Genetic Structure Of Plant Species Research Articles

Teasing apart the joint effect of demography and natural selection in the birth of a contact zone.

Vast population movements induced by recurrent climatic cycles have shaped the genetic structure of plant species. During glacial periods species were confined to low-latitude refugia from which they recolonized higher latitudes as the climate improved. This multipronged recolonization led to many lineages that later met and formed large contact zones. We utilize genomic data from 5000 Picea abies trees to test for the presence of natural selection during recolonization and establishment of a contact zone in Scandinavia. Scandinavian P. abies is today made up of a southern genetic cluster originating from the Baltics, and a northern one originating from Northern Russia. The contact zone delineating them closely matches the limit between two major climatic regions. We show that natural selection contributed to its establishment and maintenance. First, an isolation-with-migration model with genome-wide linked selection fits the data better than a purely neutral one. Second, many loci show signatures of selection or are associated with environmental variables. These loci, regrouped in clusters on chromosomes, are often related to phenology. Altogether, our results illustrate how climatic cycles, recolonization and selection can establish strong local adaptation along contact zones and affect the genetic architecture of adaptive traits.

Phylogeographic analyses of poplar revealed potential glacial refugia and allopatric divergence in southwest China

The distribution pattern and genetic structure of plant species have been profoundly influenced by climate oscillations. Phylogeographic analyses have been numerously conducted in biodiversity hotspot regions and some general conclusions have been documented. However, other regions have received less attentions and these places may serve as potential glacial refugia for plant species to survive the Quaternary glaciation. Here, we used six nuclear and three cpDNA markers to estimate the phylogeographic pattern of Populus davidiana, a widespread species distributed in southwest China. As a widely distributed species in southwest China, the nucleotide diversity of P. davidiana was relatively high (N a = 6.28, H O = 0.534, and H E = 0.658). Genetic differentiation (F ST) between the two main distribution regions, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, was 0.21221. According to the composition of chloroplast haplotypes and the result of structure in these populations, we clearly distinguished two distantly sublineages corresponding to two distribution regions. Results of the Mantel test showed that there was a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance (R 2 = 0.8252, p<.05). The topographically heterogeneous regions and the low dispersal ability of seed and pollen may lead to high genetic differentiation between these two regions. A potential glacial refugia for P. davidiana located in adjacent regions to the Hengduan range was revealed and allopatric divergence in separated glacial refugia may directly lead to the present phylogeographic pattern of this species.

Phylogeographic investigation of Elaeagnus mollis revealed potential glacial refugia and allopatric divergence in central China

Climate and geography oscillations in the Quaternary profoundly influenced the distribution pattern and genetic structure of plant species. Phylogeographic investigations have been numerously conducted in biodiversity hotspot regions. However, other regions have received less attention and these places may serve as potential glacial refugia for plant species. In the study presented here, phylogeographic pattern of Elaeagnus mollis, a plant species exclusively distributed in central China, was investigated using multiple nSSR loci and chloroplast fragments. As an endangered species in China, the genetic diversity of E. mollis was relatively high (Na = 7.82, HO = 0.532, and HE = 0.623). Genetic differentiation (FST) between the two main distribution regions, Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, was 0.23177. STRUCTURE analysis of nSSR data as well as phylogenetic construction of chloroplast haplotypes clearly distinguished two distantly sublineages, corresponding well with two distribution regions. Multiple factors such as outcrossing were thought to contribute to the high level of genetic diversity. The topographically heterogeneous regions and the low dispersal ability of seed and pollen may lead to high genetic differentiation between these two regions. Two potential glacial refugia for E. mollis located in adjacent regions to the Qinling Mountains and south of the Loess Plateau were revealed, and allopatric divergence in separated glacial refugia may directly lead to the present phylogeographic pattern of this species. This study set a solid foundation for future protection and sustainable utilization of this important germplasm resource.

