Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur L.) Populations at the Southern Margin of Its Distribution Range—Implications for Conservation

Understanding intraspecific genetic variation is one of the principal requirements for the evaluation of tree species capacity to cope with intensive climatic changes, as well as designing long-term conservation programs. Herein, we evaluated the genetic diversity and genetic structure of seven pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) populations, located at the southern margin of its distribution range on the Balkan Peninsula (Serbia). The objective of the study was to propose future in situ conservation measures aimed at protection of pedunculate oak adaptive and neutral genetic diversity at the species rear-edge. Genetic diversity and structure were estimated using twelve highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The mean expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.769, allelic richness (AR) 9.63, and private allelic richness (pAR) 0.79, indicating high genetic diversity in the studied populations. Genetic differentiation among the populations was low (Fst = 0.032). Structure analysis, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) showed the existence of two gene pools unrelated to the populations’ area of occurrence. Taking into consideration the results of the current study and previous conservation activities on the pedunculate oak in Serbia, as well as the importance of rear-edge populations in the long-term conservation of the species genetic diversity, we suggested establishing three additional gene conservation units for securing long-term sustainability of the species.

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Genetic diversity and structure of Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) at the south-eastern limit of its distribution range

Annals of Forest Research ◽

10.15287/afr.2019.1436 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 62 (2) ◽

pp. 139 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maria Teodosiu ◽

Georgeta Mihai ◽

Barbara Fussi ◽

Elena Ciocîrlan

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Abies Alba ◽

Distribution Range ◽

Silver Fir ◽

The South ◽

South Eastern ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure

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Genetic Structure and Relationships among Wild and Cultivated Grapevines from Central Europe and Part of the Western Balkan Peninsula

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes11090962 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 962

Author(s):

Goran Zdunić ◽

Katarina Lukšić ◽

Zora Annamaria Nagy ◽

Ana Mucalo ◽

Katarina Hančević ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Central Europe ◽

Balkan Peninsula ◽

Gene Pools ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Central European ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽

Wild Grapevine ◽

Western Balkan Region ◽

Balkan Region

The genetic diversity and relationship between wild (Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (Gmel.) Hegi and cultivated (V. vinifera L. subsp. vinifera) grapevine in the western Balkan region and Central Europe have not been studied together previously, although this area has a rich viticultural past. Here, we studied wild grapevine populations sampled from their natural habitats in several countries of the western Balkan region and Central Europe. Their genetic diversity and structure were compared to cultivars that are traditionally in use in this region. A sample set of 243 accessions was genotyped at 20 nuclear microsatellite loci, including 167 sylvestris and 76 diverse vinifera cultivars. The genetic diversity of the wild grapevines was lower than that of cultivars by all genetic parameters. Both hierarchical and nonhierarchical clustering methods differentiated two main groups, indicating clear separation between wild and cultivated vines but also revealed clear gene flow between the cultivated and wild gene pools through overlaps and admixed ancestry values in the graphs. There was greater affinity to the wild grapes in Central European cultivars than in Balkan cultivars. Fine arrangement of the structure among cultivated grapevines showed differentiation among Central European and Balkan cultivars. These results confirm the divergence of wild grapes from vinifera and highlight the “crossroad” role of the western Balkan peninsula in the broader context of European viticulture.

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Estimating the genetic diversity and structure of Quercus trojana Webb populations in Italy by SSRs: implications for management and conservation

Canadian Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1139/cjfr-2016-0311 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 331-339 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Maddalena Carabeo ◽

Marco Cosimo Simeone ◽

Marcello Cherubini ◽

Chiara Mattia ◽

Francesca Chiocchini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Eastern Mediterranean ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Gene Pools ◽

High Genetic Diversity ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽

Main Gene ◽

Nuclear Microsatellite ◽

Fragmented Distribution ◽

Management And Conservation

Studying the genetic diversity and structure of the current forest populations is essential for evaluating the ability to survive future biotic and abiotic changes and planning conservation strategies. Quercus trojana Webb is an eastern Mediterranean tree species with a fragmented distribution range, and its westernmost outposts are located in southern Italy. The demand for timber and cropland over the centuries has severely reduced its occurrence in this part of the range. We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of the extant Italian populations of Q. trojana and derived conservation guidelines. A total of 322 samples were genotyped with six polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers. A high genetic diversity in all populations, two main gene pools, and a highly divergent single population were observed. Based on the allelic richness and heterozygosity estimation, we identified populations that can be considered as valuable source material for conservation programs and those requiring adequate measures to reestablish gene flow and reduce fragmentation. Finally, a comparison with a set of eastern Mediterranean samples indicated a relationship between the Italian and the Greek gene pools. The need to protect these marginal, disjunct populations was further reinforced.

