Microsatellite Alleles Research Articles

Population structure and genetic diversity of non-native aoudad populations

The aoudad (Ammotragus lervia Pallas 1777) is an ungulate species, native to the mountain ranges of North Africa. In the second half of the twentieth century, it was successfully introduced in some European countries, mainly for hunting purposes, i.e. in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain. We used neutral genetic markers, the mitochondrial DNA control region sequence and microsatellite loci, to characterize and compare genetic diversity and spatial pattern of genetic structure on different timeframes among all European aoudad populations. Four distinct control region haplotypes found in European aoudad populations indicate that the aoudad has been introduced in Europe from multiple genetic sources, with the population in the Sierra Espuña as the only population in which more than one haplotype was detected. The number of detected microsatellite alleles within all populations (< 3.61) and mean proportion of shared alleles within all analysed populations (< 0.55) indicates relatively low genetic variability, as expected for new populations funded by a small number of individuals. In STRUCTURE results with K = 2–4, Croatian and Czech populations cluster in the same genetic cluster, indicating joined origin. Among three populations from Spain, Almeria population shows as genetically distinct from others in results, while other Spanish populations diverge at K = 4. Maintenance of genetic diversity should be included in the management of populations to sustain their viability, specially for small Czech population with high proportion of shared alleles (0.85) and Croatian population that had the smallest estimated effective population size (Ne = 5.4).

Effect of social structure and introduction history on genetic diversity and differentiation

Invasive species are a global threat to biodiversity, and understanding their history and biology is a major goal of invasion biology. Population-genetic approaches allow insights into these features, as population structure is shaped by factors such as invasion history (number, origin and age of introductions) and life-history traits (e.g., mating system, dispersal capability). We compared the relative importance of these factors by investigating two closely related ants, Tetramorium immigrans and Tetramorium tsushimae, that differ in their social structure and invasion history in North America. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite alleles to estimate the source and number of introduction events of the two species, and compared genetic structure among native and introduced populations. Genetic diversity of both species was strongly reduced in introduced populations, which also differed genetically from native populations. Genetic differentiation between ranges and the reduction in microsatellite diversity were more severe in the more recently introduced and supercolonial T.tsushimae. However, the loss of mitochondrial haplotype diversity was more pronounced in T.immigrans, which has single-queen colonies and was introduced earlier. Tetramorium immigrans was introduced at least twice from Western Europe to North America and once independently to South America. Its monogyny might have limited genetic diversity per introduction, but new mutations and successive introductions over a long time may have added to the gene pool in the introduced range. Polygyny in T.tsushimae probably facilitated the simultaneous introduction of several queens from a Japanese population to St. Louis, USA. In addition to identifying introduction pathways, our results reveal how social structure can influence the population-genetic consequences of founder events.

Genetic Analysis of Formosan Subterranean Termite (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Populations in California.

A new infestation of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), was discovered in Canyon Lake, Riverside County, California. We used three mitochondrial DNA (COI, COII, and 16S) and seven polymorphic microsatellite markers to characterize the genetic relationship of the colony with two other colonies that were collected in 1992 and 2018 in La Mesa, San Diego County. Maximum likelihood phylogeny of C. formosanus based on concatenated COI and COII sequences revealed that the two La Mesa populations (CA01 and CA02) and the Canyon Lake population (CA03) were from different maternal lineages. Based on the 14 COII haplotypes of C. formosanus found world-wide, CA01 and CA02 belonged to a haplotype widely distributed across the United States, while CA03 was grouped under a haplotype predominantly found in Asia. Microsatellite allele frequencies across all loci for both La Mesa populations were relatively similar, but significant genetic differences were found between CA02 and CA03 colonies (FST = 0.24; Dest = 0.30; G″ ST = 0.55; P < 0.01).

