Natural Distribution Area Research Articles

Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema spp.) damage reduces yield and is more severe when natural enemy action is prevented

Insect pests pose a global threat to crop yield. Biological control by natural enemies aims to reduce pest damage in a sustainable way. Cereal leaf beetles (CLB; Oulema spp.) are major pests in small-grain cereals. We studied the effect of natural enemies on CLB damage and its consequences on yield within its native distribution area in Europe. In exclusion cage experiments and by documenting a naturally occurring CLB damage gradient, we found that CLB damage reduced yield, but natural enemy action reduced the damage by CLB. Comparing exclusion and open treatments on artificially CLB-infested plants, plants accessible to natural enemies had 30% less leaf damage. CLB damage significantly affected yield parameters. Thousand grain weight was 22–29% less in maximum leaf damage scenarios. In the damage gradient field, maximal infestation reduced grain yield by 52%. However, maximal damage occurred only on a few plants and over small areas. In natural infestation cases, the number of CLB larvae per plant had a median of zero; nevertheless, there were more than 35 larvae on 10% of the plants. Patchiness explained 40% of CLB damage variance. Damage was unevenly distributed; as a result, thousand grain weight decreased only by 1.6% for 75% of the plants but by 18% for 10% of the plants. In the natural damage gradient, the estimated yield loss for the entire field was 16% due to CLB. Skewed CLB distribution may lead to perceptible yield losses locally, but natural enemies may limit overall damage to the crop.

Apis florea in Europe: first report of the dwarf honey bee in Malta

ABSTRACTS The Red dwarf honey bee (Apis florea), is a single-comb open-nesting member of the genus Apis with a natural distribution area stretching from the Indomalayan realm on the east to the Persian Gulf on the west. However, it is reportedly colonising new territories mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Nowadays it can be found from Taiwan on the east, to Jordan, the Arabian Peninsula and North-eastern Africa on the west. Here we present the first scientific record of a fully established colony of A. florea in Europe. The colony was found on Malta, a crossway of naval routes in the Mediterranean Sea. We documented the incident with photos, collected samples of workers and drones and sequenced the mtDNA COI gene to confirm assignment to A. florea. Also, we alert the competent authorities and the beekeeping community to be vigilant and ready to undertake effective eradication measures. In the paper, we discuss the risks and the potential consequences associated with the invasion of A. florea in Europe.

New COI-COII mtDNA Region Haplotypes in the Endemic Honey Bees Apis mellifera intermissa and Apis mellifera sahariensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Algeria.

The practice of beekeeping in Algeria is of great cultural, social, and economic importance. However, the importation of non-local subspecies reported by beekeepers has disrupted the natural geographical distribution area and the genetic diversity of the native honey bees. To assess the genetic diversity of A. m. intermissa and A. m. sahariensis, and their relationships with African and European subspecies, the COI-COII intergenic region was analyzed in 335 individuals, 68 sampled in Algeria, 71 in Europe, Madagascar, and the South West Indian Ocean archipelagos, and 196 sequences recovered from GenBank. The results show the presence of the A lineage exclusively in Algerian samples with the identification of 24 haplotypes of which 16 are described for the first time. These haplotypes were found to be shared by both subspecies, with A74 being the most common haplotype in the population studied. The sequence comparison indicates the existence of three polymorphisms of the COI-COII marker: P0Q, P0QQ, and P0QQQ. One new haplotype was identified in the M lineage in samples from France. No evidence of genetic introgression within the Algerian honey bee population was detected. These data enhance our knowledge of the genetic diversity and emphasize the importance of protecting these local subspecies.

Leaf morphological variation in Betula medwediewii Regel populations from Türkiye

Leaf variations of Betula medwediewii in Türkiye with respect to its distribution pattern were studied because this plant taxon is a Euxine element and a distinct relict species in Türkiye. In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate variations in leaf morphological characteristics within and among B. medwediewii populations in natural distribution areas in Türkiye. Thus, the morphological leaf characteristics of four populations of B. medwediewii growing at different elevations spanning from 1472 to 2065 m.a.s.l in two cities (Artvin and Rize) and four boroughs (Arhavi, Borçka, Murgul, and Çamlıhemşin) of Türkiye were analyzed. The four populations were selected based on their natural distribution and 1,200 leaf samples belonging to 40 individuals were measured with ImageJ. According to the results of correlation analysis, statistically significant relationships were determined among morphological leaf characteristics. Mean values for petiole length (1.16 cm), leaf width (5.11 cm), leaf length (7.96 cm), length of lamina (6.79 cm), leaf area (26.62 cm²), leaf vein angle (54.21°), and number of primary leaf veins (20.03) were determined in all populations. Because B. medwediewii contributes to biodiversity and can preserve the ecological stability of the Turkish forest area, its conservation is crucial.