Fire regimes and pollinator behaviour explain the genetic structure of Puya hamata (Bromeliaceae) rosette plants

Ecological interactions play a fundamental role in determining the genetic structure of plant species in time and space. The demography of the Andean Puya hamata has been linked to fire regimes and hummingbird behaviour, which might modify the plant’s population genetic structure. Naturally, poor dispersal results in patches of genetically related plants, a pattern intensified further by burning which promotes seedling germination around parent plants. Later, when these plants flower, large patches are attractive to territorial hummingbirds which prevent visits by traplining hummingbird species, carrying pollen from likely unrelated plants. To explore this hypothesis, a genetic study of P. hamata using microsatellite markers was conducted with (i) isolated and grouped adults in two size categories of patches, and (ii) seeds collected from the same patches and isolated individuals. Isolated individual plants presented a higher observed heterozygosity with close to zero inbreeding. Adult plants from large patches showed a lower observed heterozygosity and higher inbreeding than plants from other spatial contexts. Seed genetic structure displayed a gradient of diversity: lower at patch centres but higher at patch edges, in small patches, and for isolated infructescences. The spatial context of these plants, especially the contrast between large patch centres and other situations, determines the genetic diversity of their seeds via hummingbird foraging behaviour. Territorial hummingbirds restrict gene flow in and out of large patches, but traplining hummingbirds maintain genetic diversity among isolated plants, small patches, and plants at the edges of large patches. Our study illustrates the need to consider interactions between land use, plants, and their pollinators when considering genetic diversity at the landscape scale.

The genetic structure and diversity ofGentiana luteasubsp.lutea(Gentianaceae) in Sardinia: further insights for its conservation planning

Knowledge of the levels of genetic diversity and of the spatial genetic structure of plant species is important to ensure their effective management and conservation, especially in the case of enda...

Resprouters, assisted by somatic mutations, are as genetically diverse as nonsprouters in the world's fire-prone ecosystems

In fire-prone environments worldwide, resprouters mostly regenerate vegetatively after fire, whereas non (re)sprouters are killed by fire and rely entirely on stored seeds (soil or canopy storage) for regeneration. This dichotomy in post-fire regeneration strategies is a key mechanism for controlling the reproductive characteristics, demography, and population genetic structure of plant species in fire-prone ecosystems. Nonsprouters are considered to have higher within-population genetic variation than resprouters due to greater opportunities for recombination via their much greater seed production and frequent generation turnover. Empirical studies that explore this hypothesis are rare and the results are mixed. We collated published studies reporting genetic diversity measures of plant species in fire-prone ecosystems of four Mediterranean-climate regions. Ninety-two species were identified with unambiguous information on postfire regeneration type and with adequate sample sizes. We found no significant differences in population genetic diversity and structure between resprouters and nonresprouters across diversity parameters and genetic marker types, taxon groups or geographic regions. We conclude that resprouters are at least as genetically diverse as nonsprouters. We tested the hypothesis that accumulation of somatic mutations is a possible mechanism for maintaining genetic diversity among resprouters, by screening for microsatellite DNA mutations in the resprouter, Banksia attenuata. Genotyping of leaf material collected from disparate parts of individual plants demonstrated the existence of 2–5 somatic mutations among eleven microsatellite loci. The buildup of somatic mutations in meristematic buds during a resprouter's long lifespan and the considerable potential for interpopulation gene dispersal among resprouters may be key factors that enable their genetic diversity to keep pace with that of nonsprouters. Thus, resprouters and nonsprouters are equally capable of responding to natural selection, and therefore possess a similar potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Effects of the Tanaka Line on the genetic structure of Bombax ceiba (Malvaceae) in dry-hot valley areas of southwest China.

Southwest China is an important biodiversity hotspot. The interactions among the complex topography, climate change, and ecological factors in the dry‐hot valley areas in southwest China may have profoundly affected the genetic structure of plant species in this region. In this study, we determined the effects of the Tanaka Line on genetic variation in the wild Bombax ceiba tree in southwest China. We sampled 224 individuals from 17 populations throughout the dry‐hot valley regions. Six polymorphic expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat primers were employed to sequence the PCR products using the first‐generation Sanger technique. The analysis based on population genetics suggested that B. ceiba exhibited a high level of gene diversity (H E: 0.2377–0.4775; I: 0.3997–0.7848). The 17 populations were divided into two groups by cluster analysis, which corresponded to geographic characters on each side of the Tanaka Line. In addition, a Mantel test indicated that the phylogeographic structure among the populations could be fitted to the isolation‐by‐distance model (r 2 = .2553, p < .001). A barrier test indicated that there were obstacles among populations and between the two groups due to complex terrain isolation and geographic heterogeneity. We inferred that the Tanaka Line might have promoted the intraspecific phylogeographic subdivision and divergence of B. ceiba. These results provide new insights into the effects of the Tanaka Line on genetic isolation and population differentiation of plant species in southwest China.