Genetic diversity and morphological characterisation of three turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L., 1758) populations along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximusL., 1758) is a valuable commercial fish species classified as endangered. The conservation and sustainability of the turbot populations require knowledge of the population’s genetic structure and constant monitoring of its biodiversity. The present study was performed to evaluate the population structure of turbot along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast using seven pairs of microsatellites, two mitochondrial DNA (COIII and CR) and 23 morphological (15 morphometric and 8 meristic) markers. A total of 72 specimens at three locations were genotyped and 59 alleles were identified. The observed number of alleles of microsatellites was more than the effective number of alleles. The overall mean values of observed (Ho) and expected heterogeneity (He) were 0.638 and 0.685. A high rate of migration between turbot populations (overall mean of Nm = 17.484), with the maximum value (19.498) between Shabla and Nesebar locations, was observed. This result corresponded to the low level of genetic differentiation amongst these populations (overall mean Fst = 0.014), but there was no correlation between genetic and geographical distance. A high level of genetic diversity in the populations was also observed. The average Garza-Williamson M index value for all populations was low (0.359), suggesting a reduction in genetic variation due to a founder effect or a genetic bottleneck. Concerning mitochondrial DNA, a total number of 17 haplotypes for COIII and 41 haplotypes for CR were identified. The mitochondrial DNA control region showed patterns with high haplotype diversity and very low nucleotide diversity, indicating a significant number of closely-related haplotypes and suggesting that this population may have undergone a recent expansion. Tajima’s D test and Fu’s FS test suggested recent population growth. Pairwise Fst values were very low. The admixture and lack of genetic structuring found pointed to the populations analysed probably belonging to the same genetic unit. Therefore, a proper understanding and a sound knowledge of the level and distribution of genetic diversity in turbot is an important prerequisite for successful sustainable development and conservation strategies to preserve their evolutionary potential.

Genetic analysis of dicyemid infrapopulations suggests sexual reproduction and host colonization by multiple individuals is common

Dicyemida is a group of small-bodied marine parasites infecting cephalopods with many unknown life history details, such as their population structure and diversity, and their relation to sexual and asexual reproductive stages. To reveal (infra)population structure of Dicyema moschatum Whitman, 1883 in its host (Eledone moschata Lamarck, 1798), we isolated microsatellite sequences from a draft genome of D. moschatum and tested the loci for amplification success and genetic diversity. Eight microsatellite loci were selected for an analysis of D. moschatum populations from several octopus individuals sampled at two Mediterranean localities. The majority of microsatellite alleles were shared across the studied range, but several private alleles were also identified. Analysis of population structure identified two to four genetic clusters, mostly concordant with the geographic origin of the samples. Allelic patterns seen in individual dicyemid genotypes revealed that although dicyemids inside one host individual show low genetic variance, they do not represent genetically identical clones. These results suggest that infection is established by several dicyemid larvae within the lifetime of the host and sexual reproduction of dicyemids occurs inside the host.

Investigating genetic heterogeneity using microsatellite markers after long term selection for egg production in Rhode Island Red chicken

Genetic heterogeneity was investigated using 24 microsatellite markers and genomic DNA of 24 randomly selected birds from the selected and control lines of RIR chicken maintained at ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar. The microsatellite alleles were determined on urea-PAGE, recorded using GelDoc system and the samples were genotyped. The complete genotypic data set was analyzed using POPGENE software. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) means were 0.6306±0.3901 and 0.6528±0.4345 in the selected and control line, respectively. Explicitly the control line contained more Ho mean and thus the more diverse than the selected population. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.5053 (MCW0059) to 0.8421 (MCW0004) with mean of 0.7066±0.020 in the selected line, and from 0.2899 (MCW0059) to 0.9130 (ADL0136) with mean of 0.7095±0.030 in the control line. The Ho mean was less than the He mean in each population; the Chi square and G-square tests revealed significant deviations of almost all the loci from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The selected and control line populations had the corresponding genetic identity and genetic distance of 0.5264 and 0.6418 as original measures, and 0.5528 and 0.5928 as unbiased measures. The phylogenetic analysis revealed their moderate genetic diversity reflecting 29.64 to 32.09% common inheritance. This present investigation thus estimated genetic heterogeneity using a set of microsatellite markers after long term selection for egg production in RIR chicken and could be useful in the study of population dynamics under selection pressure.

