Lutea Populations Research Articles

The assessment of the current status of Gentiana lutea L. populations of the Ukrainian Carpathians: Ecological and genetic approaches

Abstract Based on the analysis of the genetic polymorphisms (RGAP- and CDDP-PCR) among populations and comparison of these results with ecological characteristics (density, area, spatial and vitality structure, age, ability of renewal and self-maintenance), the status of five natural (Lemska, Gutyn Tomnatyk, Sheshul-Pavlyk, Krachuneska, Troyaska-Tataruka) and one man-made (Pozhyzhevska) populations of Gentiana lutea from the Ukrainian Carpathians was assessed. The results of the complex ecological and genetic analysis have revealed that three populations are unstable (Krachuneska, Troyaska-Tataruka, Gutyn Tomnatyk), two are relatively stable (Lemska, Pozhyzhevska) and only one is stable (Sheshul-Pavlyk). The research results can be used for stabilizing the number of violations and restoring the endangered natural populations. Based on these data, the recommendations for the conservation and protection of G. lutea populations have been developed.

ФІТОЦЕНОТИЧНА ПРИУРОЧЕНІСТЬ ТА КОНСОРТИВНІ ЗВ’ЯЗКИ ВИДІВ РОДУ GENTIANA L. В УКРАЇНСЬКИХ КАРПАТАХ

Peculiarities of phytocoenotic association and and consortium relations of rare species of Gentiana lutea L., Gentiana punctata L., Gentiana acaulis L. are analyzed. All habitats of G. lutea populations are spatially associated with the bottoms of glacial cauldrons, krummholz with the species of Duschekia viridis (Chaix) DC, as well as herbaceous highland cenoses. These groups are autochthonous in terms of phytocenotic association of G. lutea. Most often, populations of G. lutea are part of the associations Pulmonario–Duschekietum viridis, Soldanello–Nardetum, in particular two of its subassociations: S.–N. gentianetosum, S.–N. narcissetosum, as well as subassociations Vaccinietum gentianosum, Calamagrostidetum gentianosum. Heavy pastoral load on highland cenoses led to the transformation of subassociations S.–N. gentianetosum and S.–N. Narcissetosum. Diagnostic species, Narcissus poeticus ssp. angustifolius (Curtis) Asch. et Graebn., G. lutea, in particular, have been replaced by dense-grained cereal Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv. The species of G. punctata tends to pine scrubs (Pinion mughi alliance), which are part of the alpine mat-grass (order Nardetalia), and also occur among subalpine shrub communities (Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea class), high-grass groups (Mulgedio-Aconitetea class) along the upper forest boundaries in riverbeds, descending into the forest belt (union Adenostylion alliariae). G. punctata is a diagnostic species of the endemic association Hyperico grisebachii – Calamagrostietum villosae and is a component part of the endemic associations Festucetum picturatae, Rhododendretum myrtifolii, a rare relict group of the ice age Centrario–Vaccinietum gaultherioides. The species composition of cenoses including G. punctata is also undergoing transformation affected by heavy pastoral load. In areas with heavy grazing, small clusters of G. punctata in the subalpine zone remain mostly in the gaps between the thickets of Pinus mugo Turra, D. viridis s and Juniperus communis subsp. nana. As in the case of G. lutea, the unfavourable species adjacent to G. punctata is D. saespitosa of high viability. Normal development of G. acaulis populations was found only in loosely coated cenoses comprised of Potentilla aurea L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Festuca picturata Pils, Carex sempervirens Vill., Thymus sp., Anthoxanthum alpinum A. et D. Löve, as well as N. stricta and D. caespitosa (L.) Beauv. of low vitality. Adverse phytocenotic conditions for the growth of G. acaulis create species of D. viridis, Achillea submillefolium L., as well as N. stricta and D. caespitosa of high vitality. The consortia of the three species under study include 36 families of animals, with the varying degree of association: obligate (Apidae, Syrphidae, Formicidae, Diptera, Artropoda, Lumbricidae, Acariformes) and optional (Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Noridaidait, Gectuidae, Gectuidae, Chrysomelidae, Cantharididae, Alleculidae).