Determining environmental drivers of global mud snail invasions using climate and hydroclimate models

Climate change and invasive species represent two intertwined global environmental challenges profoundly affecting freshwater ecosystems. This study uses Ecological Niche Modeling along with risk screening to delve into the preferences and potential distribution of Potamopyrgus antipodarum, an invasive species, in relation to climate zones and habitat types, shedding light on the critical importance of coastal wetlands and high soil organic carbon content in shaping habitat suitability. Our findings underscore that P. antipodarum exhibits a distinct affinity for cool temperate, moist climates, as well as temperate floodplain rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas. Notably, coastal wetlands, endowed with elevated soil organic carbon levels, emerged as pivotal habitats for this species. Projections indicated a significant expansion in North America, potentially extending into South America. Türkiye reveals an intriguing alignment between its habitat and the natural distribution areas of P. antipodarum, presenting potential for habitat contraction while still retaining a broader range compared to other regions. These potential expansions were predominantly driven by climate suitability, playing a pivotal role in the invasiveness of P. antipodarum, with anticipated future climate regimes exerting substantial influence on its dispersal capabilities.

Histopathological Lesions Caused by a Digenean Trematode in a Pest Apple Snail, Pomacea canaliculata, in Its Native Geographic Distribution Area.

Pomacea canaliculata is one of the most dangerous invasive species. Morphological and molecular analyses have revealed that a digenean species belonging to the family Echinostomatidae parasitizes this snail at two sites in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, South America. Molecular results confirmed that the species belongs to a genus closely related to Patagifer. Analysis of the 28S rDNA showed that the sequences of the rediae and metacercariae are identical, indicating that the apple snail acts as the first and second intermediate host. The cercariae may encyst as metacercaria inside the redia and also emerge and re-infect the same snail or another snail. The prevalence of digeneans was higher in one of the sampling locations (15.1% vs. 0.72%), probably because the bird species that acts as the definitive host is more abundant in that area. Histopathological examination showed that the parasite quickly invades multiple host organs (gills, intestines, albumen gland, lung, kidney, and mantle border) besides the gonad and digestive gland, as is usual in digeneans. In addition, the partial or total castration of snails was observed in cases of moderate and high infection intensity. In males, there was loss of integrity in testicular tubules, while in females, the replacement of ovarian tissue by rediae was found.

Phenotypic and Molecular Diversity of Wild Populations of Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret in the Southern Area of Natural Distribution

Acca sellowiana is a subtropical tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) native to southern Brazil and northeastern Uruguay. It is recognized for its value as a fruit-bearing, ornamental, and medicinal species. Based on distinctive characteristics of fruits, seeds, and leaves, as well as its geographical distribution pattern, two variants of the species are distinguished: the “Brazilian type” and the “Uruguayan type”. The objective of this study was to characterize, for the first time, the diversity of 202 individuals from four wild populations in Uruguay, representative of the species’ most southern natural distribution. Twenty-three morphological descriptors (leaf, flower, and fruit) and 204 RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers were used. The morphological data collected validated the main criteria that distinguish “Uruguayan type” populations from “Brazilian type” populations, such as lower seed weight and fruit size, thin and slightly rough skin, high pulp percentage, and hairy white abaxial leaf surfaces. Analyses of both morphological and molecular data indicated wide diversity and strong population structuring, which is relevant information for designing conservation plans, sustainable utilization, and genetic improvement of the plant genetic resources of this species.