Recent extinctions among Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii) and the origin of extant populations

ABSTRACT Little Spotted Kiwi (LSK; Apteryx owenii) have the lowest genetic diversity of five currently recognised kiwi species apparently due to a bottleneck when at most five individuals were translocated to Kapiti Island in 1912. Ancient DNA analyses show that LSK also had the lowest genetic diversity of kiwi species historically, possibly due to population bottlenecks during Pleistocene glaciation. We compare genetic diversity between LSK from Kapiti Island (extant), D’Urville Island (extinct) and the South Island of mainland New Zealand (extinct) at 495 bp of the mitochondrial control region (mtDNA) and 15 nuclear microsatellite loci (nDNA). Despite higher sample sizes in extant (n = 31 mtDNA, 97 nDNA) than recently extinct (n = 10 mtDNA, 9 nDNA) populations, extant LSK have at least 78% fewer mtDNA haplotypes and 52% fewer microsatellite alleles than recently extinct LSK. Extant LSK were strongly divergent from historical LSK for both mtDNA and nDNA (FST = 0.237 to 0.480), but showed greatest similarity with historical samples from Fiordland near the putative source population of Kapiti founders. Microsatellite data suggest that Kapiti LSK could have arisen from as few as three birds and our mtDNA data show that at least two of the founders were female. Our results indicate that substantial genetic diversity has been lost with the recent extinctions of remnant populations. Locating and protecting any last surviving individuals in presumed extinct populations will require intensive conservation efforts, but could also provide an invaluable source of genetic diversity for the species.

Multivariate analysis of five chicken breed in Indonesia based on microsatellite allele frequency

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;This study tries to examine several multivariate methods in classifying genetic diversity using microsatellite allele frequency data.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This study used microsatellite allele frequency data from White Leghorn (n = 48), Kampung (n = 48), Pelung (n = 24), Sentul (n = 24), and Black Kedu (n = 25) from Indonesian Research Institute for Animal Production. Allele frequency data were analyzed by the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method using the POPTREE2 program. The data was also analyzed by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Correspondence Analysis (CA), and Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC) methods using the factoextra and FactoMineR packages in the R 4.0.0 program.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Correspondence Analysis (CA) found Sentul is more closer to Black Kedu. However, based on NJ, PCA, and HCPC showed Sentul is closer to Kampung. Based on the value of Dimension 1, Correspondence Analysis (80.7%) can explain greater variation than PCA (58.9%). However, CA method generated different results compared to NJ, PCA, and HCPC. NJ, PCA, and HCPC found four chicken clusters, namely cluster 1 (White Leghorn), cluster 2 (Pelung), cluster 3 (Black Kedu), and cluster 4 (Kampung and Sentul).&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;In conclusion, HCPC is a better multivariate method for analyzing allele frequency data than PCA and CA. HCPC can be used to analyze allele frequency data better than PCA, because HCPC is a combination of methods from hierarchical clustering and principal components.&lt;/p&gt;

Territorial distribution alleles of SSR-loci of chloroplast DNA of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Belarus

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the main forest forming species in Belarus, which cover 49.2 % of the country’s forested area. The aim of the study was to investigate spatial distribution of microsatellite (SSR) alleles (chloroplast DNA) and identify the features of the genetic structure and genogeographic differentiation of P. sylvestris populations in Belarus. Molecular genetic analysis of six SSR loci of Scotch pine cpDNA in samples form 73 naturally originated stands was carried out. 35 allelic variants of loci PCP1289, PCP4507, PCP83314, PCP71987, PCP26106, PCP30277 were identified. The analysis of the geographic distribution of the dominant allelic variants showed that the population structure of the pine forest is rather homogeneous. Certain regional differences in a number of cases were found for less common, but also widespread variants. One group of alleles is characterized by an increase or decrease in the frequency of occurrence in the direction from the southwest to the northeast. Another group includes allelic variants which share is maximal in the zone covering the Grodno region, the southwestern part of the Minsk region and the Gomel region, while to southwest and to northeast from this zone their frequency of occurrence decreases or is absent. A number of alleles were found only in one of the analyzed stands or in a limited area, which may indicate their local origin as a result of spontaneous mutations. The obtained results are important both from a general biological point of view in studying the evolution and formation of the genetic structure of P. sylvestris in Belarus, and from a practical point of view, since they allow to improve the forest seed zoning of the species.