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Cold acclimation of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) at its northernmost distribution range

Environmental and Experimental Botany ◽

10.1016/j.envexpbot.2007.10.023 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 63 (1-3) ◽

pp. 59-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Tapani Repo ◽

Kirsi Mononen ◽

Leila Alvila ◽

Tuula T. Pakkanen ◽

Heikki Hänninen

Keyword(s):

Cold Acclimation ◽

Quercus Robur ◽

Distribution Range ◽

Pedunculate Oak

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Genetic signature of immigrants and their effect on genetic diversity in the recently established Scandinavian wolf population

Conservation Genetics ◽

10.1007/s10592-021-01423-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mikael Åkesson ◽

Øystein Flagstad ◽

Jouni Aspi ◽

Ilpo Kojola ◽

Olof Liberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Canis Lupus ◽

Animal Species ◽

Allelic Richness ◽

A Priori ◽

Management Actions ◽

Viable Population ◽

Population Sizes ◽

Source Populations

AbstractTransboundary connectivity is a key component when conserving and managing animal species that require large areas to maintain viable population sizes. Wolves Canis lupus recolonized the Scandinavian Peninsula in the early 1980s. The population is geographically isolated and relies on immigration to not lose genetic diversity and to maintain long term viability. In this study we address (1) to what extent the genetic diversity among Scandinavian wolves has recovered during 30 years since its foundation in relation to the source populations in Finland and Russia, (2) if immigration has occurred from both Finland and Russia, two countries with very different wolf management and legislative obligations to ensure long term viability of wolves, and (3) if immigrants can be assumed to be unrelated. Using 26 microsatellite loci we found that although the genetic diversity increased among Scandinavian wolves (n = 143), it has not reached the same levels found in Finland (n = 25) or in Russia (n = 19). Low genetic differentiation between Finnish and Russian wolves, complicated our ability to determine the origin of immigrant wolves (n = 20) with respect to nationality. Nevertheless, based on differences in allelic richness and private allelic richness between the two countries, results supported the occurrence of immigration from both countries. A priori assumptions that immigrants are unrelated is non-advisable, since 5.8% of the pair-wise analyzed immigrants were closely related. To maintain long term viability of wolves in Northern Europe, this study highlights the potential and need for management actions that facilitate transboundary dispersal.

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The Quaternary evolutionary history of Bristol rock cress (Arabis scabra, Brassicaceae), a Mediterranean element with an outpost in the north-western Atlantic region

Annals of Botany ◽

10.1093/aob/mcaa053 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 126 (1) ◽

pp. 103-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marcus A Koch ◽

Johanna Möbus ◽

Clara A Klöcker ◽

Stephanie Lippert ◽

Laura Ruppert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Evolutionary History ◽

Distribution Range ◽

Gene Pools ◽

British Isles ◽

The South ◽

Western Atlantic ◽

Distinct Gene ◽

History Of ◽

Shed Light

Abstract Background and Aims Bristol rock cress is among the few plant species in the British Isles considered to have a Mediterranean–montane element. Spatiotemporal patterns of colonization of the British Isles since the last interglacial and after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) from mainland Europe are underexplored and have not yet included such floristic elements. Here we shed light on the evolutionary history of a relic and outpost metapopulation of Bristol rock cress in the south-western UK. Methods Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) were used to identify distinct gene pools. Plastome assembly and respective phylogenetic analysis revealed the temporal context. Herbarium material was largely used to exemplify the value of collections to obtain a representative sampling covering the entire distribution range. Key Results The AFLPs recognized two distinct gene pools, with the Iberian Peninsula as the primary centre of genetic diversity and the origin of lineages expanding before and after the LGM towards mountain areas in France and Switzerland. No present-day lineages are older than 51 ky, which is in sharp contrast to the species stem group age of nearly 2 My, indicating severe extinction and bottlenecks throughout the Pleistocene. The British Isles were colonized after the LGM and feature high genetic diversity. Conclusions The short-lived perennial herb Arabis scabra, which is restricted to limestone, has expanded its distribution range after the LGM, following corridors within an open landscape, and may have reached the British Isles via the desiccated Celtic Sea at about 16 kya. This study may shed light on the origin of other rare and peculiar species co-occurring in limestone regions in the south-western British Isles.