Population-level genetic variation and climate change in a biodiversity hotspot.

Estimated future climate scenarios can be used to predict where hotspots of endemism may occur over the next century, but life history, ecological and genetic traits will be important in informing the varying responses within myriad taxa. Essential to predicting the consequences of climate change to individual species will be an understanding of the factors that drive genetic structure within and among populations. Here, I review the factors that influence the genetic structure of plant species in California, but are applicable elsewhere; existing levels of genetic variation, life history and ecological characteristics will affect the ability of an individual taxon to persist in the presence of anthropogenic change. Persistence in the face of climate change is likely determined by life history characteristics: dispersal ability, generation time, reproductive ability, degree of habitat specialization, plant-insect interactions, existing genetic diversity and availability of habitat or migration corridors. Existing levels of genetic diversity in plant populations vary based on a number of evolutionary scenarios that include endemism, expansion since the last glacial maximum, breeding system and current range sizes. A number of well-documented examples are provided from the California Floristic Province. Some predictions can be made for the responses of plant taxa to rapid environmental changes based on geographic position, evolutionary history, existing genetic variation, and ecological amplitude. The prediction of how species will respond to climate change will require a synthesis drawing from population genetics, geography, palaeontology and ecology. The important integration of the historical factors that have shaped the distribution and existing genetic structure of California's plant taxa will enable us to predict and prioritize the conservation of species and areas most likely to be impacted by rapid climate change, human disturbance and invasive species.

Phylogeographic Insights into a Peripheral Refugium: The Importance of Cumulative Effect of Glaciation on the Genetic Structure of Two Endemic Plants.

Quaternary glaciations and mostly last glacial maximum have shaped the contemporary distribution of many species in the Alps. However, in the Maritime and Ligurian Alps a more complex picture is suggested by the presence of many Tertiary paleoendemisms and by the divergence time between lineages in one endemic species predating the Late Pleistocene glaciation. The low number of endemic species studied limits the understanding of the processes that took place within this region. We used species distribution models and phylogeographical methods to infer glacial refugia and to reconstruct the phylogeographical pattern of Silene cordifolia All. and Viola argenteria Moraldo & Forneris. The predicted suitable area for last glacial maximum roughly fitted current known distribution. Our results suggest that separation of the major clades predates the last glacial maximum and the following repeated glacial and interglacial periods probably drove differentiations. The complex phylogeographical pattern observed in the study species suggests that both populations and genotypes extinction was minimal during the last glacial maximum, probably due to the low impact of glaciations and to topographic complexity in this area. This study underlines the importance of cumulative effect of previous glacial cycles in shaping the genetic structure of plant species in Maritime and Ligurian Alps, as expected for a Mediterranean mountain region more than for an Alpine region.

Spatial genetic structure of forest and xerophytic plant species in arid Eastern Central Asia: insights from comparative phylogeography and ecological niche modelling

Central Asia is one of the major arid regions of the world, and the spatial genetic structure of plant species in this area displays broad significance with respect to the understanding of plant evolution and biogeographical patterns of temperate arid lands. Although the genetic structure of some plants has been examined in previous studies, it remains mostly unconfirmed whether different plants in the same habitat have similar genetic structure, and the factors that have influenced structure in plants of the region are also unknown. Accordingly, we employed the approaches of molecular phylogeography and species distribution modelling to compare spatial genetic structure and ecological niches for three montane forest and four lowland xerophytic plants in East Central Asia. The results obtained suggest that the three forest species retreat westward during the Last Glacial Maximum as indicated by higher genetic differentiation in western populations. By contrast, multiple peaks of genetic differentiation were detected from chloroplast DNA datasets among populations in each of the four xerophytic species. Based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer datasets, anemophilous pollination had shaped the high dispersal ability for pollen-mediated gene flow and outcrossing pollination had triggered extensive heterozygosity among populations. In conclusion, palaeoclimatic changes and species traits have mainly influenced the spatial genetic structure of forest and xerophytic plants in arid Eastern Central Asia.

Spatial patterns of AFLP diversity in Bulbophyllum occultum (Orchidaceae) indicate long-term refugial isolation in Madagascar and long-distance colonization effects in La Réunion.