Accuracy of Imputation of Microsatellite Markers from a 50K SNP Chip in Spanish Assaf Sheep.

Simple SummaryParentage misassignments directly affect genetic gain in traditional breeding programs. The use of genetic markers facilitates parentage verification. In sheep, microsatellite markers and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers have been proposed by the International Society of Animal Sciences (ISAG) for parentage testing. Since the implementation of genomic selection, the microsatellite information used for parental testing in previous generations is gradually being replaced by SNPs. However, parentage verifications should all be performed using the same technology. A strategy for transitioning from microsatellites to SNP markers, while avoiding extra genotyping costs, is the imputation of microsatellite alleles from SNP haplotypes. This study aims to identify the optimum approach, using a minimum number of SNPs to accurately impute microsatellite markers and developing a low-density SNP chip for parentage verification in the Assaf sheep breed. The imputation approach described here reached high accuracies using a low number of SNP markers, which supports the development of a low-density SNP chip that could avoid the problems of genotyping with both technologies, being a cost-effective method for parentage testing. This study will help sheep breeders to perform parentage verification when different genotyping platforms have been used across generations.Transitioning from traditional to new genotyping technologies requires the development of bridging methodologies to avoid extra genotyping costs. This study aims to identify the optimum number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) necessary to accurately impute microsatellite markers to develop a low-density SNP chip for parentage verification in the Assaf sheep breed. The accuracy of microsatellite marker imputation was assessed with three metrics: genotype concordance (C), genotype dosage (length r2), and allelic dosage (allelic r2), for all imputation scenarios tested (0.5–10 Mb microsatellite flanking SNP windows). The imputation accuracy for the three metrics analyzed for all haplotype lengths tested was higher than 0.90 (C), 0.80 (length r2), and 0.75 (allelic r2), indicating strong genotype concordance. The window with 2 Mb length provides the best accuracy for the imputation procedure and the design of an affordable low-density SNP chip for parentage testing. We additionally evaluated imputation performance under two null models, naive (imputing the most common allele) and random (imputing by randomly selecting the allele), which in comparison showed weak genotype concordances (0.41 and 0.15, respectively). Therefore, we describe a precise methodology in the present article to impute multiallelic microsatellite genotypes from a low-density SNP chip in sheep and solve the problem of parentage verification when different genotyping platforms have been used across generations.

Identification of New (GT)n, (AC)n, (TC)n, and (TGA)n Microsatellite Alleles and their Effects on Teat Number in Sows

Identification of New (GT)n, (AC)n, (TC)n, and (TGA)n Microsatellite Alleles and their Effects on Teat Number in Sows

Use of SNPs from Illumina BovineSNP50K BeadChip v3 for imputation of microsatellite alleles for parentage verification and QTL reporting

