Genetic diversity and conservation evaluation of a critically endangered endemic maple, Acer yangbiense, analyzed using microsatellite markers

Publication date: June 2015 Source:Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Volume 60 Author(s): Jing Yang , Lin-lin Zhao , Jun-bo Yang , Wei-bang Sun The newly discovered endemic maple Acer yangbiense of China has only five individuals left in the wild, and thus has been classified as a plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP). PSESP species call for emergency protection procedures, such as ex-situ conservation and reintroduction. Our objectives were to examine the genetic diversity of A. yangbiense and to evaluate former conservation strategies from a genetic point of view. Our results suggested that A. yangbiense was not genetically depauperate, but its genetic loss at a species level was obvious. A parentage analysis indicated a high selfing-rate in A. yangbiense and suggested the existence of a previously unknown wild individual. Former conservation strategies did not include all genetic variations of the wild population, and gene diversity of the ex-situ conserved seedlings is lower than that of the wild population. From our findings, we make suggestions to guide the subsequent protection of this species.
Source: Biochemical Systematics and Ecology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research