Divergence in cold tolerance promotes niche differentiation between diploid and polyploid kiwifruits along an altitudinal gradient in Southwest China

Polyploidization is hypothesized to improve the freezing resistance of plants in cold regions. However, adaptive strategies and key physiological mechanisms involved in the freezing resistant ability of polyploids remain unclear. In Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruits), the tetraploids and hexaploids occupy higher altitude habitats with colder climates than the diploids, providing a study system to investigate mechanisms responsible for differentiation in freezing resistance between cytotypes. We characterized environmental conditions of their natural distribution areas, and measured leaf‐level traits of cold damages and water relations at typical sites of each cytotype along an altitudinal gradient. Polyploids showed lower semi‐lethal temperature (LT50) than ice nucleation temperature (INT), reflecting a tolerance strategy to cope with freezing events in the plateau regions. More negative turgor loss points and larger cell elastic modulus of polyploids could help to alleviate damages from freezing‐induced cell dehydration, thus strengthening their tolerance to lower subzero temperatures (lower LT50). The increased supercooling capacity of polyploids (lower INT) might correlate with less extracellular ice formation due to lower osmotic potential at full turgor, apoplastic water fraction and tissue capacitance. Our study uncovers a greater cold tolerance in polyploid kiwifruits than diploids, and suggests the potential linkage between freezing tolerance and water relations. Taken together, such a divergence in stress resistance may underlie the niche shift of polyploid plants towards harsh environments.

Isospora similisi recovered from a new host, Saltator aurantiirostris, with supplementary molecular data and notes on its taxonomy and distribution in the Neotropical region.

This article reports on a golden-billed saltator Saltator aurantiirostris Vieillot, 1817, kept in captivity outside its natural distribution area, in the proximities of the Itatiaia National Park, as a new host for Isospora similisi Coelho, Berto, Neves, Oliveira, Flausino & Lopes, 2013. Additionally, a supplementary molecular identification is provided through the sequencing of three non-overlapping loci of mitochondrial DNA and one locus of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene. All the taxonomic features of the I. similisi oocysts shed by S. aurantiirostris were equivalent to those originally described from Saltator similis d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837. The new sequenced loci were identical, or showed 99.9% similarity, to the samples of I. similisi from S. similis and S. aurantiirostris, confirming the same species from both hosts. Lastly, I. similisi is estimated as a junior synonym of Isospora formarum McQuistion & Capparella, 1992, due to the morphological similarities and wide distribution of its hosts in the Neotropical region. Therefore, this study encourages future taxonomic inquiries into I. similisi collected from other Saltator spp. in order to establish this synonymization of I. formarum with I. similisi, and hence, its wide distribution and dispersion in the Neotropical region, including across the Andes mountains.

Histological analysis of <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i> infection in <i>Quercus pyrenaica</i> in Northern Portugal

<abstract> <p><italic>Quercus pyrenaica</italic> Willd thrives in the intermediate zone between the Mediterranean sclerophyllous and the temperate deciduous forest. In December 2022, the presence of the bacteria <italic>Xylella fastidiosa (Xf)</italic> was confirmed in samples collected from a <italic>Quercus pyrenaica</italic> located in Sabrosa, Vila Real, Portugal. Following <italic>Xf</italic> infection, the transport of water and nutrients is hindered due to the occlusion of xylem vessels. This loss of hydraulic conductivity may lead to vessel blockage and subsequent embolism formation. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction between <italic>Xf</italic> and <italic>Quercus pyrenaica</italic> tissues, as well as the mechanism by which the bacteria can spread through the plant's xylem vessels, ultimately resulting in the formation of vascular plugs. At the time of the sample collection (10 months post-detection), symptoms of Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS) began to appear. Examination of xylem vessels using both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of various types of occlusions, predominantly tyloses. Additionally, fibrillar networks, gums, starch grains, and crystals were observed. The stem vessels exhibited significantly more occlusions compared to the leaves. Furthermore, individual bacterial cells were observed to be attached to the vessel wall. This implies that occlusions were primarily induced by tyloses and gums as a defensive response to the invasion of vascular pathogens, in addition to the pathogen itself. This study highlights the presence of starch grains in stems, which may function as a refilling mechanism, thereby preventing the loss of hydraulic conductivity in plants and potentially acting as a means to entrap the bacteria. These mechanisms exemplify the constitutive defense systems of the plant against <italic>Xf</italic>. Understanding the interaction between <italic>Xylella fastidiosa</italic> and <italic>Quercus pyrenaica</italic> is crucial, given that the latter species occupies nearly 95% of the natural distribution area of Portugal.</p> </abstract>