The present study aimed to test the possibility of avoiding expensive retesting of the whole parental generation for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to provide additional analysis of microsatellites in offspring in the transitional period and to analyse the likelihood of imputation of the International Society for Animal Genetics-recommended microsatellite markers from selected SNPs. The imputation and pedigree verification of 9 520 animals (representing 84 dairy bulls, 285 dairy cows, 3 202 beef bulls and 5 949 beef cows) were analysed by the method using 9 410 SNP haplotypes (incorporating an average of 73 SNPs per haplotype). The imputation method was confirmed to allow the parentage verification of up to 87% of the analysed animals without the need for retesting. The most problematic locus was TGLA53, with only 78% successful imputation. Seven loci (BM2113, ETH225, TGLA227, BM1824, SPS115, TGLA122 and TGLA126) had more than 90% imputing accuracy and success of imputation. The success of imputation also depends on the breed and the call rate of the test results. The highest imputation accuracy was found for the Holstein breed; the other six breeds had over 90% successful imputation rates, four breeds had imputation rates between 85.0 and 89.9%, and ten breeds (rarely bred in the Czech Republic) had imputation rates below 85.0%. A call rate of SNP tests lower than 90% indicates problems with haplotype construction and thus deterioration in the success of imputation. The analysis of a possibility of using all possible information from Illumina BovineSNP50K BeadChip v3 showed 109 SNPs encoding 51 quantitative trait loci markers. Haplotypes were designed for interpretation of the most important markers for diseases, exterior and performance. The most important markers for Holstein breeders were chosen as kappa- (variants A, B and E) and beta-casein (variants A1, A2), Holstein haplotypes affecting fertility (HH1, HH3, and HH4) and loci causing genetic defects, bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency and deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthetase. The results estimated from bovine bead chips corresponded to the expected distribution of the incidence of these traits in the population and were verified by PCR-RFLP tests.

Seascape Genomics of the Sugar Kelp Saccharina latissima along the North Eastern Atlantic Latitudinal Gradient.

Temperature is one of the most important range-limiting factors for many seaweeds. Driven by the recent climatic changes, rapid northward shifts of species’ distribution ranges can potentially modify the phylogeographic signature of Last Glacial Maximum. We explored this question in detail in the cold-tolerant kelp species Saccharina latissima, using microsatellites and double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing ( ddRAD-seq) derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to analyze the genetic diversity and structure in 11 sites spanning the entire European Atlantic latitudinal range of this species. In addition, we checked for statistical correlation between genetic marker allele frequencies and three environmental proxies (sea surface temperature, salinity, and water turbidity). Our findings revealed that genetic diversity was significantly higher for the northernmost locality (Spitsbergen) compared to the southern ones (Northern Iberia), which we discuss in light of the current state of knowledge on phylogeography of S. latissima and the potential influence of the recent climatic changes on the population structure of this species. Seven SNPs and 12 microsatellite alleles were found to be significantly associated with at least one of the three environmental variables. We speculate on the putative adaptive functions of the genes associated with the outlier markers and the importance of these markers for successful conservation and aquaculture strategies for S. latissima in this age of rapid global change.

Expanding population edge craniometrics and genetics provide insights into dispersal of commensal rats through Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

The Nusa Tenggara island chain consists of an archipelago that runs roughly east-west in eastern Indonesia. As part of Wallacea, it has never been connected to any continental landmass, and has been subject to a variety of biological invasions that have populated the islands. Here, we examine the craniometric and molecular genetic records of several species of Rattus sensu lato in the island chain. We use the predictions of expanding population edge phenotypic selection in an effort to understand the movement of Rattus rattus and Rattus exulans through the archipelago. We also examine the mitochondrial haplotype networks of R. argentiventer, R. exulans, and the R. rattus Complex (RrC) and microsatellite allele frequency clustering patterns for the RrC, to examine relationships within and between Nusa Tenggara populations, and those of Asia and the Pacific where relevant for each taxon. In the RrC LIV and RrC LII haplotype networks, 20 haplotypes with seven from Nusa Tenggara were observed for RrC LIV, and 100 haplotypes with seven from Nusa Tenggara observed for RrC LII. The top performing RrC craniometric model had a negative association between size and distance from the easternmost point of the samples from Nusa Tenggara, consistent with increasing size moving west to east. The cytochrome b network for the R. exulans sequences comprised 14 haplotypes, with three observed from mainland Southeast Asia, one shared with Nusa Tenggara and regions further east, and another haplotype observed in Nusa Tenggara and in the Pacific. The R. exulans craniometric model selection produced four equally well performing models, with no migration scenario preferred. Finally, the haplotype network of R. argentiventer comprised 10 haplotypes, with six observed in Nusa Tenggara, including a relatively early cluster from the east of the archipelago. Our results are compatible with a polyphasic and polydirectional invasion of Nusa Tenggara by Rattus, likely beginning with RrC from the west to the east, an expansion of R. exulans from Flores, seemingly in no preferred overall direction, and finally the invasion of R. argentiventer from the east to the west. We find some support for the Dong Son drum maritime exchange network contributing to the distribution of the latter species.