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Invasive species and postglacial colonization: their effects on the genetic diversity of a Patagonian fish

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2018.2567 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 286 (1897) ◽

pp. 20182567 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Iván Vera-Escalona ◽

Evelyn Habit ◽

Daniel E. Ruzzante

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Native Species ◽

Genetic Parameters ◽

Allelic Richness ◽

Short Term ◽

Historical Processes ◽

Rivers And Lakes ◽

Present Distribution

The present distribution of Patagonian species is the result of a complex history involving Quaternary refugial populations, Holocene range expansions and demographic changes occurring during the Anthropocene. Invasive salmonids were introduced in Patagonia during the last century, occupying most rivers and lakes, preying on and competing with native species, including the fishGalaxias platei. Here, we usedG. plateias a case study to understand how long-term (i.e. population differentiation during the Holocene) and short-term historical processes (salmonid introductions) affect genetic diversity. Using a suite of microsatellite markers, we found that the number of alleles is negatively correlated with the presence of salmonids (short-term processes), withG. plateipopulations from lakes with salmonids exhibiting significantly lower genetic diversity than populations from lakes without salmonids. Simulations (100 years backwards) showed that this difference in genetic diversity can be explained by a 99% reduction in population size. Allelic richness and observed heterozygosities were also negatively correlated with the presence of salmonids, but also positively correlated with long-term processes linked to Quaternary glaciations. Our results show how different genetic parameters can help identify processes taking place at different scales and their importance in terms of conservation.

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Chakhao(delicious) rice landraces (Oryza sativaL.) of North-east India: collection, conservation and characterization of genetic diversity

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

10.1017/s1479262113000580 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 264-272 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Somnath Roy ◽

A. Banerjee ◽

A. Pattanayak ◽

S. S. Roy ◽

R. S. Rathi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Cultural Values ◽

Gene Diversity ◽

North East India ◽

North East ◽

Rice Landraces ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

High Gene

Rice landraces have been developed through artificial selection imposed by farmers during the long-term domestication process. Although the global rice diversity is well characterized, few studies have conducted an in-depth analysis of genetic diversity on a local scale. In India, there are many locally adapted non-Basmati aromatic rice landraces in which the pace of improvement is slow, despite their high economic values. The aromatic and quality rice landraces of Manipur, locally calledChakhao(delicious), are important, considering their high economic and cultural values. To conserve and encourage improvement of these landraces, we collectedChakhaoaccessions from eight districts of Manipur. The aim of the current study was to investigate the level of genetic diversity and structure of 37Chakhaolandraces based on genotyping with 47 microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity analysis revealed high gene diversity (0.673) within theChakhaopopulation, with values ranging from 0.303 (Poireiton) to 0.471 (mixedChakhao). TheChakhaorice accessions could be divided into six subgroups based on genetic structure analyses. The population structure derived from the STRUCTURE analysis largely correlated with the farmers' classification ofChakhaolandraces. The results of genetic diversity analyses and the indigenous knowledge of the names and use ofChakhaolandraces would facilitate the conservation and utilization of this unique genetic resource.

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Changes in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. vulgare) genetic diversity and structure in Jordan over a period of 31 years

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

10.1017/s1479262117000028 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 112-126 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

I. Thormann ◽

P. Reeves ◽

S. Thumm ◽

A. Reilley ◽

J. M. M. Engels ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Allelic Richness ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Limited Data ◽

Hordeum Vulgare L ◽

Barley Landrace ◽

Landrace Diversity ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽

Phenotypic Variations ◽

Significant Effort

AbstractIn many regions of the world, the cultivation of landraces is still common, in particular in centres of crop diversity. Significant effort has been put into ex situ conservation of landraces but limited data exist on the changes in genetic diversity that occur over time in farmers’ fields. We assessed temporal changes in barley landrace diversity in Jordan using seed samples collected in 1981 and 2012 from the same locations. We did not observe significant changes in the amount of genetic diversity, but samples collected in 2012 were more homogenous and less locally distinct. In two sites, we observed replacement of the old material. We observed a change in phenotype, and phenotypes were found to be more homogeneous among sites in 2012. Climate changed significantly over the study period, becoming hotter and dryer, but we did not identify any correlation between the changes in climate and genetic and phenotypic variations. While the amount of genetic diversity in terms of allelic richness and number of multi-locus genotypes has been maintained, local distinctiveness among landrace barley populations in Jordan was reduced.

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