Karadeniz Somonunun Yolculuğu: Havuzdan Sofraya

Black Sea salmon is from the Salmonidae family and is an endemic species distributed in the Black Sea. These fish, which exhibit anadromous behavior, prefer parts of rivers close to their source for reproduction and the Black Sea for feeding. The first cultivation study of this species, which has high consumer preference and economic value, was started by SUMAE in 1998. As a result of 24 years of work, F7 generation broodstock was created. In order to popularize the production of the species, the private sector was supported with broodstock. In this study, the breeding process of Black Sea salmon was examined and the introduction of the species was aimed. Today, 25 private sector enterprises have production licenses and many enterprises carry out commercial production of the species in the form of trial production with 1603 tons in total. Commercial production is concentrated in the Eastern Black Sea Region, which is the natural distribution area of the species. While enterprises that produce portion size in ponds and have restaurants prefer the red-spotted stream ecotype in production, enterprises that produce large-sized fish in dam lakes and the sea prefer the marine ecotype, which reaches sexual maturity late and has a better growth performance than other ecotypes. Since Black Sea salmon is our only endemic trout species showing typical salmon characteristics, its adaptation to the natural environmental conditions of our country for sea net cage and freshwater aquaculture is quite good.

New record for the flora of Kurdistan region of Iraq: Eranthis kurdica (Ranunculaceae)

Eranthis kurdica Rukšāns (Ranunculaceae), a new record for flora of Kurdistan region of Iraq, is described. The specimens were collected in Akre/Hewler province, Kurdistan region of Iraq. Among them, Eranthis kurdica is known from Iran and Turkey, new added to Kurdistan region of Iraq. Detailed morphological description, vernacular name, its photographs in its natural distribution area and the updated map of the distribution area are presented in the study.

Morphometric Diversity for Rootstock Characteristics of Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna L.) Populations in The Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye

The Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) is native to Türkiye, where it is found only in small, scattered, and isolated populations within its natural distribution area. These remaining populations are of critical importance for conservation, for continued use as a natural reservoir, and natural selection. The trees are up to 400 years old and already well-adapted to harsh environmental conditions. In recent years, this species has drawn the attention of agriculture and forest practitioners and scientists in several countries who use this important and valuable tree species in studies of the effects of climate change. The origin and genotype of the reproductive material of this species play a key role in its adaptation to environmental conditions, and possible cultivation. The purpose of this study is to reveal the variation of genotypes selected from 13 different populations in Kastamonu and Bolu provinces in terms of rootstock characteristics. These regions are the locations where the Turkish tree hazel is most abundant. For this aim, the growth habit, vigor, number of suckers, and internode of one-year-old shoots were scored on the parent trees. A Kruskal Wallis-H test was applied to the non-parametric data to determine if there were differences among the populations for each variable and the total number of points. Then the Mann-Whitney-U test was used for differences among the groups. In addition, the phylogenetic relationship among the populations and genotypes was revealed by Cluster analysis. Among the rootstocks scored, KTU3 and KTU64 provided the highest score according to non-suckering and strong growth. It has been observed that individuals in Turkish hazelnut populations generally do not form suckers (%89.4) and show strong growth. C. colurna trees were observed to be individual and scattered in the population. Most of the trees are elderly and need to be protected in situ. Turkish hazel population will play a key role in production and sustainable such as to develop rootstock and variety in agriculture production, sustainable forest development, and for ecological adaptation in climate change scenarios.

Research on Compensation System for Ecological Environment Damage—Taking Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan Province as an Example

The construction of ecological civilization is a process of sustainable development. Environmental protection extends from individual interests to social public interests, from general tort compensation to environmental public interest litigation and ecological environmental damage compensation, which effectively improves the ecological environment. As the most important natural forest distribution area in Sichuan Province, Ganzi Prefecture is an important part of the ecological protection barrier and “China Water tower” in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. It is rich in forest, grassland and wetland resources and has a good ecological environment. This paper mainly makes an empirical study of the ecological environment damage compensation system in Ganzi Prefecture, and puts forward some suggestions for improving the system.