Effects of urbanization on population genetic structure of western gray squirrels

Habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization are key contributors to the decline of biodiversity. The consequence of these factors is small, isolated populations that are more susceptible to deterministic and stochastic threats of extinction. There is an increasing trend in population reductions of the western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) in urban areas of Southern California, USA. Griffith Park (GP) contains one of the last urban populations of western gray squirrels (WGS) present in Los Angeles. We used hairtubes to collect hair of WGS at 3 sites within GP and at 5 sites outside of GP. Twelve microsatellite loci and a 550 bp segment of the mitochondrial control region were used to examine the genetic diversity within GP and among all sample sites, and to determine gene flow within GP. Results revealed subpopulations within GP have low levels of allelic richness at microsatellite loci (AR = 2.28–2.53) and low mitochondrial haplotype diversity (HD = 0.000–0.271). We found significant genetic differentiation (FST = 0.109–0.156, p < 0.001), high levels of relatedness within each GP subpopulation (0.399–0.633), and a lack of private alleles (AP = 0.09–0.27) at microsatellite loci. Mode shifts in microsatellite allele frequencies and positive M-ratio tests provide evidence of bottlenecks within a GP subpopulation. The effective population size for GP (Ne = 9.1) highlights the effects of genetic drift on this isolated population. We suggest conservation efforts that could maintain these last extant populations of a native species in urban Los Angeles.

Newly discovered cichlid fish biodiversity threatened by hybridization with non-native species.

Invasive freshwater fishes are known to readily hybridize with indigenous congeneric species, driving loss of unique and irreplaceable genetic resources. Here we reveal that newly discovered (2013-2016) evolutionarily significant populations of Korogwe tilapia (Oreochromis korogwe) from southern Tanzania are threatened by hybridization with the larger invasive Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We use a combination of morphology, microsatellite allele frequencies and whole genome sequences to show that O. korogwe from southern lakes (Nambawala, Rutamba and Mitupa) are distinct from geographically disjunct populations in northern Tanzania (Zigi River and Mlingano Dam). We also provide genetic evidence of O. korogwe×niloticus hybrids in three southern lakes and demonstrate heterogeneity in the extent of admixture across the genome. Finally, using the least admixed genomic regions we estimate that the northern and southern O. korogwe populations most plausibly diverged ~140,000years ago, suggesting that the geographical separation of the northern and southern groups is not a result of a recent translocation, and instead these populations represent independent evolutionarily significant units. We conclude that these newly discovered and phenotypically unique cichlid populations are already threatened by hybridization with an invasive species, and propose that these irreplaceable genetic resources would benefit from conservation interventions.

Genetic diversity assessment in pea cultivars and lines using the SSR analysis

Background. Pea is the main leguminous crop in the Republic of Bashkortostan and widespread all over the world. The key role in the breeding of new pea cultivars is played by source material representing the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of Pisum sativum L., searched for in plant genetic resources collections. SSR markers are successfully used to study the DNA polymorphism of various genetic objects, including pea. However, the distribution of a number of microsatellite alleles in the genotypes of specific lines and cultivars of this valuable pulse crop remains practically unexplored.Materials and methods. Molecular genetic polymorphism was studied in 40 pea cultivar accessions of different ecological and geographical origin from the Vavilov Institute’s genebank of plant genetic resources or developed at regional breeding centers. Microsatellite analysis was performed using 5 SSR markers from the genomic library of microsatellites (Agrogene®, France).Results. All markers delivered good electrophoretic profiles and helped to amplify a number of alleles per locus varying from 2 (AB53) to 9 (AA355). The total number of alleles was 26, while the average number of alleles per locus was 5.2. The polymorphism information content (PIC) varied from 0.39 for locus AB53 to 0.82 for locus AA355, with the mean value of 0.60. The set of SSR markers used in the work made it possible to individualize each of the studied pea genotypes. The measured genetic distances were used to draw a dendrogram showing the distribution of genotypes according to their genetic relationship.Conclusion. Through studying the source material for pea breeding by the SSR analysis the data were obtained that provide additional information about the genetic structure of the collection and the polymorphism of the studied cultivar accessions. The results of genotyping pea cultivars and lines can be used for their genetic identification or to select parental pairs for hybridization.

