High Levels Of Inbreeding Research Articles

Genetic diversity of Anadara tuberculosa in two localities of the Colombian Pacific Coast

Piangua, Anadara tuberculosa, is an economically important mollusk for the human population living on the Colombian Pacific Coast. In the last years, the demand and exploitation of this mollusk have increased, putting it at risk to the point of being endangered. This research aimed to identify the genetic diversity and population structure of piangua in two localities on the Pacific Coast of Colombia. We assembled a chromosome-level genome using PacBio-Hifi and Arima sequencing. We obtained 274 scaffolds with an N50 of 45.42 Mbp, a total size of 953 Mbp, and a completeness of 91% based on BUSCO scores. The transposable elements accounted for 30.29% of the genome, and 24,317 genes were annotated. Genome-guided variant calling for 89 samples using DArT sequencing data delivered 4,825 bi-allelic SNPs, which supported genetic diversity and population structure analyses. Data showed that the piangua populations in the two localities were under expansion events more than 100k years ago. However, results also showed a reduction in genetic diversity, as evidenced by the loss of heterozygosity, which may be caused by high levels of inbreeding, probably due to a recent overexploitation. Furthermore, although we evidenced gene flow between the two localities, there is also a subtle geographical population structure between the two localities and among mangroves in one of the localities. This is the first study in Colombia that provides relevant genetic information on piangua to lay the foundations for conservation strategies.

Structured, Inbred and Plastic: the Genome and Population Genetics of the weed False cleavers (Galium spurium)

Abstract False cleavers (Galium spurium L.) is an aggressive weed from the Rubiaceae. Here we assemble a chromosome scale draft of its genome, laying the foundations for determining the genetic basis of auxinic herbicide resistance and for systematic research into its polyphyletic genus. We use the genome to examine the population genetics in material from the Canadian Prairies and, in concert with a common greenhouse experiment, to examine whether the phenotypic variation observed in the field results primarily from genetic or environmental factors. The genome assembly covers approximately 85% of G. spurium’s expected 360Mbp genome size with 94% of BUSCO genes complete and most single copy (89%). Approximately 37% of the genome is repetitive elements and 35,540 genes were annotated using RNA-Seq data, including 100 homologs for genes involved or, potentially involved in, herbicide resistance. The genome shows strong synteny with other members of the Rubiaceae including smooth bedstraw (Cruciata laevipes Opiz) and robusta coffee [Coffea canephora (Pierre ex Froehner]. Double digested RADseq data for the 19 populations from the Canadian Prairies indicated that G. spurium has high levels of population structure (FST = 0.54) and inbreeding (FIS =0.86) with low levels of hetrozygosity (HO = 0.02) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0003). Variation in flowering time and seed weight largely overlapped among populations grown in the greenhouse. A redundancy analysis investigating genotype-phenotype associations showed few associations between SNP variation and these characteristics. In contrast, the majority of SNPs under selection were associated with mericarp hook density. This suggests that for most traits, environmental variation rather than genetic variation likely underlies phenotypic differences observed in the field. Several genes of interest including several homologs involved in the assembly of the Skp1-Culliun-F-Box IR1/AFB E3 ubiquitin ligase complex (e.g. CAND1, ECR1) are located in areas of the genome with evidence of selection and are targets for further investigation.

Too big to purge: persistence of deleterious Mutations in Island populations of the European Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

A key aspect of assessing the risk of extinction/extirpation for a particular wild species or population is the status of inbreeding, but the origin of inbreeding and the current mutational load are also two crucial factors to consider when determining survival probability of a population. In this study, we used samples from 502 barn owls from continental and island populations across Europe, with the aim of quantifying and comparing the level of inbreeding between populations with differing demographic histories. In addition to comparing inbreeding status, we determined whether inbreeding is due to non-random mating or high co-ancestry within the population. We show that islands have higher levels of inbreeding than continental populations, and that this is mainly due to small effective population sizes rather than recent consanguineous mating. We assess the probability that a region is autozygous along the genome and show that this probability decreased as the number of genes present in that region increased. Finally, we looked for evidence of reduced selection efficiency and purging in island populations. Among island populations, we found an increase in numbers of both neutral and deleterious minor alleles, possibly as a result of drift and decreased selection efficiency but we found no evidence of purging.

