulis depends on the mean age of individuals within populations, and emphasize that both species diversity and genetic diversity in plant species can increase during succession on glacier forelands. Integration of age determination methods proves to be a promising approach in the analysis of genetic variation in plant species.

Climate change may alter genetic diversity of Duchesnea indica, a clonal plant species

Climate change may alter the genetic diversity of plants. However, the relationship between genetic diversity in clonal plant species and climate change is unclear. To address this, we examined a representative clonal plant species, Duchesnea indica. We used microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic diversity of the species and used a correlation analysis to infer the relationship between climatic suitability and genetic diversity by using Maxent modeling. Then, we used a geographical information system approach to evaluate the change in genetic diversity of D. indica under climate change scenarios. There was a significantly negative relationship between climatic suitability and the genetic diversity of the clonal plant species. Using a proxy of genetic diversity, we found that climate change may alter the genetic diversity and even lead to a reduction in regional genetic diversity in D. indica. Annual precipitation, in particular, contributes to these changes in genetic diversity. Hence, climatic factors can be used as indicators of genetic diversity for clonal plant species, and studies should examine the impact of climate change on the maintenance of genetic diversity in plant species.