Bulbophyllum occultum, an epiphytic orchid mainly distributed in the rainforests of (north)eastern Madagascar and La Réunion, represents an interesting model case for testing the effects of anthropogenic vs historical (e.g., climate induced) habitat isolation and long-distance colonization on the genetic structure of plant species with disjunct distributions in the Madagascan region. To this aim, we surveyed amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) across 13 populations in Madagascar and nine in La Réunion (206 individuals in total). We found overall high levels of population subdivision (Φ(PT)=0.387) and low within-population diversity (H(E), range: 0.026-0.124), indicating non-equilibrium conditions in a mainly selfing species. There was no impact of recent deforestation (Madagascar) or habitat disturbance (La Réunion) detectable on AFLP diversity. K-means clustering and BARRIER analyses identified multiple gene pools and several genetic breaks, both within and among islands. Inter-island levels of population genetic diversity and subdivision were similar, whereby inter-individual divergence in flower colour explained a significant part of gene pool divergence in La Réunion. Our results suggest that (i) B. occultum persisted across multiple isolated ('refugial') regions along the eastern rainforest corridor of Madagascar over recent climatic cycles and (ii) populations in La Réunion arose from either single or few independent introductions from Madagascar. High selfing rates and sufficient time for genetic drift likely promoted unexpectedly high population genetic and phenotypic (flower colour) differentiation in La Réunion. Overall, this study highlights a strong imprint of history on the genetic structure of a low-gene-dispersing epiphytic orchid from the Madagascan region.

The Tanaka Line shaped the phylogeographic pattern of the cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) in southwest China

The Tanaka Line is considered to be an important phytogeographic boundary in southwest China, especially in Yunnan province. This Line has been deemed to separate East Asia's Sino-Himalayan and Sino-Japanese floras. However, it is not clear whether there is a special phylogeographic pattern for plants occurring across the Tanaka Line. To better understand the role of the Tanaka Line in shaping genetic structure of plant species occurring either side of this line, we employed Bombax ceiba, an economically and ecologically important tree species with a distribution across the Tanaka Line, as a proxy to study whether or not the Tanaka Line acts as a boundary to gene flow. We scanned and analyzed genetic variation at three chloroplast DNA fragments (psbB-psbF, trnL-rpl32 and psbI-psbK) within and among 17 natural populations (201 individuals). We identified eight chloroplast haplotypes (A-H) in total. Geographically, seven haplotypes were found southwest of the Tanaka Line, but only two haplotypes (B and H) were located northeast of the Tanaka Line. Meanwhile, both mismatch distribution analysis and environmental niche modeling (ENM) analysis suggested that multiple glacial refugia were maintained in the southwest range of B. ceiba during the last glacial maximum and that northeastern populations underwent strenuous retreatment during the Quaternary climatic oscillations. The present study highlights the importance of historical climate change and topographical circumstances in shaping population structure across the Tanaka Line.

Comparative genetic structure between Sedum ussuriense and S. kamtschaticum (Crassulaceae), two stonecrops co-occurring on rocky cliffs.

• Premise of the study: Geographic isolation due to discontinuities of suitable habitat may have significant effects on the genetic structure of plant populations. Even within a few kilometers, physical barriers to gene flow may lead to considerable genetic differentiation among populations.• Methods: Sedum ussuriense is a boreal species that in Korea occurs only in four valleys separated by mountain ranges in Juwangsan National Park and its vicinity (a range of ∼15 km). Its congener S. kamtschaticum, by contrast, co-occurs in the four valleys but also on the intervening mountains. Using 12 allozyme loci, we comparatively assessed genetic variability and structure in 12 population pairs of the two stonecrops.• Key results: While we found high and comparable levels of within-population genetic variation for the two species, among-population divergence was significantly higher in S. ussuriense (FST = 0.261 vs. FST = 0.165). Sedum ussuriense also showed a much higher percentage of among-valley variation (19%) than S. kamtschaticum (4%).• Conclusions: High levels of genetic diversity in the two Sedum species are consistent with the previous hypothesis that mountains of the Korean Peninsula served as glacial refugia for many boreal species. Given that the two congeners have similar life-history traits, the lower among-population differentiation in S. kamtschaticum is attributable to its higher abundance and more continuous distribution in the study area. This study confirms the central role of geographic isolation in the genetic structure of plant species even at very small scales.