Secondary endosymbiont diversity of Bemisia tabaci and its parasitoids

Cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important insect pests worldwide. It is known as a species complex consisting of at least 40 cryptic species. Although there are substantial data regarding species composition, parasitoids and endosymbionts of B. tabaci, data on relationship between the pest, parasitoids and endosymbionts are very restricted. Therefore, in this study, secondary endosymbionts in populations of B. tabaci and their parasitoids collected from Turkey and the USA were determined by PCR-based DNA analysis. Whitefly populations in Turkey represented both Mediterranean (MED) and Middle East-Asia Minor1 (MEAM1) genotypes from single or mixed populations of both genotypes. Arsenophonus, Rickettsia and Wolbachia were found in MED, while Hamiltonella and Rickettsia in MEAM1. Whitefly populations collected from Arizona were all MEAM1 and dually infected with Hamiltonella and Rickettsia. The aphelinid parasitoids Encarsia lutea and Eretmocerus mundus predominated in all Turkish populations. While almost all En. lutea populations were infected with Wolbachia, no endosymbionts were detected in any Er. mundus. Parasitoid species and the pattern of secondary endosymbiont infection in Arizona populations were different with Rickettsia detected only from Encarsia sophia while both Rickettsia and Wolbachia were found in Eretmocerus species. As a result, four secondary endosymbionts, namely, Rickettsia, Hamiltonella, Arsenophonus and Wolbachia, were detected from B.tabaci and its parasitoids. Among them only Wolbachia and Rickettsia were found in both the pest and parasitoids. It is conclude that further studies should be pursued to determine effect of these endosymbionts on biology of the parasitoids and success in biological control of B. tabaci.

Genetic diversity and large-scale connectivity of the scleractinian coral Porites lutea in the South China Sea

In light of recent declines in scleractinian communities worldwide, research on the genetic structure of and connectivity among coral populations has assumed importance. However, the genetic structure of corals in the South China Sea (SCS) has remained largely neglected by studies. The genetic structure of the broadcast spawning coral Porites lutea was examined using 482 specimens from 20 sites in the SCS spanning 13° of latitude. Analyses of two nuclear markers congruently revealed that genetic diversity was high in most populations, with relatively lower diversity in Daya Bay (DY). However, we identified a recent bottleneck in P. lutea populations, which may be in accordance with recent coral community declines. Pairwise FST values and principal coordinates analyses indicated large-scale (~ 1500 km) genetic homogeneity among SCS P. lutea populations, possibly attributed to their reproductive strategy (spawning vs. brooding) and historical changes in population sizes. However, populations in DY were highly differentiated from the others, which may reflect the genetic-level adaptation of corals there to lower winter temperatures. Coalescent migration analyses of ITS rDNA markers revealed high levels of gene flow (Nm > 100) among all adjacent populations except between DY and Taiwan. Additionally, universally asymmetrical northward gene flow was identified, possibly reflecting the northward migration of the species in response to global warming. We concluded that populations of P. lutea in the SCS comprise one large panmictic meta-population. However, the lower-diversity, more differentiated northern marginal populations in DY are probably more vulnerable than others to the adverse effects of anthropogenic activities.

Differences in pollination success between local and foreign flower color phenotypes: a translocation experiment with Gentiana lutea (Gentianaceae).

BackgroundThe adaptive maintenance of flower color variation is frequently attributed to pollinators partly because they preferentially visit certain flower phenotypes. We tested whether Gentiana lutea—which shows a flower color variation (from orange to yellow) in the Cantabrian Mountains range (north of Spain)—is locally adapted to the pollinator community.MethodsWe transplanted orange-flowering individuals to a population with yellow-flowering individuals and vice versa, in order to assess whether there is a pollination advantage in the local morph by comparing its visitation rate with the foreign morph.ResultsOur reciprocal transplant experiment did not show clear local morph advantage in overall visitation rate: local orange flowers received more visits than foreign yellow flowers in the orange population, while both local and foreign flowers received the same visits in the yellow population; thus, there is no evidence of local adaptation in Gentiana lutea to the pollinator assemblage. However, some floral visitor groups (such as Bombus pratorum, B. soroensis ancaricus and B. lapidarius decipiens) consistently preferred the local morph to the foreign morph whereas others (such as Bombus terrestris) consistently preferred the foreign morph.DiscussionWe concluded that there is no evidence of local adaptation to the pollinator community in each of the two G. lutea populations studied. The consequences for local adaptation to pollinator on G. lutea flower color would depend on the variation along the Cantabrian Mountains range in morph frequency and pollinator community composition.