Genomic adaptation to small population size and saltwater consumption in the critically endangered Cat Ba langur

Many mammal species have declining populations, but the consequences of small population size on the genomic makeup of species remain largely unknown. We investigated the evolutionary history, genetic load and adaptive potential of the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), a primate species endemic to Vietnam’s famous Ha Long Bay and with less than 100 living individuals one of the most threatened primates in the world. Using high-coverage whole genome data of four wild individuals, we revealed the Cat Ba langur as sister species to its conspecifics of the northern limestone langur clade and found no evidence for extensive secondary gene flow after their initial separation. Compared to other primates and mammals, the Cat Ba langur showed low levels of genetic diversity, long runs of homozygosity, high levels of inbreeding and an excess of deleterious mutations in homozygous state. On the other hand, genetic diversity has been maintained in protein-coding genes and on the gene-rich human chromosome 19 ortholog, suggesting that the Cat Ba langur retained most of its adaptive potential. The Cat Ba langur also exhibits several unique non-synonymous variants that are related to calcium and sodium metabolism, which may have improved adaptation to high calcium intake and saltwater consumption.

Range-wide population genomic structure of the Karner blue butterfly, Plebejus (Lycaeides) samuelis.

The Karner blue butterfly, Plebejus (Lycaeides) samuelis, is an endangered North American climate change-vulnerable species that has undergone substantial historical habitat loss and population decline. To better understand the species' genetic status and support Karner blue conservation, we sampled 116 individuals from 22 localities across the species' geographical range in Wisconsin (WI), Michigan (MI), Indiana (IN), and New York (NY). Using genomic analysis, we found that these samples were divided into three major geographic groups, NY, WI, and MI-IN, with populations in WI and MI-IN each further divided into three subgroups. A high level of inbreeding was revealed by inbreeding coefficients above 10% in almost all populations in our study. However, strong correlation between F ST and geographical distance suggested that genetic divergence between populations increases with distance, such that introducing individuals from more distant populations may be a useful strategy for increasing population-level diversity and preserving the species. We also found that Karner blue populations had lower genetic diversity than closely related species and had more alleles that were present only at low frequencies (<5%) in other species. Some of these alleles may negatively impact individual fitness and may have become prevalent in Karner blue populations due to inbreeding. Finally, analysis of these possibly deleterious alleles in the context of predicted three-dimensional structures of proteins revealed potential molecular mechanisms behind population declines, providing insights for conservation. This rich new range-wide understanding of the species' population genomic structure can contextualize past extirpations and help conserve and even enhance Karner blue genetic diversity.

Genome-Wide Selection Sweep Analysis to Identify Candidate Genes with Black and Brown Color in Tibetan Sibu Yaks.

Although coat color is an important economic phenotype in domesticated yaks (Bos grunniens), its genetic basis is not yet fully understood. In this study, a genome-wide selective sweep and high-frequency runs of homozygosity (ROH) identification were performed on 50 yaks with different coat colors to investigate candidate genes (CDGs) related to coat color. The results suggested that 2263 CDGs were identified from the 5% interaction windows of the FST and θπ ratio, along with 2801 and 2834 CDGs from black and brown yaks with iHS, respectively. Furthermore, 648 and 691 CDGs from black and brown yaks, which were widely enriched in pathways related to melanogenesis, melanocyte differentiation, and melanosome organization via GO and KEGG functional enrichment, respectively, were confirmed on the basis of the intersection of three parameters. Additionally, the genome of brown yaks presented more ROH, longer ROH fragments, and higher inbreeding levels than those of black yaks. Specifically, a large number of genes related to melanin synthesis and regulation (e.g., UST, TCF25, and AHRR) from the ROH islands were confirmed to be under strong selection. In summary, the results of this study enhance the understanding of the genetic basis for determining yak coat color.

Genetic Structure and Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Growth and Reproductive Traits in Fengjing Pigs.