First insights into genetic structure and diversity of Corylus colurna L. for conservation of its genetic resources and possible assisted migration

Climate change is already affecting all forest ecosystems and threatening species therein. By establishing mixed forests incorporating other tree species (e. g. scattered broadleaves) adaptation of forest stands to changing environmental conditions can be improved and the risks minimized. Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) has been currently discussed as a valuable so-called alternative tree species in some European regions because it is well adapted to difficult environmental conditions. However, in its natural distribution area Turkish hazel has been overexploited because of its valuable wood and can only be found in small and isolated populations. Therefore, we examined the genetic structure and variation of Turkish hazel covering most of its natural distribution range in Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and the Balkan Peninsula. Altogether, 689 Turkish hazel trees from 25 populations were analysed at 15 nuclear and five chloroplast microsatellite markers. Both data sets revealed distinct genetic clusters of Turkish hazel in its natural distribution range, suggesting separate refugia and migration pathways during the Holocene. Medium to high level genetic variation was found, with somewhat lower values in Georgia and Turkey compared to the Balkan populations. Overall, our results highlight the need to delineate provenance regions, identify gene conservation units (GCUs) and seed stands for Turkish hazel which are essential for species conservation, provenance research and possible assisted migration attempts. Based on our results each country is able now to start conservation programs and select GCUs for Turkish hazel.

Analysis of gaps in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) collections in European genebanks.

Rapeseed is one of the most important agricultural crops and is used in many ways. Due to the advancing climate crisis, the yield potential of rapeseed is increasingly impaired. In addition to changing environmental conditions, the expansion of cultivated areas also favours the infestation of rapeseed with various pests and pathogens. This results in the need for continuous further development of rapeseed varieties. To this end, the potential of the rapeseed gene pool should be exploited, as the various species included in it contain promising resistance alleles against pests and pathogens. In general, the biodiversity of crops and their wild relatives is increasingly endangered. In order to conserve them and to provide impulses for breeding activities as well, strategies for the conservation of plant genetic resources are necessary. In this study, we investigated to what extent the different species of the rapeseed gene pool are conserved in European genebanks and what gaps exist. In addition, a niche modelling approach was used to investigate how the natural distribution ranges of these species are expected to change by the end of the century, assuming different climate change scenarios. It was found that most species of the rapeseed gene pool are significantly underrepresented in European genebanks, especially regarding representation of the natural distribution areas. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the natural distributions are expected to change, in some cases significantly, as a result of ongoing climate change. It is therefore necessary to further develop strategies to prevent the loss of wild relatives of rapeseed. Based on the results of the study, as a first step we have proposed a priority list of species that should be targeted for collecting in order to conserve the biodiversity of the rapeseed gene pool in the long term.

Determination of fruit characteristics of some fig genotypes (Ficus carica L.) obtained by selection breeding in the eastern Mediterranean region

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is a fruit species whose cultural history is old, what is making it related to the Ficus genus of the Moraceae (Mulberry) family. The study was conducted in Kahramanmaras and Osmaniye, that are located in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, in 2016-2022. Fig cultivation is extensive in that area and at the same time in the natural fig plantation regions. Pomological and phenological analyzes were carried out on 20 fig genotypes determined in the research. The fruit weight of the fig genotypes varied between 80.79 - 40.37 g, and the average peel thickness was between 3.79-2.28 mm. The highest soluble solids value is in the genotypes 46-OS-1 at 25%, whereas the lowest soluble solids value is in the genotypes 46-TR-9 and 80-DZ-2 at 17%, and the highest acidity value is 46-OS-3 at 0.37%. The Figs genotypes were divided into two main groups in terms of fruit shape: flattened spherical and round. All genotypes were either short or moderately necked apart from one genotype. The majority of genotypes were found in yellow tones, some in purple tones, and the color of the fruit flesh was mostly in amber tones in terms of the color of the fruit skin. As a result of the study, it was revealed that Kahramanmaras and Osmaniye provinces in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have fig natural distribution areas and new varieties can be developed by selection breeding in these localities.