Flower colour variation in the montane plant Gentiana lutea L. (Gentianaceae) is unrelated to abiotic factors

Background: Flower colour variation among populations may result from the spatial variation of selective agents. The structure of phenotypic variation informs on the ecological processes related to this variation. Variation in floral traits is mainly attributed to variation in the pollinator fauna, while variation in vegetative traits is usually linked to abiotic factors or herbivores.Aims: We investigated the geographical variation of flower colour (and correlated traits) in Gentiana lutea and the relationship with the variation in abiotic factors.Methods: Phenotypic variation (flower colour, petal length, petal width, stalk length, leaf length, flower number, petal number and number of basal leaves) was assessed in 429 plants of 12 populations located at north-west Iberia. Additionally, we obtained data on the geographical coordinates, elevation, temperature, rainfall and radiation for each population.Results: Populations mostly differed in flower colour, from orange to yellow from west to the east. Abiotic factors were unrelated to variation in either floral or vegetative traits.Conclusions: Phenotypic variation among G. lutea populations does not result from adaptation to environmental factors. Other factors, such as historical events or selective pressure exerted by biotic interactions, might explain the flower colour variation in G. lutea along the Cantabrian Range.

Molecular markers to assess genetic diversity of Gentiana lutea L. from the Ukrainian Carpathians

The aim of the study was to develop the system of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based markers for the assessment of genetic diversity and population genetic studies of Gentiana lutea L. as well as to determine the utility of two indices of marker informativeness. The informativeness was determined for 40 PCR primers of different types (random amplified polymorphic DNA, inter simple sequence repeat, inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism, resistance gene analog polymorphism and conserved DNA-derived polymorphism markers) by evaluating discriminating power (DL) and resolving power (Rp) in a sample of 30 plants from two populations. Analysis of correlation between the index value and the number of differentiated pairs of genotypes in the given sample revealed that DL is more efficient than Rp; therefore, we selected primers based on the DL value. In total, 12 primers with the largest values of DL were chosen. Analysis of genetic relationship among 86 plants from six populations showed that the number of bands produced by the three of selected primers was sufficient to give average bootstrap support across six key nodes in the dendrogram higher than 85%, while using six of the primers resulted in average bootstrap value exceeding 99%. Thus, a minimal set of three to six selected primers are sufficient for a quick assessment of genetic diversity of G. lutea populations, depending on the sample size and degree of differentiation between populations, while the rest of the primers with DL values above 0.8 may be used for ecogenetic surveys. Preliminary results obtained with selected primers indicate the moderate level of genetic variation within the species and significant differentiation among individual populations.

Genetic polymorphism of Gentiana lutea L. (Gentianaceae) populations from the Chornohora Ridge of the Ukrainian Carpathians

The features of genetic structure and level of diversity were investigated for G. lutea populations from Chornohora Ridge of Ukrainian Carpathians using RAPD- and ISSR-PCR. We have shown a high level of genetic diversity for investigated populations. The differences between populations account for 59-72% of the total genetic variation, whereas intrapopulation polymorphism makes up 28-41%. The relationships among genetic variability level and ecological-geographical conditions as well as biological features of the species were assumed to be possible. The obtained results indicate the genetic isolation of G. lutea Chornohora populations from Ukrainian Carpathians. Pozhyzhevska agropopulation was characterized by a high level of polymorphism that means the possibility to use artificial plantings of the investigated species for its conservation.

Ecological and genetic analysis of Gentiana lutea L. populations from Ukrainian Carpatians