Long‐term effects of habitat fragmentation on mating patterns and gene flow of a tropical dry forest tree, Ceiba aesculifolia (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae)

Tropical forest loss and fragmentation isolate and reduce the size of remnant populations with negative consequences for mating patterns and genetic structure of plant species. In a 4-yr study, we determined the effect of fragmentation on mating patterns and pollen pool genetic structure of the tropical tree Ceiba aesculifolia in two habitat conditions: isolated trees in disturbed areas (≤3 trees/ha), and trees (≥6 trees/ha) in undisturbed mature forest. • Using six allozyme loci, we estimated the outcrossing rate (tm), the mean relatedness of progeny (rp) within and between fruits, the degree of genetic structure of pollen pools (Φft), and the effective number of pollen donors (Nep). • The outcrossing rates reflected a strict self-incompatible species. Relatedness of progeny within fruits was similar for all populations, revealing single sires within fruits. However, relatedness of progeny between fruits within trees was consistently greater for trees in fragmented conditions across 4 yr. We found high levels of genetic structure of pollen pools in all populations with more structure in isolated trees. The effective number of pollen donors was greater for trees in undisturbed forest than in disturbed conditions. • Our study showed that the progeny produced by isolated trees in disturbed habitats are sired by a fraction of the diversity of pollen donors found in conserved forests. The foraging behavior of bats limits the exchange of pollen between trees, causing higher levels of progeny relatedness in isolated trees.

Spatial genetic structure of Campanula thyrsoides across the European Alps: Indications for glaciation-driven allopatric subspeciation

Abstract Quaternary climate change had profound impacts on the geographical distribution and genetic structure of plant species which is hypothesized to have triggered allopatric speciation due to spatial isolation. However, evidence is scarce despite recent advances that indicate glacial history and substrate requirements as main drivers of spatial genetic structures. Here we built upon these studies to test the role of glaciations on the morphological and ecological differentiation within the calcicolous Campanula thyrsoides across its European Alpine distribution range. We collected samples from 51 populations (1173 plants), used five microsatellite markers, estimated diversity ( N a , H E ) and differentiation ( D est , G ST_est , F ST ) and applied Bayesian clustering analysis and tessellation methods. We found support for four genetically distinct groups of populations, arranged from West to East: (i) France and Western Switzerland, (ii) Central and most of Eastern Switzerland, (iii) parts of Eastern Switzerland and Central Austria, and (iv) Southeastern Austria, Slovenia and Northeastern Italy. Among-subspecies variance was 8.4% and each subspecies was highly differentiated ( C.*thyrsoides : D est = 0.47; C.*carniolica : D est = 0.58). Geographic structuring of within-population diversity was not related to refugia outside of previously-glaciated terrain but to subspecies: the more thermophilic C.*carniolica showed significantly lower levels of within-population diversity and higher numbers of private alleles. The location of the genetic break lines between these four groups of populations corresponds to well-known biogeographic barriers. However, the phylogeographic pattern has elements formerly found in both calcicolous and silicicolous species and thus questions the generality of substrate-related patterns. Within C.*thyrsoides , population admixture upon secondary contact may have led to high genetic diversity across the distribution range. Given the geographic and genetic differences of the subspecies we conclude that differentiation between C.*thyrsoides and C.*carniolica represents a case of glaciation-driven allopatric subspeciation reinforced by missing secondary contact due to incomplete post-glacial recolonization of potential habitats.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers from Guarea guidonia (Meliaceae), a tree species from different habitats within the Brazilian Atlantic forest

The tree species Guarea guidonea (Meliaceae) belongs to a predominantly tropical family, being largely found in natural or anthropic forest fragments within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Aiming to develop future studies on the genetic structure of plant species from forests fragments, eleven microsatellite markers were developed for Guarea guidonia, based on the analysis of 45 individuals from natural populations of three different fragments within the forest—anthropic edge, interior fragment and natural edge. Only eight loci showed to be polymorphic and the number of alleles ranged from two to four (mean of 2.50). All populations showed almost the same level of genetic diversity (mean He = 0.3775). These loci will be useful for population genetics studies on Guarea guidonea, providing information for the conservation and management of this species.