Variation of biochemical content in the almonds of the endemic Argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) populations in Morocco

In this study, it was aimed to determine the variation of the biochemical characteristics of the argan [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] in natural distribution areas in Morocco. For this aim, it was used 13 populations, which are representative of the taxon on different sub-ecoregion in Morocco, to determine some biochemical compositions characters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, protein, flavonoid, phenol, glucose, sucrose, fructose, enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) were analyzed. To determine variations among the population were analyzed using ANOVA. In addition, the phylogenetic relationship among the populations was revealed by Cluster Analysis. As a result of the research, significant differences were determined in terms of all parameters such as proline, protein, flavonoid, phenol, glucose, sucrose, fructose, MDA, H2O2, SOD, and POD of almond diversity among the populations. According to the Cluster Analysis, the results showed that the Tamanar population was relatively different from all other populations. The results obtained in the research confirm the high variety of different habitats in the natural distribution areas of argan in Morocco. The revealing of the diversity among the populations in the natural distribution area of this extremely degraded species is of primary importance for the conservation policies and sustainable use of the species.

Cryopreservation of Lilium Candidum Germplasm: Analysis of Pre- and Post-freeze Treatments

BACKGROUND: Lilium candidum L. is a perennial ornamental plant that has various medicinal properties and is used in the cosmetic industry. The species is facing threats from urbanization and climate change and requires urgent protection. The most secure and efficient technology for the longterm storage of plant genetic resources is cryopreservation, which involves preserving genetic material at extremely low temperatures. OBJECTIVE: Today, plant biodiversity is endangered because of the narrowing of its natural distribution areas and/or destruction for different purposes. This study concentrated on creating a cryopreservation process using shoot tips and calluses as explant sources for the long-term conservation of L. candidum species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Populations of L. candidum naturally distributed from three different regions of Turkey (Kepsut, Balikesir; the area surrounding Bafa Lake, Aydın ; and Fethiye- Mu la) were grown in vitro to supply shoot tip and callus explants. Prior to freezing by droplet-vitrification and vitrification techniques, shoot tips and calluses were treated with MS nutritional medium supplemented with 0.4 M sucrose 7 g/L agar and plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2). RESULTS: Cryopreserved shoot tips showed the highest levels of regeneration (71.8%) after a PVS2 treatment of 90 min, while calluses showed the highest levels of regrowth (63.9%) after a PVS2 exposure of 60 min. CONCLUSION: High levels of regrowth are produced when the various cryopreservation procedures described here are used to preserve both shoot tip and callus explants. This potentially makes the method promising for the long-term preservation of endangered L. candidum varieties.

Genome-wide diversity evaluation and core germplasm extraction in ex situ conservation: A case of golden Camellia tunghinensis.

Whether ex situ populations constructed in the limited nursery resources of botanical gardens can preserve enough genetic diversity of endangered plants in the wild remains uncertain. Here, a case study was conducted with Camellia tunghinensis, which is one of the species with the lowest natural distribution area in the sect. Chrysantha (golden camellia) of the family Theaceae. We investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of 229 samples from wild and ex situ populations using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). Core germplasm was constructed from these samples. The results showed that wild C. tunghinensis exhibited high genetic diversity, with observed heterozygosity of 0.257-0.293 and expected heterozygosity of 0.247-0.262. Compared with wild populations, the genetic diversity of ex situ populations established by transplanting wild seedlings was close to or even higher. However, the genetic diversity of those established by seed or cuttings of a few superior trees was lower. The Admixture analysis revealed that the structure of the ex situ populations derived from seeds and cuttings was relatively simple compared with the ex situ populations derived from transplanted wild seedlings and wild populations. These results suggested that direct transplanting of wild seedlings was more conducive to preserving the genetic diversity of endangered plants in the wild. In addition, wild populations demonstrated a small differentiation (mean F ST = 0.044) among themselves, possibly due to long-term and frequent gene flow between the wild populations. In contrast, moderate differentiation (mean F ST > 0.05) was detected among ex situ populations and between ex situ and wild populations. This may be the combined result of the absence of gene flow pathways and strong selection pressure in various ex situ environments. Finally, 77 core germplasms were extracted from 229, likely representing the genetic diversity of C. tunghinensis. This study provides future strategies for the ex situ conservation and management of the golden camellia species and other rare and endangered plants.