Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Rhododendron longipedicellatum, an Endangered Species

Abstract

Rhododendron longipedicellatum is an endangered species endemic to southeastern Yunnan, China. Assessment of genetic variation is critical for protecting endangered species. Therefore, we used EST-SSR markers to analyze the genetic characteristics of R. longipedicellatum. The results revealed high genetic diversity at the species level ( He = 0.559, NA = 9.529) and within populations ( He = 0.507, NA = 5.910) and moderate genetic differentiation between populations ( FST = 0.083). In addition, more genetic variation existed within populations (91.25%) compared with variation among populations (8.75%). The STRUCTURE analysis showed that 150 individuals from five existing populations could best be divided into two genetic groups. At the population level, the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) analyses also divided them into two groups. In addition, Bottleneck analyses using the Two-Phase Model (TPM) and Stepwise Mutation Model (SMM) as well as the Garza-Williamson Index revealed widespread signatures of bottleneck events. These results provide vital information for scientifically formulating conservation strategies for the endangered R. longipedicellatum.

Phenotypic and molecular basis for genetic variation in jelly palms (Butia sp.): where are we now and where are we headed to?

“…The need to conserve genetic diversity within populations is based on two premises: (i) genetic diversity is a key factor for evolution to occur; (ii) and the expected relationship between heterozygosity and population fitness, that is, genetic variation an important factor for fitness (Reed and Frankham, 2003). Molecular genetic characterization is essential for the delineation of effective conservation measures, that is, the rational use of germplasm resources and conservation management of endangered species (Mable, 2019;Cao et al, 2022;Aswathi et al, 2023). To date, population genetic studies on jelly palms based on molecular markers are yet scarcely available.…”

Endophytic Pestalotiopsis species associated with Rhododendron in Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan Province, China

“…Rhododendron is the largest genus of woody plants in the Northern Hemisphere and the largest genus in Ericaceae ( Fang et al, 2005 ; Shrestha et al, 2018 ). Rhododendron is an important component of montane ecosystems, with more than 1,025 species and approximately 581 species in China ( Cai et al, 2016 ; Ma et al, 2017 ; Cao et al, 2022 ). Moreover, Yunnan province in southwest China is a center of diversity for Rhododendron ( Ma et al, 2021 ).…”

Does the critically endangered Rhododendron amesiae deserve top priority for conservation?

“…However, conservation research and actions have only been implemented in a limited number of species (e.g., Rhododendron protistum var. giganteum , Li et al., 2018 ; R. cyanocarpum , Liu et al., 2020 ; R. griersonianum , Ma et al., 2021 ; R. meddianum , Zhang et al., 2021 ; R. longipedicellatum , Cao et al., 2022 ).…”