Evolutionary history and phylogeography of Encelia farinosa (Asteraceae) from the Sonoran, Mojave, and Peninsular Deserts

Pleistocene glaciations have had a profound influence on the genetic structure of plant species throughout the Northern Hemisphere because of range contractions, fragmentations, and expansions. Phylogeographic studies have contributed to our knowledge of this influence in several geographic regions of North America, however, very few phylogeographic studies have examined plant species in the Sonoran, Mojave, and Peninsular deserts. In this study, we used sequence data from the chloroplast DNA psbA–trnH intergenic spacer to obtain information on phylogeographic patterns among 310 individuals from 21 populations of Encelia farinosa (“brittlebush”; Asteraceae) across its range. We applied several population and spatial genetic analyses that allowed us to interpret our data with respect to Pleistocene climate change. These analyses indicate that E. farinosa displays patterns of genetic differentiation and geographic structuring consistent with postglacial range expansion. Populations of E. farinosa are characterized by distinct haplotype lineages significantly associated with geography. Centers of genetic diversity for the species occur in southwestern Arizona, the plains of Sonora, and Baja California Sur, all of which are putative sites of glacial refugia as predicted by analyses of macrofossil and pollen data. Nested clade analysis suggests that genetic structure in E. farinosa has been affected by past fragmentation followed by range expansion. Range expansion in several locations is further supported by significant departures from neutrality for values of Fu’s F S and Tajima’s D, and mismatch analyses.

Nuclear DNA Microsatellites Reveal Genetic Variation but a Lack of Phylogeographical Structure in an Endangered Species, Fraxinus mandshurica, Across North-east China

The widely accepted paradigm that the modern genetic structure of plant species in the northern hemisphere has been largely determined by recolonization from refugia after the last glacial maximum fails to explain the presence of cold-tolerant species at intermediate latitudes. Another generally accepted paradigm is that mountain ridges act as important barriers causing genetic isolation of species, but this too has been challenged in recent studies. The aims of the work reported here were to determine the genetic diversity and distribution patterns of extant natural populations of an endangered cool temperate species, Faxinus mandshurica, and to examine whether these two paradigms are appropriate when applied to this species over a wide geographical scale. 1435 adult individuals were sampled from 30 natural populations across the main and central range of the species, covering major mountain ranges across North-east China (NEC). Genetic variation was estimated based on nine polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci. Phylogeographical analyses were employed using various approaches, including Bayesian clustering, spatial analysis of molecular variance, Monmonier's algorithm, neighbor-joining trees, principal co-ordinate analysis and isolation by distance. Genetic diversity within populations was relatively high, and no significant recent bottlenecks were detected in any of the populations. A significant negative correlation between intra-population genetic diversity and latitude was identified. In contrast, genetic differentiation among all the populations examined was extremely low and no clear geographic genetic structure was identified, with the exception of one distinct population. The modern genetic structure in this species can be explained by extensive gene flow, an absence of mountains acting as barriers, and the presence of a wide refuge across NEC rather than multiple small refugia. Intra-population genetic variation along latitudes is probably associated with the systematically northward shifts of forest biomes in eastern China during the mid-Holocene. To determine important genetic patterns and identify resources for conservation, however, it will be necessary to examine differentially inherited genetic markers exposed to selection pressures (e.g. chloroplast DNA) and to investigate different generations.

Molecular phylogeny of mangroves I. Use of molecular markers in assessing the intraspecific genetic variability in the mangrove species Acanthus ilicifolius Linn. (Acanthaceae)

Mangroves, the intertidal ecosystems occurring primarily in the tropical regions of the world, are valuable natural resources with high productivity and unique habitat value. However, the genetic structure of plant species within the mangrove ecosystem is poorly understood. The present communication is the first report on the use of molecular markers in assessing intra-site and intra-specific polymorphism in one of the mangrove species, Acanthus ilicifolius, for identifying/ detecting distinct genotypes for long-term conservation. Random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were used to elucidate the intra- and inter-population variability in this widely distributed mangrove species. In all, 48 genotypes representing eight distinct populations were analysed. A low level of polymorphism was detected at the intra-population level through both RAPD (3.8–7.3%) and RFLP (3.2–9.1%) analyses. At the inter-population level, 25 of the 73 RAPD loci (34%) detected through the use of 13 random primers and 44 of the 96 RFLP loci (45.8%) revealed through 15 probe/enzyme combinations were polymorphic. RFLP analyses were carried out using genomic clones developed from the same species. The somatic cells of the species displayed 48 chromosomes, with no numerical changes at either intra- or inter- population levels.