Do olfactory cues from males with different avpr1a genotypes affect female mate choice in prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster?

Multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain female mate choice and some of the mechanisms underlying these choices. Females prairie voles display social and mating preferences for males with longer avpr1a microsatellite alleles, which provide more paternal care and exhibit less interest in novel females compared to males with shorter avpr1a microsatellite alleles. The cues females use to differentiate among males with different avpr1a genotypes are unknown, so the objective of our study was to determine if females can discriminate among males with different avpr1a genotypes using only male olfactory cues. In a laboratory choice test, females simultaneously presented with soiled bedding from a male with short versus long avpr1a microsatellite alleles showed no significant difference in the total time spent investigating each type of bedding. Nor did a greater number of females spend more time investigating soiled bedding from males with short versus long avpr1a microsatellite alleles. These findings were not influenced by female estrous status or their own avpr1a genotype. Our results suggest olfactory cues alone are insufficient to explain a female’s ability to discriminate between males with different avpr1a genotypes and future research should focus on different cues or a combination of cues.

Genetic monitoring of progeny derived from natural spawning of Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758 and Acipenser stellatus Pallas, 1771 as well as their hybrids in the Lower Volga river during the period 2017 to 2019

The state of natural spawning of sturgeons in the Lower Volga River was investigated through genetic monitoring of juveniles (larvae, fingerlings, subadults) captured at seven traditionally used monitoring locations. Sampling was performed during the period 2017–2019. In total, 460 individuals were caught and genotyped using a set of six microsatellite loci (Afug41, Afug51, Afug135, An20, AoxD161, AoxD165) and mtDNA control region sequencing. The observed species-specific microsatellite alleles revealed the presence of juvenile sturgeons originating from natural spawning also included some hybrids between Acipenser stellatus and A. ruthenus. Thus, the majority of sterlet breeding takes place in natural spawning grounds but also sterlet hybridizes with a small number of stellate sturgeons. Juveniles of other sturgeon species were not identified, and it is concluded that natural spawning activities of Russian sturgeon, beluga and ship sturgeon were insignificant or even absent in the Lower Volga during the observation period.

Y-chromosome genetic diversity of Bos indicus cattle in close proximity to the centre of domestication

Y-chromosome genetic diversity in and around its domestication origin and a better understanding of indicine-specific microsatellite alleles are imperative concerns but less -targeted. We analysed Y-chromosome markers in 301 bulls representing 19 native Indian cattle (Bos indicus) and identified new alleles and haplotypes. Compared to other indicine studies, the high Y-haplotype diversity found in Indian cattle supports the hypothesis of greater genetic variability across the centre of origin decreasing along migratory routes with increasing distance. Hence, a considerable paternal genetic diversity of Indian cattle appears to have been lost in transboundary commercial indicine breeds. The Khillar and Gir are the most diversified populations where the first tends to be the well-differentiated traditional breed carrying strikingly distinct Y-lineages with typical BM861-158 bp allele, characteristics of taurine cattle, while retaining standard indicine lineages for all other markers. Geographical distribution found to be an unreliable predictor of parental variation, and Y-lineages seemed closely related to Indian breed function/utility. The comprehensive Y-chromosome information will be useful to examine the demographic expansion/spread of Bos indicus lineages from close proximity to the domestication centre across different countries worldwide and such diversity should be preserved through effective management and conservation programs.