The Fengjing pig is one of the local pig breed resources in China and has many excellent germplasm characteristics. However, research on its genome is lacking. To explore the degree of genetic diversity of the Fengjing pig and to deeply explore its excellent traits, this study took Fengjing pigs as the research object and used the Beadchip Array Infinium iSelect-96|XT KPS_PorcineBreedingChipV2 for genotyping. We analyzed the genetic diversity, relatedness, inbreeding coefficient, and population structure within the Fengjing pig population. Our findings revealed that the proportion of polymorphic markers (PN) was 0.469, and the effective population size was 6.8. The observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.301 and 0.287, respectively. The G-matrix results indicated moderate relatedness within the population, with certain individuals exhibiting closer genetic relationships. The NJ evolutionary tree classified Fengjing boars into five family lines. The average inbreeding coefficient based on ROH was 0.318, indicating a high level of inbreeding. GWAS identified twenty SNPs significantly associated with growth traits (WW, 2W, and 4W) and reproductive traits (TNB and AWB). Notably, WNT8B, RAD21, and HAO1 emerged as candidate genes influencing 2W, 4W, and TNB, respectively. Genes such as WNT8B were verified by querying the PigBiobank database. In conclusion, this study provides a foundational reference for the conservation and utilization of Fengjing pig germplasm resources and offers insights for future molecular breeding efforts in Fengjing pigs.

De-novo assembly of a reference genome for a critically threatened Aotearoa New Zealand tree species, Syzygium maire (Myrtaceae)

Aotearoa New Zealand’s swamp forests have experienced significant habitat loss in fewer than two hundred years. Many of the country’s tree species are endemic with sparse to no genetic information available to underpin conservation strategies. Syzygium maire, Aotearoa’s only endemic Syzygium species, is a culturally and ecologically important component of swamp forest habitats. Unfortunately, populations of S. maire have been greatly reduced, heavily fragmented and are susceptible to the emergent pathogen Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust), posing eminent danger of a further decline of the species. We sought to develop genomic resources to inform conservation management of S. maire. To this end, we used long read, high accuracy sequencing technology to produce a highly complete reference quality genome for S. maire. The genome sequence was named ‘Ngā Hua o te Ia Whenua’ by the local Māori tribe where the tree used for genome sequencing grows. We assess whether genome-level divergence with other Myrtaceae may have followed geographic isolation of the species. We detect conservation of large scale synteny between three Syzygium species and Eucalyptus grandis, providing support for the stability of Syzygium genomes across evolutionary time. We annotate genes implicated in fungal pathogen defence, identifying several hundred putative NLR genes, including putative homologs of previously identified Austropuccinia psidii resistance genes. Finally, we evaluate the genetic relationships of individuals of a small, isolated population of trees. We find evidence of high levels of kinship and inbreeding within small and isolated S. maire populations, informing local-scale conservation strategies for the species. Our findings enable practical conservation actions and provide resources for larger scale studies of S. maire and other Syzygium species in the future.

High conservation importance of range-edge populations of Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus)

Critically endangered Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus Temminck, 1823), like many vulture species globally, are experiencing rapid population declines due to anthropogenic factors such as poisonings, human persecution, trading for belief-based use, and habitat loss/degradation. The Hooded Vulture is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Although it is considered one of the most abundant vultures in West Africa, this vulture species is less common in East and southern Africa, with the population at the southern-most edge of the distribution (in South Africa and Eswatini) estimated at only 100–200 mature individuals. The distribution of Hooded Vultures has contracted dramatically in southern Africa, with breeding populations largely confined to protected areas such as the Greater Kruger National Park. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of the southern African range-edge population and assess if the recent contraction in the distribution has resulted in the population experiencing a genetic bottleneck. Sixteen microsatellite loci were amplified for samples collected along the Olifants River in the Greater Kruger National Park (n = 30). The genetic diversity in the South African population was compared to samples (n = 30) collected in Ghana, where Hooded Vultures are more abundant. Contrary to expectations, the South African peripheral Hooded Vulture population showed higher levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.495) than the Ghanaian population (HO = 0.315). Neither population showed signs of recent bottleneck events when tested using demographic modelling and Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). However, both populations showed high levels of inbreeding and relatedness. Our results suggest that despite being a small peripheral population, the South African Hooded Vulture population showed a similar level of genetic diversity as individuals sampled from a core population within the species distribution (in Ghana). This study supports the need for Hooded Vulture conservation efforts in the southern African region and highlights the evolutionary importance of range-edge populations.