Analysis of five natural (Lemska, Gutyn Tomnatyk, Sheshul-Pavlyk, Krachunyeska, Troyaska-Tataruka) and one man-made (Pozhyzhevska) populations of G. lutea of the Ukrainian Carpathians based on the parameters of genetic diversity (polimorphy, heterozygosis, the division of the total genetic variation for intra- and interpopulation) and ecological characteristics (density, age structure, the ability to self-sustaining) as well. Total (Dt) and effective (De) population density and number of indices: regeneration (RI), substitution (SI), aging (AI), age (Δ) and efficiency (ω) were determined. Vitality analysis of populations was performed by the method of Yu. A. Zlobin, while the type of strategy determined by Y. V. Tsaryk approach. Character of self-sustaining was determined by the ratio between the number of individuals of generative and vegetative origin. Analysis of genetic diversity of populations was performed by labeling inter-satellite sequences (ISSR-PCR) and arbitrary DNA ones (RAPD-PCR). Comprehensive analysis of the population states by their ecological and genetic parameters were performed similarly to the 5-point system of N. M. Beltyukova (2010). For the first time an integrated ecological and genetic approach to assessing the current state of the six populations of G. lutea of Ukrainian Carpathians was used. The research results can be used for stabilizing the number of violations and restoring the endangered natural populations. It was established that the indices of genetic polymorphism were similar for different investigated populations. It was found significant genetic divergence, which is due to their geographic isolation and differences in growth conditions. By the results of complex ecological and genetic analysis of G. lutea populations were classified into three groups: stable, relatively stable, unstable. The stability of populations (Lemska, Sheshul-Pavlyk), to our mind, is defined as their environmental and genetic characteristics and location in the conservation area. All this together provides the ability of populations to survive and adapt to changing environmental conditions. As relatively stable was classified population from Gutyn Tomnatyk mount, which, despite the small number of individuals showed high levels of genetic polymorphism. This conservation of the genetic diversity by scanty isolated populations indicates the fact that G. lutea species so far has genetic resources that are capable of restoring the population in case of creation the favorable conditions. Troyaska-Tataruka and Krachunyeska populations was classified as unstable, which is obviously due to positioning of these localities in conditions of heavy anthropogenic pressure and the inability of their individuals to compete with tall shrubs in phytocenoses. The division of localities into separate loci may alter the overall genetic structure of the population; deteriorating of growth conditions may lead to disruption of population structures and, as s result, reduce their stability. Man-made population on Pozhyzhevska by the results of ecological and genetic analysis was stable. The ability of this population to withstand external influences, to compete with other types of groups and explore new territory was determined. Stability of agropopulation from Pozhyzhevska is evidence that artificial plantations of G. lutea in the highlands of Ukrainian Carpathians can serve as a way to preserve the gene pool of this species.

Does sex make a difference? Genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure in two co-occurring species of Gagea (Liliaceae) with contrasting reproductive strategies

Gagea lutea and G. spathacea are spring geophytes naturally co-occurring in woodlands, characterised by contrasting reproductive strategies probably caused by divergent ploidy levels. The hexaploid G. lutea relies on vegetative reproduction by subterranean bulbils in young stages but completely switches to sexual reproduction once a certain bulb size is attained. The nonaploid G. spathacea seems to be sterile and reproduces only vegetatively; the plants continue to form bulbils even in the rare event of flowering. This study used AFLP genotyping to investigate the consequences of these reproductive strategies for genetic diversity. For 150 and 100 samples from three Western Pomeranian populations of G. lutea and G. spathacea, respectively, AFLP fingerprints were analysed for three different spatial scales, the patch, the transect, and the region. Applying a threshold for genotypic identity of <0.05 simple matching distance, 22–30 genets were detected in the three G. lutea populations, with all genets confined to single populations. Clonal genets consisted of 2–9 samples and extended over up to 28 m, but never occupied the whole length of a transect; 67–75% of all patches had different genets. Genetic distances between genets within populations were similar to those recorded between populations. Genotyping of G. spathacea revealed a single clonal genet for all three populations sampled within a distance of 30 km. The absent genetic diversity confirms the suspected sexual sterility. Gagea spathacea seems to be one of the few non-apomictic, fully clonal vascular plants able to occupy a significant range solely by dispersal of vegetative diaspores.

Mating systems of Cuphea laminuligera and Cuphea lutea

In this paper, the mating systems of experimental populations of C. laminuligera and C. lutea are described. Outcrossing rates (t) were estimated for four populations of C. laminuligera and three populations of C. lutea using allozyme phenotypes of open-pollinated individual plant families. Populations were grown at densities of 1.0 × 1.0 m (low) and 0.04 × 0.3 m (high). Pollen and ovule frequencies and single locus and multilocus outcrossing rates were estimated for each population using the mixed-mating model. Multilocus estimates of t ranged from 0.83 to 0.98 and 1.00 to 1.01 for low and high density populations of C. laminuligera, respectively, and 0.17 to 0.26 and 0.36 to 0.54 for low and high density populations of C. lutea, respectively. C. laminuligera is predominantly allogamous; however, selfing rates as great as 17% were observed for this species. C. lutea is predominantly autogamous, but outcrossing rates as great as 54% were observed for this species. Outcrossing rates increased as density increased within C. lutea populations.