Allozyme Variation and Population Structure of Carex okamotoi (Cyperaceae), a Korean Endemic Species

Abstract

The genetic diversity and population structures of fourteen Carex okamotoi (Cyperaceae) populations in Korea were determined using genetic variation at 25 allozyme loci. The Carex okamotoi species is native to Korea. It is endemic to three mountains (Mt. Taeback, Mt. Sobak, and Mt. Noreong) where it is found at 700~1,500 m above sea level. The percentage of polymorphic loci was 40.0%. Genetic diversity at the species level and at the population level was low (HES=0.106; HEP=0.094), and the extent of the population divergence was relatively low (GST=0.082). Measurement of deviation from random mating (FIS) within the 14 populations was 0.238. An indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation was 2.78 (Nm=2.78). Analysis of fixation indices revealed a substantial heterozygosity deficiency in some populations and at some loci. Mean genetic identity between populations was 0.986.