Genetic diversity, demographic history, and selective signatures of Silkie chicken

BackgroundSilkie is a traditional Chinese chicken breed characterized by its unique combination of specialized morphological traits. While previous studies have focused on the genetic basis of these traits, the overall genomic characteristics of the Silkie breed remain largely unexplored. In this study, we employed whole genome resequencing data to examine the genetic diversity, selective signals and demographic history of the Silkie breed through comparative analyses with seven other Chinese indigenous breeds (IDGBs), a commercial breed, and the wild ancestor Red Jungle Fowl.ResultsIn total, 20.8 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms and 86 large structural variations were obtained. We discovered that Silkie exhibits a relatively high level of inbreeding and is genetically distinct from other IDGBs. Furthermore, our analysis indicated that Silkie has experienced a stronger historical population bottleneck and has a smaller effective population size compared with other IDGBs. We identified 45 putatively selected genes that are enriched in the melanogenesis pathway, which probably is related to the feather color. Among these genes, LMBR1 and PDSS2 have been previously associated with the extra toe and the hookless feathers, respectively. Six of the selected genes (KITLG, GSK3B, SOBP, CTBP1, ELMO2, SNRPN) are known to be associated with neurodevelopment and mental diseases in human, and are possibly related to the distinct behavior of Silkie. We further identified structural variants in Silkie and found previously reported variants linked to hyperpigmentation (END3), muff and beard (HOXB8), and Rose-comb phenotype (MNR2). Additionally, we found a 0.61 Mb inversion overlapping with the GMDS gene, which was previously linked to neurodevelopmental defects in zebrafish and humans. This may also be related to the behavior distinctiveness of Silkie.ConclusionsOur study revealed that Silkie is genetically distinct and relatively highly inbred compared to other IDGB chicken populations, possibly attributed to more prolong population bottlenecks and selective breeding practice. These results enhance our understanding of how domestication and selective breeding have shaped the genome of Silkie. These findings contribute to the broader field of domestication and avian genomics, and have implications for the future conservation and breeding efforts.

Genetic variation in the brooding brittle-star: a global hybrid polyploid complex?

The widespread and abundant brooding brittle-star (Amphipholis squamata) is a simultaneous hermaphrodite with a complex mitochondrial phylogeography of multiple divergent overlapping mtDNA lineages, high levels of inbreeding or clonality and unusual sperm morphology. We use exon-capture and transcriptome data to show that the nuclear genome comprises multiple (greater than 3) divergent (π > 6%) expressed components occurring across samples characterized by highly divergent (greater than 20%) mitochondrial lineages, and encompassing several other genera, including diploid dioecious species. We report a massive sperm genome size in A. squamata, an order of magnitude larger than that present in other brittle-stars, and consistent with our SNP-based measure of greatly elevated ploidy. Similarity of these genetic signatures to well-known animal systems suggests that A. squamata (and related taxa) is a hybrid polyploid asexual complex of variable subgenome origins, ploidy and reproductive mode. We discuss enigmatic aspects of A. squamata biology in this light. This putative allopolyploid complex would be the first to be reported from the phylum Echinodermata.

Whole-genome resequencing identifies candidate genes associated with heat adaptation in chickens

