Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Bergenia stracheyi (Saxifragaceae) in the Western Himalaya (India)

Publication date: February 2017 Source:Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Volume 70 Author(s): Vandana Tiwari, Baleshwar Meena, K. Narayanan Nair, Dalip Kumar Upreti, Sushma Tamta, Tikam Singh Rana Genetic diversity and population structure in Bergenia stracheyi, a threatened medicinal herb in the Western Himalaya of India was analysed using directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. A total of 41 accessions of B. stracheyi representing three populations (Khillenmarg –KLM, Jalori Pass-JLP and Rohtang-RTG) were considered in the present study. The cumulative data analysis for 26 (10 DAMD + 16 ISSR) markers revealed 87.1% polymorphism. The maximum inter-population genetic distance was found between KLM and JLP, whereas the minimum genetic distance was found between RTG and JLP populations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed maximum percentage of variation among individuals within populations (75%) than among the populations (25%). Clustering pattern of the three sample populations in STRUCTURE and PCoA analyses showed high genetic variation at population level. The present study revealed that distribution patterns, high altitudinal ranges, high habitat specificity, relatively high gene flow, small and isolated population size have shaped the current population structure of B. stracheyi in the Western Himalayan region. DAMD and ISSR markers have provided significant insights into characteriz...

Source: Biochemical Systematics and Ecology - December 9, 2016 Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research