The wide distribution and diverse varieties of chickens make them important models for studying genetic adaptation. The aim of this study was to identify genes that alter heat adaptation in commercial chicken breeds by comparing genetic differences between tropical and cold-resistant chickens. We analyzed whole-genome resequencing data of 186 chickens across various regions in Asia, including the following breeds: Bian chickens (B), Dagu chickens (DG), Beijing-You chickens (BY), and Gallus gallus jabouillei from China; Gallus gallus murghi from India; Vietnam native chickens (VN); Thailand native chickens (TN) and Gallus gallus spadiceus from Thailand; and Indonesia native chickens (IN), Gallus gallus gallus, and Gallus gallus bankiva from Indonesia. In total, 5,454,765 SNPs were identified for further analyses. Population genetic structure analysis revealed that each local chicken breed had undergone independent evolution. Additionally, when K = 5, B, BY, and DG chickens shared a common ancestor and exhibited high levels of inbreeding, suggesting that northern cold-resistant chickens are likely the result of artificial selection. In contrast, the runs of homozygosity (ROH) and the ROH-based genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) results for IN, TN, and VN chickens showed low levels of inbreeding. Low population differentiation index values indicated low differentiation levels, suggesting low genetic diversity in tropical chickens, implying increased vulnerability to environmental changes, decreased adaptability, and disease resistance. Whole-genome selection sweep analysis revealed 69 candidate genes, including LGR4, G6PC, and NBR1, between tropical and cold-resistant chickens. The genes were further subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, revealing that most of the genes were primarily enriched in biological synthesis processes, metabolic processes, central nervous system development, ion transmembrane transport, and the Wnt signaling pathway. Our study identified heat adaptation genes and their functions in chickens that primarily affect chickens in high-temperature environments through metabolic pathways. These heat-resistance genes provide a theoretical basis for improving the heat-adaptation capacity of commercial chicken breeds.

Clinging on the brink: Whole genomes reveal human-induced population declines and severe inbreeding in the Critically Endangered Emirati Leaf-toed Gecko (Asaccus caudivolvulus).

Human-mediated habitat destruction has had a profound impact on increased species extinction rates and population declines worldwide. The coastal development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the last two decades, serves as an example of how habitat transformation can alter the landscape of a country in just a few years. Here, we study the genomic implications of habitat transformation in the Critically Endangered Emirati Leaf-toed Gecko (Asaccus caudivolvulus), the only endemic vertebrate of the UAE. We generate a high-quality reference genome for this gecko, representing the first reference genome for the family Phyllodactylidae, and produce whole-genome resequencing data for 23 specimens from 10 different species of leaf-toed geckos. Our results show that A. caudivolvulus has consistently lower genetic diversity than any other Arabian species of Asaccus, suggesting a history of ancient population declines. However, high levels of recent inbreeding are recorded among populations in heavily developed areas, with a more than 50% increase in long runs of homozygosity within a 9-year period. Moreover, results suggest that this species does not effectively purge deleterious mutations, hence making it more vulnerable to future stochastic threats. Overall, results show that A. caudivolvulus is in urgent need of protection, and habitat preservation must be warranted to ensure the species' survival.

When birds of a feather flock together: Severe genomic erosion and the implications for genetic rescue in an endangered island passerine.

The Seychelles magpie-robin's (SMR) five island populations exhibit some of the lowest recorded levels of genetic diversity among endangered birds, and high levels of inbreeding. These populations collapsed during the 20th century, and the species was listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List in 1994. An assisted translocation-for-recovery program initiated in the 1990s increased the number of mature individuals, resulting in its downlisting to Endangered in 2005. Here, we explore the temporal genomic erosion of the SMR based on a dataset of 201 re-sequenced whole genomes that span the past ~150 years. Our sample set includes individuals that predate the bottleneck by up to 100 years, as well as individuals from contemporary populations established during the species recovery program. Despite the SMR's recent demographic recovery, our data reveal a marked increase in both the genetic load and realized load in the extant populations when compared to the historical samples. Conservation management may have reduced the intensity of selection by increasing juvenile survival and relaxing intraspecific competition between individuals, resulting in the accumulation of loss-of-function mutations (i.e. severely deleterious variants) in the rapidly recovering population. In addition, we found a 3-fold decrease in genetic diversity between temporal samples. While the low genetic diversity in modern populations may limit the species' adaptability to future environmental changes, future conservation efforts (including IUCN assessments) may also need to assess the threats posed by their high genetic load. Our computer simulations highlight the value of translocations for genetic rescue and show how this could halt genomic erosion in threatened species such as the SMR.

Genomic Reconstruction of the Successful Establishment of a Feralized Bovine Population on the Subantarctic Island of Amsterdam.

The feral cattle of the subantarctic island of Amsterdam provide an outstanding case study of a large mammalian population that was established by a handful of founders and thrived within a few generations in a seemingly inhospitable environment. Here, we investigated the genetic history and composition of this population using genotyping and sequencing data. Our inference showed an intense but brief founding bottleneck around the late 19th century and revealed contributions from European taurine and Indian Ocean Zebu in the founder ancestry. Comparative analysis of whole-genome sequences further revealed a moderate reduction in genetic diversity despite high levels of inbreeding. The brief and intense bottleneck was associated with high levels of drift, a flattening of the site frequency spectrum and a slight relaxation of purifying selection on mildly deleterious variants. Unlike some populations that have experienced prolonged reductions in effective population size, we did not observe any significant purging of highly deleterious variants. Interestingly, the population's success in the harsh environment can be attributed to preadaptation from their European taurine ancestry, suggesting no strong bioclimatic challenge, and also contradicting evidence for insular dwarfism. Genome scan for footprints of selection uncovered a majority of candidate genes related to nervous system function, likely reflecting rapid feralization driven by behavioral changes and complex social restructuring. The Amsterdam Island cattle offers valuable insights into rapid population establishment, feralization, and genetic adaptation in challenging environments. It also sheds light on the unique genetic legacies of feral populations, raising ethical questions according to conservation efforts.

Demographic and conservation genomic assessment of the threatened marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris).

Genetic assessment of species that have experienced dramatic population declines provides critical information that is instrumental for the design of conservation recovery programs. Here, we use different sources of molecular data (mtDNA and ddRAD-seq) to evaluate the genetic status of wild and captive populations of marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), a duck species classified as critically endangered in Spain and near threatened at a global scale. First, we determined the evolutionary and demographic trajectories of the wild population from Spain and the currently much larger population from Iraq, which is also the documented source of European zoo stocks. Second, we evaluated the suitability of the different captive populations for ongoing restocking programs in Spain and assessed their potential impact on the genetic composition of wild populations. Populations from Spain and Iraq were assigned to distinct genetic clusters, albeit with an overall low level of genetic differentiation, in line with their recent divergence (<8000 years ago) and lack of phylogeographic structure in the species. Demogenomic inferences revealed that the two populations have experienced parallel demographic trajectories, with a marked bottleneck during the last glacial period followed by a sudden demographic expansion and stability since the onset of the Holocene. The wild population from Spain presented high levels of inbreeding, but we found no evidence of recent genetic bottlenecks compatible with the human-driven decline of the species during the past century. The captive populations from the two Spanish centers involved in restocking programs showed genetic introgression from European zoos; however, we found limited evidence of introgression from the zoo genetic stock into the wild population from Spain, suggesting captive-bred birds have limited breeding success in the wild. Our study illustrates how ex situ conservation programs should consider the genetic distinctiveness of populations when establishing breeding stocks and highlights the importance of genetically assessing captive populations prior to reinforcement actions.

Genomic Diversity and Demographic History of the Endangered Sichuan hill-partridge (Arborophila rufipectus).

Species conservation can be improved by knowledge of genetic diversity and demographic history. The Sichuan hill-partridge (Arborophila rufipectus, SP) is an endangered species endemic to the mountains in southwestern China. However, little is known about this species' genomic variation and demographic history. Here, we present a comprehensive whole-genome analysis of six SP individuals from the Laojunshan National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. We observe a relatively high genetic diversity and low level of recent inbreeding in the studied SP individuals. This suggests that the current population carries genetic variability that may benefit the long-term survival of this species, and that the present population may be larger than currently recognized. Analyses of demographic history showed that fluctuations in the effective population size of SP are inconsistent with changes of the historical climate. Strikingly, evidence from demographic modeling suggests SPs population decreased dramatically 15,100 years ago after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), possibly due to refugial isolation and later human interference. These results provide the first detailed and comprehensive genomic insights into genetic diversity, genomic inbreeding levels, and demographic history of the Sichuan hill-partridge, which are crucial for the conservation and management of this endangered species.

Genome-wide diversity, population structure and signatures of inbreeding in the African buffalo in Mozambique

The African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, is a key species in African ecosystems. Like other large herbivores, it plays a fundamental role in its habitat acting as an ecosystem engineer. Over the last few centuries, African buffalo populations have declined because of range contraction and demographic decline caused by direct or indirect human activities. In Mozambique, historically home to large buffalo herds, the combined effect of colonialism and subsequent civil wars has created a critical situation that urgently needs to be addressed. In this study, we focused on the analysis of genetic diversity of Syncerus caffer caffer populations from six areas of Mozambique. Using genome-wide SNPs obtained from ddRAD sequencing, we examined the population structure across the country, estimated gene flow between areas under conservation management, including national reserves, and assessed the inbreeding coefficients. Our results indicate that all studied populations of Syncerus caffer caffer are genetically depauperate, with a high level of inbreeding. Moreover, buffaloes in Mozambique present a significant population differentiation between southern and central areas. We found an unexpected genotype in the Gorongosa National Park, where buffaloes experienced a dramatic population size reduction, that shares a common ancestry with southern populations of Catuane and Namaacha. This could suggest the past occurrence of a connection between southern and central Mozambique and that the observed population structuring could reflect recent events of anthropogenic origin. All the populations analysed showed high levels of homozygosity, likely due to extensive inbreeding over the last few decades, which could have increased the frequency of recessive deleterious alleles. Improving the resilience of Syncerus caffer caffer in Mozambique is essential for preserving the ecosystem integrity. The most viable approach appears to be facilitating translocations and re-establishing connectivity between isolated herds. However, our results also highlight the importance of assessing intraspecific genetic diversity when considering interventions aimed at enhancing population viability such as selecting suitable source populations.

Aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces of Indo‐Gangetic Plains of India harbor rich genetic diversity

AbstractAromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm conserved in global genebanks needs intensive characterization to assess genetic diversity and population structure for crop improvement. We analyzed a panel of 92 accessions of non‐Basmati aromatic rice landrace germplasm with 23 phenotypic traits and 48 microsatellite markers. The landrace accessions displayed a huge phenotypic diversity for traits, namely, culm length, flag‐leaf length, panicle‐bearing tillers (PBT), plant height, panicle length, peduncle length, panicle exsertion, grain length, grain width, hull color, and 1000‐grain weight (TGW). Phenotypic clustering revealed three major clusters and five principal components explained 81.24% of the variance. TGW was associated positively with grain length, grain width, peduncle length, and grain yield but negatively with culm length and PBT. A total of 528 microsatellite alleles were detected, with 11.0 alleles per locus, revealing the presence of high polymorphism. Genetically, four subpopulations were detected based on structure analysis. In the germplasm, high levels of gene flow (Nm = 1.51) and gene diversity (HE = 0.83) were found. Among the subpopulations, we discovered high levels of inbreeding (FIS = 0.92) and moderate genetic differentiation (FST = 0.14). High polymorphism information content (0.806) along with a high level of molecular variance among genotypes (79%) was detected. A large number of multiple alleles were detected in numerous landrace accessions, revealing the presence of heterogeneity and heterozygotes in the landrace germplasm. The results of the present study are vital for the utilization of landrace diversity in the genetic improvement programs designed for rice quality improvement and consumer preference.

Conservation genomics analysis reveals recent population decline and possible causes in bumblebee Bombus opulentus.

Bumblebees are a genus of pollinators (Bombus) that play important roles in natural ecosystem and agricultural production. Several bumblebee species have been recorded as under population decline, and the proportion of species experiencing population decline within subgenus Thoracobombus is higher than average. Bombus opulentus is 1 species in Thoracobombus, but little is known about its recent population dynamics. Here, we employed conservation genomics methods to investigate the population dynamics of B. opulentus during the recent past and identify the likely environmental factors that may cause population decline. Firstly, we placed the scaffold-level of B. opulentus reference genome sequence onto chromosome-level using Hi-C technique. Then, based on this reference genome and whole-genome resequencing data for 51 B. opulentus samples, we reconstructed the population structure and effective population size (Ne) trajectories of B. opulentus and identified genes that were under positive selection. Our results revealed that the collected B. opulentus samples could be divided into 2 populations, and 1 of them experienced a recent population decline; the declining population also exhibited lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding levels. Genes related to high-temperature tolerance, immune response, and detoxication showed signals of positive selection in the declining population, suggesting that climate warming and pathogen/pesticide exposures may contribute to the decline of this B. opulentus population. Taken together, our study provided insights into the demography of B. opulentus populations and highlighted that populations of the same bumblebee species could have contrasting Ne trajectories and population decline could be caused by a combination of various stressors.